Sounds like an amazing event, if you’re in the area–GO! And then come back and tell us how it was!

Red Salmon Arts and the Mexican American Cultural Center of Austin present Writing Behind Bars, a special screening of the new documentary “Writ Writer” by Susanne Mason and poetry reading by award-winning writer Jorge Antonio Renaud on Thursday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, Austin, Texas.

The event celebrates the creativity and courage of two convicted felons who refused to be shamed into silence by their history. With their pens they gave voice to the crushing brutality of prison life, seeking humane treatment of prisoners.

“Writ Writer,” portrays the historic conflict that emerged in the 1960s when prisoners in Texas rose up to challenge the brutal conditions in state prisons.

Focusing on the story of self-taught jailhouse lawyer Fred Arispe Cruz, the film portrays the protracted legal battle for the right of Texas prisoners to assist each other with lawsuits.

In retaliation, prison officials subjected Cruz to untold months of solitary confinement and other punishments in an attempt to coerce him to drop his lawsuits. This attracted concerned civil rights attorneys who came to assist Cruz with his litigation for prisoners’ rights.

Ultimately, Cruz’s legal battle initiated what lead to the most comprehensive court-ordered state prison reform in U.S. history.

“This is the fascinating story of a prisoner who was brave enough (and crazy enough) to defend the Constitutional rights of Texas prisoners in the 1960s. Forty plus years later it’s as relevant as ever,” says film director Richard Linklater.

Following the film, Jorge Antonio Renaud will read from his unpublished collection of poetry written while incarcerated. Renaud spent 17 years in Texas prisons for robbery, and was released in July 2008. This will be his first public appearance to read his work since his incarceration in 1991. Renaud’s reading will pay tribute to one of his mentors, the late raulrsalinas, founder of Red Salmon Arts in Austin.

Renaud is the author of “Behind the Walls: A Guide for Families and Friends of Texas Prison Inmates.” His writing has been published in Americas Review, The Texas Observer, The Threepenny Review, Revista Chicano-Riqueña, and The Other Side, among other publications. He has received nine PEN awards for his poetry, fiction, nonfiction and memoir writing. Prior to his incarceration, he worked as a copy editor for the Austin American-Statesman.

“Jorge writes poetry that’s powerful but tender, humorous and often stunningly moving,” says Scott Henson, Grits for Breakfast blogger and college friend. “Jorge was the most innately talented Texas writer of my generation, even though he’s spent most of his adult life behind bars,” says Henson.

Filmmaker Susanne Mason has served as associate producer of several public television documentaries, including Are The Kids Alright? (2004 Regional PBS); Struggle In The Fields (1996 National PBS); Songs Of The Homeland (1994, National PBS); and Go Back To Mexico! (1994, Frontline, National PBS). More recently, Mason has produced and associate produced short historical documentaries about Austin, Texas, and the Great Society programs of the Johnson presidency.
Event Summary
7pm – 9pm Thursday October 16, 2008
Mexican American Cultural Center
600 River Street, Austin, Texas 78701
About Red Salmon Arts

Since 1983 Red Salmon Arts (RSA), a non-profit cultural arts organization, has remained a literary and cultural force in Austin. RSA provides a safe haven for youth literacy, the arts, and cultural exchange. RSA has a history of successfully nurturing the creative efforts of Austin’s emerging writers and artists. In addition, RSA has an established record of fostering rich multicultural exchange by bringing renowned writers, poets, musicians, artists, and quality cultural events to underserved south and east Austin communities.

Writing Behind Bars is co-sponsored by the Texas Civil Rights Project and the Austin Film Society.

Red Salmon Arts, revolu@swbell.net, (512) 416-8885