Send us a text

In a departure from our usual focus on drama therapy and arts in prison, this special episode confronts an urgent global threat: the rise of authoritarianism and the disturbing shift in U.S. foreign policy toward aligning with Russia against Ukraine.

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Marina Levina, a leading voice in media and critical cultural studies, whose research on monstrosity, propaganda, and imperialism sheds light on the silence surrounding Russian colonial violence. In conversation with Kamran Afary, Dr. Levina unpacks the February 28th diplomatic humiliation of President Zelensky, the U.S. vote against condemning Russia’s invasion at the UN, and the ideological realignment that threatens not only Ukraine’s sovereignty but global democratic struggles.

Later in the episode, Frieda Afary introduces a powerful feminist documentary on Ukrainian resistance and shares reflections on the intersections of gender, imperialism, and freedom.

This is a call to break the silence. Tune in. Speak up.

Drama Therapy Collection YouTube Channel

Send us a text

Samuel Nathaniel Brown, a dedicated advocate and former incarcerated individual, spent 24 years challenging the inhumanity of the current prison system. He champions innovative rehabilitation approaches for successful societal reintegration. Sam's incarceration journey exemplifies reentry success, showcasing his unwavering determination and the vital support networks needed for human rights advocacy.

During his time in prison, Sam initiated the 10P Program, guiding incarcerated persons from anti-social to pro-social mindsets, emphasizing personal growth and transformation.

Samuel is a fervent supporter of The California Abolition Act (ACA 3), a constitutional amendment aimed at ending prisoner slavery, promoting rehabilitation, and stopping forced labor exploitation. The goal is to facilitate the transition of individuals leaving prison into contributing members of society.

In 2014, Sam introduced "The Theory of Emotional Illiteracy-Based Criminality," linking adverse childhood experiences to criminal behaviors as coping mechanisms.

A significant milestone in his journey occurred when, a few months before his release, he became one of the first to graduate with a bachelor's degree in communication studies through Cal State LA's Prison B.A. Graduation Initiative.

Drama Therapy Collection YouTube Channel

Send us a text

In 1999, at the age of 18, Joey Pagaduan was sentenced to life in prison. Joey was found suitable by the California Board of Parole Hearings in 2020, but his suitability was unilaterally reversed by Governor Gavin Newsome. Two years later, Joey was found suitable again and, after 23 years, was released on June 30, 2022.

Joey is an accomplished actor having played Hamlet, Bottom in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Master Harold in “Master Harold and the Boys,” and many other roles at Shakespeare at Solano. He founded P@S – Performances @ Solano – to give theatre artists and musicians opportunities to write, workshop, and perform their original works. For P@S, he has written and directed several short plays. He was also the editor-in-chief and photographer for the Solano Vision newspaper. Joey is working as a Certified Addiction Counselor, currently enrolled in a coding bootcamp through CSU Eastbay, and a Designing Creative Futures internship with California Lawyers for the Arts and Marin Shakespeare Company.

Drama Therapy Collection YouTube Channel