Fallen Branches Plant Roots is a story of family, chosen family, and what it means to show up for one another. Set in Ithaca, NY, the play follows the stories of several community members affected by the criminal justice system, as well as those with an impacted family member, as they navigate their journeys towards connection and healing.

Members of the ReEntry community and involved family members both created the script and will perform in the production. For those involved, the play is more than just a performance, it’s an opportunity for self-
realization and emotional release. As one actor expressed, “This play is part of the healing journey for my family.”

Since 2015, the ReEntry Theatre Program has been inviting formerly incarcerated community members together in weekly theatre-based sessions to explore themes and questions in their lives, build community, and creatively intervene in harmful public discourse and mythology about incarceration and those impacted by its systems. On this project, Civic Ensemble also invited people who have had or currently have a family
member impacted by the system.