Anxious energy permeated the Handlon campus as once stoic, studious college students now displayed an excitable energy while rehearsing for their performances. 

For the first time ever, the Handlon Tabernacle Choir recently sponsored a variety show that included over twenty acts, three of which were performed by the Calvin Prison Initiative (CPI) faculty. The inclusion of said professors’ acts created an atmosphere of curiosity among the CPI students.        

For months, the Handlon Tabernacle Choir had been planning and preparing for this event. Thought up by one of the choir’s members, Hank Jones, this variety show displayed talents from all participating CPI students, not only the choir members themselves. This extravaganza showcased the volume of talent that CPI students have to offer, like singing, dancing, comedy and poetry. The event’s theme, chosen by the choir director Professor Erinn Epp, is Songs and Stories of Faith, Hope and Love.

Prior to the start of the show, as I spoke with Professor Epp, I admitted that I was indifferent about performing. I was also unsure of what I would think of the performances themselves. However, from the opening prayer and opening choir performance through to the break dance finale, the variety show highlighted a diverse set of talents.

The variety show was emceed by show organizer Hank Jones, class of 2023, and Roy Blackmon from the class of 2027. CPI student Martell ‘Two L’s’ Harper who recited his poem “Dear Life,” explained why he wanted to participate: “I shared my poem ‘Dear Life…’ with the Calvin family with honor. The words that fill that piece are steps of my life’s journey; a journey that still has forward motion as I humbly represent CPI’s 9th cohort.” Harper, being a first-year student, wanted to engage the community in a manner that would allow him to share a bit of his life’s story. More inspirational poetry was shared, each filled with life experiences and growth. Some poetry conveyed the message of rising above circumstances and breaking the silence.

Along with poetry, students performed rock songs flavored with lyrical hope, rap-infused rock that spread faith, Psalms 22 and 23 re-envisioned and recited from memory by Richard Jackson and an original rap gospel performance. 

However, the most glowing performance was performed by two theological giants who dueled in a rap battle in order to give their take on natural law vs. grace. Dr. Watson and Dr. Cioffi’s use of pop culture in order to convey their particular stances made the theological debate easier to relate to. By using a popular cultural method of rap infused with their theological lingo, they were able to relate to Handlon’s prison culture in a unique and personal way. While the debate on which professor won the battle is not thoroughly settled, the performance from both was onbeat and spectacular.

While moments of the event are still being shared through stories, the night did not operate flawlessly, which is why the event planners would like to extend an apology to the few acts that were not able to be performed due to expiration of time: Professors Mary VanderGoot and Epp, as well as to David Jones, Cesar Valladolid Robles and Anthony M. Flint. The event planners would also like for you to know that more considerations will be made for following shows, being that The Handlon Tabernacle Choir is intending to make this event an annual occasion to create space for comradery and celebration.

It does not fail to surprise how much talent is hidden away from society, beyond festering bars of steel, just waiting for a Maya Angelou to let loose a caged bird. The night was, as Ming Ho’s poem, “Paradox” suggests, a “paradox:” to be in prison and yet not being able to think of a place that I would have rather spent those two and half hours. I am no longer indifferent, but embedded with pride and joy from observing the performers, becoming vulnerable and sharing a bit of their story with the greater body of Knights. Thank you all.