Reckless Son
Reckless Son, written and performed by singer songwriter Matt Butler, was inspired by his journey performing over 100 concerts in jails and prisons across the country. Through a powerful combination of spoken word and song, Reckless Son humanizes the experience of the incarcerated by giving them a voice. It’s a story of hope, forgiveness, and what it means to discover a deeper sense of purpose through service to others. Reckless Son was developed in part by the HB Studio Artist Residency program and was workshopped in Oregon State Penitentiary, the Theater Workshop at Otisville State Prison, and the Chesterfield County Jail. Reckless Son can be presented as a residency that includes:
-Performances inside correctional facilities.
-Publicly ticketed events featuring formerly incarcerated guest speakers and performers from the local community.
-Outreach visits to rehabilitation centers, reentry programs, and schools.
-Post-show discussions, Q&A and information on how to get involved.
“The powerful messages in Reckless Son allowed the attendees to reflect, heal, and find solace. The atmosphere was nothing short of transformative, offering a rare opportunity for the participants to experience joy and a sense of community.”
“Each story in Reckless Son spoke to a different part of my life. They were my stories.”
“One of the new women in our recovery program told me she was going tap out of because she didn’t think she could do it but after Reckless Son she decided to keep fighting. That, my friend, is impact!”