The Beyond Words Anthology: Madison Uncut is a collection of moving short stories written and published by a group of young students at Dane County Jail and Dane County Juvenile Detention Center. Presented in the writers' raw and undiluted voices, Madison Uncut is the successful result of a short self-development course devised and delivered by London author and playwright, D.d. ARMSTRONG.
Exploring a range of cognitive skills and social issues, Madison Uncut illustrates some of the unheard and underlining narratives facing adolescence in a city described as one of the safest places in America to live; yet maintains a rising rate of gun crime.
Putting the pencil to the page can be a fun experience, yet it can often be a steep challenge. Bubbler workshops regularly include a writing component, but the final output usually transforms into another art form. Sometimes it takes the experiences and leadership of a visitor like the talented D.d. Armstrong to challenge the individuals and the group to dig deep and to follow the flow of their hand.
The Beyond Words Anthology
Continuing Castletown Arts' work with young people at risk, the "Beyond Words" anthology alongside Madison Public Library and the University of Wisconsin are proud to present Madison Uncut. A limited printing of the book provided all participants with two bound copies, and one copy for the teachers and administrators who helped make this project possible. Multiple books also reside on the shelves in the library at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center.
View "Madison Uncut" book contents as a PDF.
THANK YOU TO PROJECT FUNDERS: Scooter Software, Castletown Arts, UW Center for the Humanities, Leila & Mickey Straus Family Foundation, Madison Arts Commission, Anonymous Fund, Epic.