Girls on the Wall

Ross's documentary is about young women incarcerated in the Illinois Youth Center in Warrenville. Ross focuses on three inmates and their work with Meade Palidofsky (Ms. P.), a theater director whose stated purpose is to "marry theater with social change." Palidofsky patiently encourages the guarded and emotionally wounded women to write about their complex and harrowing lives. As she counsels and cajoles and earns their trust, they begin to talk about what they've done and work to turn their histories into a musical in which they star. The evolution of their show and their preparations for a performance parallel the women's growing openness. Wisely, Ross gives the women lots of camera time and doesn't pretty-up their behavior or filter their sometimes colorful language. Their performance is captured in a way that is both heartbreaking and heartening, as family members in the audience react to the stirring delivery and the women's obvious personal growth. Bonus features include a guide for group viewing, an interview with Palidofsky, and a panel discussion. This fine film will be of interest to those working with at-risk youth.—Joan Pedzich, formerly with Harris Beach, PLLC, Pittsford, NY