It’s easier to see it now that he’s written six books, a play and wants to make a movie, but back in the early 2000s, when he was at what used to be called Indiana Youth Center, Tyrone Edwards wasn’t nearly as confident in himself.
Edwards was in prison — now it’s called Plainfield Correctional Facility — when he was talked into entering a competition. He wrote a book, called it “War Behind Bars,” and it won.
“I just went ahead and did it,” said Edwards, looking back on one of the most difficult times in his life. He was incarcerated from 1999 to 2008. His brother was killed in 2004. But this was the start of something new for Edwards, whose record has since been expunged.
It was 2018 when someone told him he should write a play, so the next year, he adapted his book into a play.
The next showing of “War Behind Bars” is at 6 p.m. April 23 at Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E. 16th St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Edwards, now a truck driver, said the most difficult thing about writing the play was finding people to believe in him. It seemed like no one would take him seriously, and it was hard to find help.
He almost caught a break by getting his play at Old National Centre, but that fell through during the pandemic as prices rose and it became unaffordable. The play showed once earlier this year at the Madam Walker Legacy Center theater, but Edwards was disappointed with the turnout.
Edwards said the play is inspired entirely by the things he felt and experienced while incarcerated. After his brother died, he said there was a part of him that didn’t want to live.
“This is as real as you can get it,” he said.
Edwards said he hopes people walk away from the play “knowing that God is still in the business of breakthrough.”
Aside from the movie he wants to make, Edwards said he is also working on another play that deals with issues such as depression and loneliness.
Tickets for “War Behind Bars” are $35. Learn more and purchase tickets at warbehindbars.com.
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853 or email at tylerf@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
“WAR BEHIND BARS”
Tyrone Edwards’ play deals with the struggles of incarceration. It is adapted from a book he wrote while incarcerated.
• When: 6 p.m. April 23
• Where: Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E. 16th St.
• Tickets: $35 at warbehindbars.com
