THE recent “Prisoners in Concert” which was hosted by the Guyana Prison Service at the National Cultural Centre last weekend received an overwhelming amount of support from patrons.
According to the Prison Service, the massive entertainment production which also saw prison officers performing, garnered close to 1,000 patrons in attendance and some 10,000 online viewers.

The GPS underscored that it was a most memorable event, which they are sure patrons will remember for a long time, in addition to renowned Guyanese comedian, Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones’s words, “There is a lot of talent, behind those four walls!”
The GPS said: “There was never a dull moment after the show commenced, with the Prison’s Steel Orchestra belting out its repertoire of lively music, which certainly put patrons in the mood for things to come.”

The performing inmates spoke to the audience, through various art forms, on the social ills prevalent in today’s society.
There was a dramatic piece portraying a “con artist” Pastor and his gullible congregation that really had the audience going.
The most popular dramatisation was, however, a skit that graphically depicted misconception and discrimination.

There was a piece on HIV/AIDS, which illustrated the end result of promiscuous behaviour, or what happens to those who indulge in risky behaviour such as not using condoms and engaging in sex with multiple partners.
Apart from the group presentations, there were also quite a few solo performances in poetry and song.

Some of these were so touching that a few persons were moved to tears. Then there were the oldies renditions, featuring several songs of yesteryear. These were belted out with much gusto that had patrons rocking in their seats- savoring every moment.
At the end, the Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, said, “What we saw is the revelation of some really talented people. It was an evening full of fun and really uplifting for the inmates, taken into consideration their circumstances.”