The H.M.P. Drama Group came into existence at Glendairy Prison many years ago. The members would write and perform plays and skits for special occasions in the prison. After a break whilst the prison was housed at Harrison’s Point the Group reformed in H.M.P. Dodds and it has gone from strength to strength.
As well as performing in-house on occasions such as Inmates’ Week, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day it has also entered the Theatre Arts section of NIFCA in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The male inmate members of the Group have changed over the years but several have been stalwart in their membership, their enthusiasm for drama never wavering. Inmates often work thanklessly behind the scenes too, building props or organizing music and sound effects.
In 2011 the Group performed a play about AIDS entitled “Keep It Real “and it won 7 awards including a Silver Award. The play was written by inmate Peter Forde, who also acted in and directed the play, and AIDS Counsellor Oneta Forde, who was the producer.
In February 2012 Love, Poetry and Song Concert asked, and gained permission, for the Group to perform an AIDS awareness drama at Ilaro Court. The play that was performed had the title of “Check Ya’ Self” and it won much attention and acclaim. By now Prison Librarian Jan Lewis was the H.M.P. Group’s producer and representative on the NIFCA committee.
In 2012 the Group’s focus turned to Cancer Awareness. A play, again written and directed by Peter Forde, entitled “It Could Be Me or You” won several awards and again attained Silver at NIFCA. The Cancer Society very much appreciated inmates bringing the public’s attention to the signs, symptoms and statistics of cancer.
2013 was the year that the Group entered two dramas into NIFCA. “Check Ya’ Self” was entered and the other, “The Hustler”, penned again by Peter Forde, highlighted the effect of crime on tourism. The AIDS play won two awards, including Silver status. “The Hustler” won nine awards and was the first drama for 16 years to be awarded 3 Gold Awards for Theatre, Writing & Directing and Set Design & Construction.
Inmate actor Jeffery Joseph, who has acted in all the above mentioned dramas, won the coveted Alfred Pragnell Challenge Shield for Acting. The other inmates who performed in the highly successful drama were Elvis Alexander, Rodney Beckles, Peter Forde and Robin Howell. Michael Miller was the understudy and soundman. Jan lewis had a cameo acting role. Peter Forde directed and Jan Lewis produced.
“The Hustler” has received attention and congratulations from the Barbados Tourism Authority, The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association and the Barbados Tourism Development Corporation. Needless to say that the Prison is very proud of the achievements of the H.M.P. Drama Group.
