the Methodist Dramatists lived up to their reputation for excellence last weekend with exceptional performances at the Peace Memorial Hall.{{more}}

From November 6 to 8, the drama group staged their 2009 production for the National Commercial Bank Theatre Arts Festival – Behind the Walls – which saw the auditorium bursting at its seams each of the three nights.

Patrons who failed to get in on Friday night made sure they returned the following night and were seated early to view the dramatic production that has been hailed as one of the best by the group so far.

The play depicted the lives of several males incarcerated at Her Majesty’s Prison and highlighted some of the many deceptive happenings that take place behind the barbwires of the penitentiary.

The work was built around the characters of “Charlie Dickenson”, played by Caldon Charles, and “Fhasah”, portrayed by Schwmon Peters. Dickinson was imprisoned for raping Fhasah’s daughter and was the target of a murder plot orgainsed by Fhasah with the help of other inmates and the prison’s superintendent.

Other inmates consistently bullied Dickenson because of what he had done, but he always sought to maintain a positive outlook on life, which irritated the other prisoners.

Crowd favourite and budding young actor, Kaliym Woods, who played the role of “Wind”, had the crowd eating out of his hands each night. Woods’ character was a drug addict who could not help but curse imaginary people. However, it was Woods who also played the role of undercover police officer “Kevin Richards” investigating the deeds of dirty prison superintendent “Shark”, played by director Kevin Roderiguez.

Shark was the one who snuck cellular phones into the prison and helped in the soiled drug sales of Fhasha’s operation.

A showdown between Fhasha and Charlie was the telling point of the production. Fhasha attempted to stab Charlie, but he (Charlie) managed to stab his attacker in the end. However, it was Keisha Johnson who played the role of prison officer “Redneck” who finished off Fhasha in revenge for raping her 16 years earlier.

Despite the belly bursting laughs served up by the group, a strong message was also sent to the audience. Charlie found Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and encouraged his fellow inmates to change their ways. He also recognised that being in prison does not have to determine the kind of person you are and once freedom is gained, positive changes can be made to better one’s life.

Director Roderiguez confirmed that the play will be staged again on December 4 at the Peace Memorial Hall.