EVENTS

The events that are organised for prisoners come under one of two forums: either as ‘Performing Arts’ or as a celebration of ‘National Prisoners Week.’

Performing Arts

Concerts and workshops are run in prisons for staff and prisoners, creating a shared experience of peace, harmony and appreciation through the medium of the arts.

The central element of concerts run by SiP in prisons is the band ‘Bliss’ (www.blissfulrecords.com), who are supported by other artistes, presenting mime or dance or providing readings.

The artists give their time and energy at no charge as a service to the community.

"Lucinda Drayton and Andrew Blissett have lived and worked together for the past 14 years. Their musical writing partnership has created a number one hit (The Real Thing, 1994, by Toni Di Bart) A top 20 hit, a critically acclaimed pop album (Suicidal Angel) and then the work of their current incarnation “Bliss”. This includes such classics as ‘A Hundred Thousand Angels’ (recently covered by Sinead O Connor)

Bliss do more than entertain, their music is inspired by the daily practice of Raj Yoga meditation which encourages the student to remember the self as a peaceful being. This consciousness brings a whole new dimension to the music.

Bliss run their own label with help from family members. The music travels all over the world. With little press and virtually no advertising they are fast becoming respected for making some of the most exquisite, high quality music in this genre."

Extract from Bliss website.

‘National Prisoners Week’

National Prisoners Week originated in 1975 and is a tribute in recognition of the human rights and needs of prisoners.

Events have been held at Global Co-operation House, the London Headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris to mark the week. Both prisoners and staff from different prisons have presented colourful performances of dance, music, poetry and mime, along with audio-visual presentations, in a Celebration of Human Dignity in Prison. These special programmes marking National Prisoners Week express human dignity, and how it can be developed and maintained under institutionalised conditions, through the presentations.. They demonstrate that, whether the custodian or the prisoner, the human spirit can reveal its dignity.

Please click here to view an example of such a programme.