Dancing behind high walls

By Laila Nasry and Ruhanie Perera

They sing, they dance, they act. They are a talented group of women who are trying to make a life for themselves. A life better than the one they led, which brought them to a world of high walls and padlocked prison cells.

Once in prison they craved for some excitement. They wanted something different to the dreary toil of spinning yarn, making coir rope and weaving cloth. Something that would add some spice to their lives and bring them closer to one another.

Kumari Ratnaweera, head jailer of the women's ward at the Welikada prison stepped in to help. "Every time I heard a part of a song which one of them has composed being sung or when they get together to perform something, I always thought to myself that it would be nice if they could have the chance to display their hidden talents." Her dedication was obvious in the way in which she went about getting permission for them to participate in such an event, organising professionals to train the women every afternoon and looking into all the technicalities.

Although these women perform for various occasions like Vesak, Christmas and New Year, this is the first time that a talent show has been organised by the prison, which explains the glow of excitement and hope in their eyes. The show will be held on July 10 at 3.30 p.m. at the Malalasekera hall, Nalanda College. There will be an assortment of performances ranging from songs and dances to street plays. The exuberant performers have been practising hard for the past two and a half months under the guidance of the teachers from the "Kala Kavaya" of Nalanda College.

What is special about this talent show is that of the 30 women who are participating, eight officers, who are affectionately called the 'natana nonala,' have volunteered to join the prisoners in a dance item.

Niluka Sajeewani is one of the young prison officers who will entertain the crowd on the 10th. Having learnt Kandyan dancing in school she thought it would be best to revive some of her talents. She will perform an eastern dance item with five others.

Manel,(name changed) who is one of the performers is an active dancer. At 57, she is one of the oldest prisoners and has taken part in almost all past events at the prison. Now she is allowed to choose the parts she wants. Yet Manel goes for the more stately roles, which she feels suit her - "I was once a judge. It felt good to be on the other side though it was only for two minutes,"she said laughing heartily. This time she is playing the role of a father. In for fraud, Manel has spent a long time in prison and has become very much a part of the activity within - " This sort of event makes life a lot more interesting here and one begins to enjoy life in prison. I like it here."

Marie(name changed) seems to have been born with the gift of grasping new things overnight. She needs to be taught something only once and hey presto, she is a maestro. A total contrast to what she was at home, she says that in prison she transformed from the quiet wife to an energetic performer. She is in almost all the items.

"I used to have high blood pressure and I was always a bit of a frightened person after I was convicted, but drama helps me to relax and I have become quite slim after I started dancing," said Rani (name changed) - an Indian national who was caught smuggling drugs.

Iresha (name changed) - a bubbly 23 year old is one of the enthusiastic disco dancers. "I believe in having a good time," - and that she certainly does. Although she has been in prison for only a few months after being caught for selling drugs, she has managed to immerse herself in all the activity. Iresha is taking part in four items and the only reason she didn't take part in any more was because she couldn't manage too many costume changes. Being one of the younger and endearing ones, she thoroughly enjoys being spoilt by the older folk.

The youngest of the performers is 18 year old Surangi (name changed), who is taking part in five items. She loves to dance. Having danced in school as well, she enjoys the stage. This particular concert is special for her, because they are being professionally trained.

The proceeds of this concert will go towards the new daycare centre that is being built for the children of prison officials. A quarter of the total amount will be set aside for the performers. What they gain materially is like a drop in the ocean when compared to the immense satisfaction and fulfilment they derive from this performance.

Those in the workshop are busy sewing the costumes, the participants are practising feverishly and the officials are working hard on the invitations and souvenirs. The excitement is apparent everywhere. On our way out excited voices reminded us - "Just16 more days!"

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