Local Inmates "Break Into" National Spotlight, Reveal Artistic Talent On Stage

• Publication Date ： 2014-03-20
• Last updated：2019-03-20
• View count：1348

In recent years, correctional institutions have achieved many commendable results in their efforts to enrich the lives of inmates and foster a greater degree of artistic education. In order to showcase innovative breakthroughs and embrace the concept of change in the field of corrections, as well as to cultivate greater awareness and compassion in the community, the Ministry of Justice Agency of Corrections organized and held two special performances centered on the theme of "Amazing Arts and Sounds from the Heart: The 2013 National Artistic Performance and Skill Training Works Exhibition of Corrections Inmates" on August 13 and 14, 2013 from 19:00 to 21:30 at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in downtown Taipei. A total of 238 inmates were chosen from various correctional institutions from throughout Taiwan to participate in the event. The inmates put a great deal of effort into learning at their respective prisons in order to become artistic professionals, and this event will gave them an opportunity to rise up and perform at the national level. Here, they were able to exhibit their growth and transformation achieved through the cultivation of the arts attained while serving time in prison. Splendid performances—which included drumming, Sichuan opera face changing, music, dance routines, and ensemble performances—were appreciated by Taiwanese citizens.

 

This particular arts event was a significant and meaningful milestone in the political history of the prison system in Taiwan. In order to be able to present performances of the highest standard, the Agency of Corrections carefully selected winning teams from the nation's 49 correctional institutions which had previously participated in arts competitions as well as artistic groups which had been invited to give performances outside of prison that received an acclaimed response. A total of 238 prison inmates performed in the event. The inmates came from various correctional institutions across the nation, and included age groups spanning from juvenile to middle age. These people, whose freedom is limited, faced especially difficult challenges in order to hone their artistic skills. From overcoming the barriers of prison life and being able to develop a good rapport among themselves to issues related to security risks associated with gathering large amounts of inmates together to practice their performances, many challenges had to be solved along the way leading up to the main event. However, this arduous task quickly became seen as a worthy goal to pursue, and brought out a strong sense of honor in everyone involved, which encouraged employees from the various correctional institutions to work with close collaboration and in turn motivated inmates to practice more diligently. All participants were deeply honored to have the rare opportunity to perform on-stage at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. In addition to inviting the general public to join in the festivities, the Agency of Corrections took special care to invite the families of participating inmates to attend, helping to strengthen family bonds and improve family support, as well as serving to give families a chance to admire the performances and witness the positive changes in their children. A total of 404 family members were able to attend and proudly share this honor.

 

After 10 months of hard work preparing and practicing, these inmates—"born anew and invigorated with new hope"—showcased their hard work on August 13 and 14. Nine wonderful programs were performed, including an exciting drumming act, superb sand painting, mysterious Sichuan opera face changing, majestic aboriginal dances, angelic choir singing, Chinese and Western instrumental performances and South Seas zhuqin, as well as vibrant street dancing. Furthermore, the artistic skill and creations of inmates made during their time preparing for the event were put on display in the East and West Cultural Corridors of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall for all to see and appreciate—indeed, a rare and wonderful opportunity that was not to be missed! Free tickets were issued at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and were also made available through a special ticket hotline ((03) 3702026 (Taoyuan Prison Education Department). Seating for the event was limited. The Ministry of Justice Agency of Corrections thanks everyone for participating!