because they believe its message is so profound.

Time For a Change, written by manslaughter prisoner Milton Watson and starring seven inmates and a prison officer, played to sell-out audiences Thursday and last night.

The cast was given a standing ovation by audience members, some of whom said afterwards it had given inmates the chance to show their positive sides to the public.

Prisons Commissioner Mr. Edward Dyer last night confirmed he had received a number of suggestions and requests that the play be shown in high schools.

"It is just a thought right now,'' he said. "But I think it would be an excellent idea. I think it has a message and gives the public an idea of what goes on inside prison, contrary to some beliefs. And the prisoners really want to give something back to the community with this play.'' Prison officials would be meeting to disuss the idea further before making a decision, he said.

Mr. Dyer said he felt the play had already done much to change the public's view of criminals.

"Not only must the prisoners change, but the public must change their reaction to prisoners.'' He added he was "totally impressed'' with the play on Thursday night and the behaviour of the inmates.

The play starred inmates Stanford Archibald, Paul Johnson and American drugs prisoner Carmelo Dalgado. It told the story of a prisoner who decided to change for the better with the help of his cellmates. and accept he had done wrong. His bad conscience was played by Paul Williams and his good conscience by Colin Johnson.