The Prison: A Concert / Rock-Ballet Program from 1976 (SIGNED)

These priceless original programs from the 1976 live production of The Prison: A Concert / Rock-Ballet are a true piece of music and art history. They feature two-page production notes written by Michael Nesmith.

Nez has allowed us to release only 50 to the public for purchase. These are not re-prints. Each program will come with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Nez signs every program -- with free optional personalization to you or your loved one.

In 1974, Michael Nesmith created and released one of his most important works of art -- The Prison: A Book with a Sound Track. The work felt important to Michael from conception because of its Truth and its unique combination of music, lyrics, and prose.

Performing the work live seemed like the obvious way to promote it but figuring out how was less obvious. Michael began performing the work alone with a guitar. He would play and sing the songs then tell the narrative in between (see Drury Lane). It occurred to him that adding a dance troupe to interpret the songs and story while he read or sang could be a better stage interpretation of the work.

In 1976, The Prison: A Concert / Rock-Ballet ran for one night only in San Francisco at the Palace of Fine Arts. It was a truly unique performance that brought the multimedia approach of the book with a soundtrack to the stage with a dance troupe, band, and narrator, Michael Nesmith. This program was distributed at the door that night.