Six Drama groups will take part in the 14th National Theatre Arts Drama Festival scheduled to commence on November 1st at the Peace Memorial Hall and climax with an award ceremony on the 8th of December.
Among those presenting will be: debutants FOCUS Entertainment Inc. with JUMBIE LEGGO on November 1and 3; Division of Nursing Education Performing Arts Club with ‘Moments in Between’ – Nov. 8 – 10; Police Drama Club – ‘Mama Dear Son’ Nov. 15 – 17; presentation Urban Expressions Theatre with ‘Torrid Existence’ – Nov. 22 – 24; SVG Community College Performing Arts Society with ‘Dorothy’s Challenge’ from Nov. 29 to Dec 1; on November 29th to December 1st “Dorothy’s Challenge” and Reeja’s Theatre Alliance with ‘The Mistress of Wholesome’ from Dec 6 -7.
A boost for this year’s Festival came by way of an increase in the worth of sponsorship by the Festival’s principal benefactor – the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG).
The increase from $10,000 to $12,000 was predicated on the fact that there has been an increase in participation.
Speaking at the launch of the Festival last Friday at the CDC office, Nandi Williams-Morgan of BOSVG said that the bank has been proud sponsor of the festival for the last 13 years. “This is an indication of our continuous support for the performing arts and culture in SVG,” she said.
“The performing arts helps to develop discipline, commitment, trust, self confidence in individuals,” she posited, adding that she can attest to that from her own involvement in the Performing Arts.
Assistant Public Relations Coordinator to the National Theatre Arts Committee Nneka McMillian traced the development of the Festival since its inception in 1989, reflecting on the challenges, the down period and the re-energising, reconceptualizing of the Festival in 2005, giving rise to a new format in 2016.
Coordinator of the Festival Sean Frederick said that organisers are looking at ways in which drama can address important issues in SVG.
“We want to use theatre as part of the conversation on issues and the things that are happening in our society,” said Frederick.
Cultural Officer Anthony Theobalds spoke of his department’s support for the festival, and more importantly, the drama groups themselves.
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