Rosie Samuel, Andre Brown rewarded at Theatre Arts Festival Awards ceremony

USUALLY, the National Theatre Arts Committee Festival Awards ceremony is intended to reward the many dramatists and actors for their roles during the Festival,{{more}} but this year’s ceremony was one with a difference.

In recognition of their continuous support of drama, patrons Rosie Samuel and Andre “OE” Brown were presented with certificates of appreciation by the National Theatre Arts Committee.

The two received their awards before a fairly large gathering at Sunday evening’s National Theatre Arts Committee Festival Awards at the Peace Memorial Hall.

Upon receiving their awards, both Samuel and Brown thanked the committee for recognizing them.

Following the awards, Assistant Drama Officer Nigel Morgan explained that Samuel and Brown were recognized so that others would be encouraged to patronize drama.

“You don’t have to be in the family of drama, but you can show support by attending a drama event,” Morgan said.

Samuel was recognized for her regular attendance at drama events, while Brown received his award for assisting drama groups and clubs.

“OE would assist any drama group for free, while others may request payment. He’s always there to assist in whatever way,” Morgan commented.

“As for Rosie, she is at every drama show staged here. Even if it’s not a local show, once it’s drama she is present, and persons like that must be recognized, Morgan added.

The awards ceremony, which is into its 23rd year, saw over 80 awards being presented to members of six drama groups for their participation in last year’s Theatre Arts Festival.

The six groups which received awards at Sunday’s awards ceremony were: Police Drama Club, E.com Urban Expressions Theater Company, Remnants of Gideon Drama Club, St. Vincent Community College Performing Arts Society, Division of Nursing Education Performing Arts Company, and Nature Care Agape Theater.

The awards were presented in such a way that each group was awarded in the categories of Best Actor and Actress and Best Supporting Role.

Cultural Officer Anthony Theobalds made brief remarks on behalf of the Minister of Culture who was unable to attend the event.

One of the main highlights of Theobalds’ address was the announcement of an undisclosed sum of money that will be injected into Culture through financial aid being provided by Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA).

The 2011 Theatre Arts Festival was held from October 27 to December 4, with six theatre Groups presenting their various Theatrical Productions.(AA)