Dramatists urged to follow protocol

Guests at the launch of the fifth annual NCB Theatre Arts Festival got a taste of what to expect from the six participating groups when the festival starts in October.{{more}}

The launch, which took place at the Peace Memorial Hall on Sunday, August 29, 2010, saw performances from the six groups who will be participating in the festival this year. The festival will begin on October 29, 2010, and wrap up on December 5, 2010. The Drammy Awards will be held on December 12.

The participating groups are The Police Drama Club, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Performing Arts Society, Waves Theatre Guild, Agape Theatre, E.com Institute Urban Expressions Theatre and SVG Division of Nursing Education Performing Arts Club.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Culture René Baptiste highlighted the need to have quality performances during the festival.

Noting that there have been mistakes in productions over the years, Baptiste reassured participants that with time, the imperfections will be smoothed out. She added that other artists and dramatists went through years of training before they appeared on stage, but “here we do it with raw natural talent!”

Baptiste also reminded the participating groups of the protocol which they should follow regarding backstage access and on-stage performance.

New marketing representative of the NCB attached to the festival, Lidia Stephens, commended the work of persons associated in the festival, applauding them for their dedication over the years. She encouraged the participating groups to strive for excellence and to not give up despite the challenges they may face.

The NCB Theatre Arts Festival was established in 2006 as a revamped version of the Community Drama Festival. Drama Development Officer Martin Quashie, speaking at the event, stated that the difference between the Community Drama Festival and the NCB Theatre Arts Festival is that the latter covers all aspects of the performing arts including singing dancing and acting. The Festival will be held under the theme “Upholding the Creative Arts by Community Participation”. (OS)