Agape Dramatists booted out of Theatre Arts Festival

The Agape Methodist Dramatists, a theatre arts group here, has issued a statement to its fans, explaining that they have been removed from the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) Theatre Arts Festival and it was not their choice not to participate.

The release, issued on Wednesday by the Kevin Rodriguez, managing director of Agape states: “In July 2015 Agape received a letter dated 15th April 2015 from the Department of Culture signed by the Chief Cultural Officer Mr Anthony Theobalds.{{more}} Part of the letter stated ‘We at the Department of Culture consider that your organization had grown beyond the festival and suggest your graduation out of the festival.’”

Rodriguez said in his statement that the group’s “graduation” means that they are no longer a part of the festival, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture.

“A number of our fans have been asking why Agape Methodist Dramatists is not participating in the BOSVG Theatre Festival. There are several misconceptions and rumours going around so we choose to clear the air and make an official response to why Agape is not taking part in the BOSVG Theatre Arts Festival”, said the managing director.

He said that for the past 17 years, Agape has built a name as one of the major impact players in the theatre industry here and has staged and produced over 20 different productions, while partnering with several individuals and community groups.

“In September 2005 we saw the creation and the conceptualization of the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines Theatre Festival. Proud to say we were one of the pioneers and champion for such a cause to revive and bring back theatre to its former glory in St Vincent and the Grenadines. For the past ten years, Agape participated in the Festival sponsored by BOSVG and coordinated by the Ministry of Culture”, said Rodriguez, who added, “So, the question is where do we go from here?”

Although disappointed about not being part of the festival this year, Rodriguez, wrote in his letter, “Agape wants to say thank you to Almighty God for creating this opportunity, the BOSVG for your partnership for the past nine years and we are looking forwards to continue our relationship. Also, we want to say thanks to the Department of Culture for the opportunity to share and grow in the festival and to our fans and business houses for your continuous support.”

“Our fans can look forward to the staging of the production “Number 7” a masterpiece written by Kevin Rodriquez. This production will be staged at the Russell Auditorium on 6th February 2016”, said Rodriguez in the release.

When contacted on Wednesday, Theobalds said that it is the policy of the Ministry to “graduate” the stronger groups and allow less seasoned groups into the festival.

He noted that during a meeting with Agape to deal with the issue, a group member had said that the group was itself was thinking about not participating.

This year, the festival will feature four groups. The first play will be held tonight, Friday, November 6 at the Peace Memorial Hall in Richmond Hill. The festival’s final play will take place on the last weekend in November.