The work of one of the island’s most talented playwrights is to be honoured with a series of stage productions presented by the young people of Saint Lucia.
Kids Theatre
Cultural Activist Mrs. June Frederick, Executive Producer of KiddiCrew Theatre and lobbyist for the promotion and development of the talents of Saint Lucia’s youth, says the upcoming production forms part of a five-year plan to honour and re-introduce the works of one of St. Lucia’s noted playwrights – the late Roderick Walcott.
Children’s Auditions Saturday 1st March 1-5pm
Roddy, as he was affectionately called, the twin brother of Honourable Derek Walcott, one of Saint Lucia’s two Nobel Laureates, featured St. Lucia’s cultural traditions in his plays. “Chanson Marianne” and “Banjo Man” were two of his many plays staged here and for Carifesta – the regional celebration of arts and culture. Roddy was also the leader of the Turks carnival band that featured the “pan-round-neck” style of steelband.
The first instalment of this planned commemoration of Roddy Walcott’s work is scheduled to be debuted this year and is dubbed “Celebrating Roderick “Roddy” Walcott – The Man and his Mas”. KiddiCrew Theatre Company will produce the stage productions in partnership with the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF).
Knowing Our Legacy
“Roddy, – is virtually unknown by at least two generations of our young people which I think is very sad as it shows that we need to do much more so that we do not lose history and our culture! His plays are such a rich reflection of the island’s culture and feature the music of yet another cultural icon, Charles Cadet,” Frederick laments, adding “KiddiCrew Theatre Company wants to introduce this cultural icon to a new generation and we believe that there is no better way than to stage his plays with young and upcoming actors and actresses.”
She said the first production of the “Roddy Walcott Series” is scheduled to hit the stage here in August as part of the CDF’s new Summer of Arts Programme. The KiddiCrew Theatre Company will host a season in his honour in November to include exhibitions on his life and work with interactive sessions for young people and the music of Charles Cadet will all be highlighted along with the second staging of the production.
Summer of the Arts With CDF
CDF Chairman Petrus Compton hails this new adventure as another positive step for local theatre and said that “CDF is delighted to launch its first Summer of Arts programme with a focus on our most “culturally connected” playwrights. Our society needs to see more plays by local playwrights’ generally, and Roddy Walcott in particular”.
Don’t Miss the Auditions!
Action begins this Saturday, 1st March, with auditions at the CDF offices, Barnard Hill from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for children 10 – 16 years old. There will be a registration fee of $10 for those auditioning for this exciting theatre opportunity.
“KiddiCrew Theatre intends to make a mark on the local cultural landscape as well as on the development of theatre on the island by honouring the work of our cultural icons through the stage production of their work powered by the talent of Saint Lucia’s children” Frederick said.
