This past weekend was one full of colour, creativity and a camaraderie as the communities of Anse La Raye and Babonneau hosted the Community Festivals as part of the National Arts Festival programme of activities for 2014.
Things got off to a shaky start in the fishing village of Anse la Raye where theatre and singing accentuate the expressions of the people.
The unique, imaginative and organic pieces displayed were a thing to behold, showcasing the soulful beauty of the artists.
Once things got started on Friday 25th April, eager participants transformed the walkway of the village square into a huge sketch pad, using chalk and charcoal to create their masterpieces. Radio Out and Bad put on a drama presentation which explored the themes of deceit and exploitation.
In dramatic fashion, Youth on Fire, presented two pieces, one of which illustrated social ills which plague the community but also lend to the creativity which exists within the village. Expressions through song came from Nathan Deterville, Thaddeus Lionel and Ozz. The Dukers, a duo from the Duke Of Edinburg Programme and Fundamentals, both presented modern dance pieces before ASAP Band brought a resounding end to the night’s performances. Patrons to Anse la Raye’s Fish Fiesta expressed great pleasure with the artistic element brought to what has long become a major activity not only in the village but on the weekend activities in St. Lucia.
On Sunday 27th April, it was the turn of Babonneau to showcase its talent. The only acoustic musical instrument to be invented in the twentieth century was the first to be displayed, when Courts Babonneau Steel Orchestra presented a twenty-five minute set which included calypso, soca, zouk, traditional folk and reggae music. Eager young people flocked the grounds of the Babonneau Primary School to participate in the community sketch –up, using charcoal and chalk as well as a collage competition in which paint was used for self-expression on small squares of wood for canvas. After touring the mini Art Exhibit, Barbara Ramage, Commercial Banking Manager and other Scotia Bank representatives were on hand to make a cheque-presentation to the community. The contribution was accepted by Jimmy Clavier, Business Development and Marketing Officer at the CDF.
The audience was given a sneak peak of what was in store with an extraordinarily dramatic piece from Sam Eudovique of Boguis who lamented on social ills such as unemployment, sexual abuse and crime while at the same time embraced the outlet which the arts affords for creative expression. Poetry from Black Crayon was followed by an infectious performance from the Solo group, Campêche of Garrand which demonstrated a practice in which parents encourage their children to “do as I say, but not as I do.” Silver Shadow Dancers would present a piece which simulated African fight sequences including the entertaining fire-eating. NU Cats then took the stage and wowed the audience performing a variety of music genres, proving that as young musicians they can hold their own on stage. La Bourne’s Bois Difé, dramatized a popular belief that “the grass is greener on the other side” – a portrayal which made use of Kont, illustrating that things are not always what they seem to be. L’Addition would then bring the curtains down on the first of many community festivals in the community of Babonneau, a community rich with afro-centric traditions.
Events and Production Officer at the Cultural Development Foundation Nosdivad Enneite says that in as much as the festivals were enjoyable and showcased the talents of the community, “there is still a lot of work to be done”. He commended the Councils in their efforts to create the platform for artistic development and looks forward to increased participation and organisation in future activities.