Posts tagged Corinne Grey

Visiting Trinidad Theatre Workshop always brings back the memories of dramatic training and the lifelong bonds I made with so many youths that have the same passion and drive for the arts. There are many programmes at the theatre, one of which includes Teen Theatre Studio, of which I am a graduate of. I just came back from reviewing their show and I must admit that it was quite an exceptional performance. 

Everyone goes crazy over conventional theatre, wanting to get a quick laugh out of the likes of Raymond Choo Kong and others, however I wonder if there would ever be an appreciation for plays with intuitive plots and well developed characterization. These teens have shown a profound interest in Caribbean literature. The cast of the Teen Theatre Studio performed “The Ritual” written by Zeno Obi Constance, a Trinidadian playwright. The play focuses on a 16 year old child, by the name of Omega. It relates the problems she is faced with, in different social situations of her life.

The play itself presents a bit of comedy, drama and indeed some very intense scenes. Most importantly it presents some real life issues that is still commonly dealt with today. How do teenage mothers handle such a situation? What if you really were in their shoes? Would you be able to handle a baby at age 16? If you would like to know the answer to these questions, “The Ritual” is the kind of play that will help you answer them.

This is what I mean by exceptional theatre. I am tired of the scandals, the lies, the sex and the adultery. Its all repetive on the biggest theatrical stages across the country. You want something of depth? Something that really reflects our literary standards on a performing stage; you should make sure to check out, not only Trinidad Theatre Workshop, but also places like the Department of Creative and Festival Arts at UWI, or even the University of Trinidad and Tobago, that commonly host theatrical shows all year around. These shows have depth, insight and meaning into our Caribbean identity and literary styles. One cannot find that on the big stages.

Our eyes seriously need to be opened up. The works of Derek Walcott has somewhat been forgotten. Doesn’t anyone remember the production Steel in 2005 at Queens Hall, with the famous Albert Laveau and Humanitarian Corrine Grey. Two individuals that I look up at so greatly at today. These are the kinds or role models I wish the youth of Trinidad and Toabgo had, Not Hannah Montana and Justin Beiber. 

There is good theatre out there. It may be hard to find, but you just have to look…..

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel