Posts tagged Drama

I had it all planned out. A nice planned picture perfect day coming back from my vacation. I got all my outstanding giemagazine assignments out of the way, since I had to attend Lilliput’s 2012 theatrical production for media coverage. I do not know who fooled me into thinking that I could get from Santa Cruz to St. Ann’s in about an hour. I need to keep reminding myself that I am living in a developing country that is congested by constant traffic, with no prescribed peak hours.

I have another issue. Is there no one living in St Anns? I completely forgot that people would be heading home at this late hour after work, so surely I was expecting rel ketch ass for taxi to get to Queens Hall. To my surprise there was a string of taxi’s  lined up going to St Ann’s on a late Thursday evening. My issue then became getting the taxi to be filled quickly, as oppose to running down taxis to get to Queen’s Hall. In the end I paid for the trip, because when it comes to Theatre Arts, I spare no expense. I reached 5 minutes late, and I nearly died because of it. One must always have respect for the arts, and reaching late is clear example of utter disrespect. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the private media viewing of the performance. Lillliput Theatre is known as the flagship for Children’s Theatre in Trinidad and Tobago, and last night they lived up to that reputation. If you guys would like to see the show. It’s being held at Queens Hall for the next three days.

Friday May 18th, 2012 7:30pm

Saturday May 19th, 2012 5:30pm

Sunday May 20th, 2012 5:30pm

Children $85.00 Adults $95.00

The show is entitled “anansi and the world wide web” and features social and political commentary through the voice and stories of Anansi the spider. Make sure to look out for the young thespians Christopher, Kenya, Shermake and Asia who I had the pleasure of interviewing for giemagazine. I would post the story on tumblr once its published. These kids were inspiring :D

After the show one of my friends called me to go out. Frankly I was very excited because I have been dying just to lime with one of meh ‘padnas’. However I must always remind myself, that some people are just born set ups! What amazed me though is that I was ready to put everything out just to have a good time last night with anyone! My finances went straight down to plan Z, and everything else that I had to do, just got pushed aside, all just to lime and hang out with a friend who I look up too so much.

I realized that sometimes I have to pull myself back and take a look at the situation and appreciate what you have. Last night I got a private viewing of a leading theatrical company in Trinidad and Tobago. Hello Shahad… in case you did not realize you have a life! It is with this life you should make the best of it! I eventually came home and sent out emails till 2 am in the morning. Since I got up I wrote up the article and continued sending out emails for our eco carnival pre band launch, which is really beginning to take shape. Even though I take d lil set up in good stride, I rel doh like it. I fed up get brace by people when I was younger, I could do without that feeling of worthlessness these days, since so many things seem to be going my way.

I love all my friends deeply, and I understand that inconveniences can occur from time to time.  But jed less talk and more action. That’s d game I play!

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel

One of the major reasons that I have not been blogging as much is because I have been involved in a national theatrical production called Nation Dance: The Pilgrimage. It is being done by the Department of Creative and Festival Arts at the University of the West Indies. I am involved in the production because currently doing a course that makes up my minor in Theatre Arts, and as such I am required to be apart of it. 

Nation Dance: The Pilgrimage focuses on one primary objective, that is to discover what it means to be Trinbagonian. It also incorporates a literal and figurative journey to discover a sense of nationhood and nation building. The production also takes a very close look at our social and political context of yesterday, today and the future. 

Like the title says, we are on a pilgrimage and thus the show has been traveling to many places across Trinidad and Tobago. For each show we visit a different community that would share with us the values that they brought to this land. Each community has taken up the responsibility of dramatically representing their history and traditions that melds with the 1 hour production that we have created. 

In this production there are four individuals that go by the name of pyong. Each one of them represent an ill of the society that is “Mauvais Langue”. After being accused and sent a way to discover their mother, who they say is the roots of the land, they set out on a journey to different communities in search of their mother. At each community they are set with real life challenges, that the pyongs have no idea what they would be. At our recent show in Waterloo, “Shooter Pyong” had to eat a red hot pepper with roti, in order to cleanse his body of beef, pork and other impurities to be accepted by the community that runs the Temple by the Sea.  He of course, was sweating beads after he consumed it. These traditions presented by the communities show different values of Trinidad and Tobago, and in this quest to find what i really means, we would present them on our final shows at the Department of Creative and Festival Arts at the University of the West Indies.

PLEASE SAVE THE REMAINING DATES…. 8 shows… and 2 have already gone!

Performances:

March 16 - Naparima Hill, San Fernando - 7 pm

March 18 - Temple in the Sea Grounds, Waterloo - 5 pm

March 23 - Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, Laventille - 7 pm

March 24 - Golden Lane, Tobago - 7 pm

March 25 - Pembroke Heritage Park, Tobago - 5 pm

March 30 - Calvary Hill, Arima - 7 pm

March 31 - DCFA, UWI - 7 pm 

April 1 - DCFA, UWI - 5 pm

NO COST for performances March 16 - March 30.

The DCFA venue admission is Adults $50, UWI students/ NDATT MEMBERS $30, children $20

The role that I have in this production is the character Mamaguy. Mamaguy is considered the Big Fish of Mauvais Langue. He is without a doubt well aware of the happenings on all levels of the country. He is a thief, channeling money from the treasury through very close friends in the royal court. His hands are clean but is very well connected. Oddly enough Mamaguy enjoys dressing up as a woman. He prides himself because he looks sexy and enjoys the comfort that no one can tell him anything about it. He is the primary reason as to why Mauvais Langue is in a serious sense of despair. 

Here are a few shots of the production at Naparima Hill where we visited the Warao  community.

“Break a leg” is what they all say. I could have broken mine today. I have two productions coming up. One of which I am guaranteed to perform and the other I am still unsure of my role. The demands of theatrical work requires one’s will to execute full cardio work outs.  I started training with one of my friends who is practically a shorter version of the blue beast from X-Men when it comes to exercising. 

Today I busted my ass because of my utter blindness. There I was jogging around the field to the beats of Kes pulsating through my ears from my headphones. This was me:

“Baby wine up nah…..*pant pant pant*…. flex with precision…..*pant pant pant*”

Despite seeing the IRON small goal post that was pracitcally 2 and a half feet tall. I completely forgot that the damn thing was there after my first lap. I saw “the beast” came up next to me, not knowing that he was edging me to jump over the post while jogging. I was so occupied with kes at the moment, and before I knew it I toppled over and almost tangled myself like a contortionist between the small metal bars. 

I did not get cut or anything, thank god, but I got a lash that I obviously would not forget. I am now nursing a blue and black mark along my shin bone. I have a towel wrapped around my leg, with a plastic bag of ice packaged in between. I am praying that I am not limping tomorrow, because limping is forbidden. I want to perform at my best in any of the theatrical roles given to me. Whether it be offstage or onstage. 

I complained about this… so I guess the beast is gonna call me a pussy…. but say wah….. I complain about everything…. but then again say wah……is tumblr…..

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel

Nothing happens in Natural Sciences and Agriculture, but all of the sweet bachanal and drama happens under the Humanities faculty. Its not our fault that we do not have any kind of “rowdy” behaviour. We operate on fact, and being subjective with opinions is disallowed. As a matter of fact assumptions or anything of that nature, has no place in the world of science unless it is documented.

I walked into one of my theatre classes only to find myself in a very uncomfortable situation. Apparently those who are pursuing the major in Theatre Arts had gone on a field excursion to visit a festival of the Orisha faith. It was a feast of some sought, so all the students were highly exposed to different rituals, practices and beliefs. Of course all of them were prepped as to what to expect. 

Understanding different cultures, and moving across those boundaries is what would make a great theatre arts student. I do not think its about compromising one’s own standards, but its about relieving yourself from ignorance and educating yourself to understand’s someone else’s view.

When I had walked into my theatre class, one of my fellow students was under heavy scrutiny by her classmates. She was being chastised for having utter disrespect during the festival. Most of the other students participated in some form or the other, whether it be clapping their hands or taking it upon themselves, to participate more actively in the festival. According to what the other students were saying, this particular classmate of ours, had a screwed face during the entire proceeding.

It was really disheartening, for the student was pushed to tears. My initial impression that this was girl was showing some subtle signs of xenophobia. I actually wanted to sympathize with her.

During the course of the class however, I had no intention of sympathizing with her, when I realized that she really is out to offend everyone.

Our class was discussing the concept that Trinidad and Tobago is dominated by an Afro Creole perspective. The class was more or less in agreement to the statement. We hold close to kaiso, calypso, the steelpan even African drums. They play crucial roles in the vibrant lifestyle that we live in Trinidad and Tobago. Our task was to discuss this concept in length and trying to determine our identity in our country that clearly has a multi-faceted background.

I was flabbergasted when this student stood up and disrespectfully stated that Africans have embraced Trinidad and Tobago as their home. The student went on to say that other ethnic groups associate themselves with their homeland, example east Indians to India. She then went on to state that she honestly thinks that all other ethnic groups in Trinidad and Tobago are renting space here in her opinion. 

…… This was the part where I went WHAT THE FUCK? I doh want to go back to India! Trinidad and Tobago is my home.

Of course I did not say that. I simply raised up my hand and stated that she is ripping away my identity by making such a statement. Yes Trinidad and Tobago is dominated by an Afro Creole perspective, but that does that give you the right to say that no one else has a place here. I was even more so flabbergasted that she was unaware that there are some people of her own ethnic background with the intention of heading back to Africa. Hello… have you ever heard of Pan Africanism…. there is a reason why we do Caribbean Studies, so that people like you cannot boast of such utter ignorance. 

I cannot help but say that I was deeply offended. Was she not in the same class last week when I as a Trinidadian of East Indian decent, raised my legs and danced to the sounds of African Drums. It is something that I conform to and something that I love to hear. It is a part of my culture and I do embrace it. I just cannot come to terms with how someone could be so closed minded. Its horrific!

I am not an Indian, I am a Trinidadian…… get with d ethnic programme!

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel

Vibrations…. Rhythms…. Sound and Movement, started off my Production 2 class this afternoon. There was no denying the energy that was filled within the small Dance Studio at the Department for the Creative and Festival Arts. This was just the start of a year long production that us, the students are planning to work very meticulously on.

The amazing thing about a production, is the amount of thought and analysis that goes into production that eventually produces a spectacular product. A product that can be heavily marketed for an audience to enjoy and discuss. Primarily it is a process, and like our lecturer said… “Trust the Process”

Today we were dancing, moving around, taking turns to share a vibe with each other. All of my classmates were sweating beads as we shake, rolled and jumped to the energetic rhythms of the drums. I was not about to pretend to be shy, I love music that moves the soul. I danced and kicked up my legs in full festivity and I was loving every minute of it. Soon enough we were chanting and testing our vocal skills. Vocal unison eventually happened, which was completely fantastic to hear and even more exciting to be apart of. 

After a relaxation period, we were able to get into the crux of our production and deal out the many thought processes. We had our own individual presentations, and we saw from the very creative to the very informative. We were told to trust our artistic side, and relieve ourselves from too much of the academic background. As our lecturer told us, he consider us to be bright :)

The processes that I have learnt at the Department of Creative and Festival Arts is priceless. They teach you how important it is to be apart of a process when planing a production. A process is key to making a good production. If there is no process, then the purpose of the production would be extremely unlclear.

Recently I made a huge decision to relieve myself as Project Coordinator of a concert that I was planning to execute. From what I have learnt at the Centre, everyone must be willing to engage themselves in a process. It must be a collective vision, and a collective drive. It must be well thought out and well planned. A production cannot be rushed and therefore it must be given space to grow. Apart from that, I relieved myself from such duties because unknown to some… I actually have a life. I have other responsibilities and other dedications…..

If you are running a production and you can’t even tell me the days and times that you plan to have your rehearsals…. Do you expect me to plan my other activities around dates that I do not even have. No… It does not work that way. It’s a process. A process that needs to be trusted, and was sadly trusted by no one.

I honestly had to remove myself from the utter embarrassment that was about to befall me. I rather stick with colleagues who actually know what they are doing when it comes to executing a production….. building it from the ground up and getting involved in a process.

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel

So I have decided to speak a little about what has me so depressed. Many may laugh that it does not have to do with relationships, friendships or even family. It more has to do with my passion for being a volunteer.

I really do love helping people and many causes. I cannot see my life without it. It makes me very happy inside and gives so much more reason as to why I am living.

The human nature is so complicated, that there are instances where you would be forced to give up things that you love because you refuse to do the things that others want you do.

This may sound so much more confusing, but its so complicated. The fact of the matter is I would possibly be facing disciplinary action with one of my volunteer programmes because I insulted one of our members for not having as much passion that I have.

The thing is, this member in particular would tell me how he was only there for the “free stuff” on numerous occasions. so I knew that his heart never lied in volunteerism to begin with. I would constantly insult him, and he never made an effort to stop me. He finally is bringing this to administration, and as such, during the course of the next couple of weeks, I would be facing disciplinary action.

I know I am wrong, and the manner in which i chose to insult him was very inappropriate, but at the same time, I mean every word that I said. There are over 30 volunteers and probably 8 of them feel the heavy strain of logistical management.

I made it clear that I am not apologizing under no circumstances. I refuse to apologize for something that I Truly meant. I looked at the constitution and I can either get a warning or a suspension or even termination of membership. It can be anything along those lines. This is the first time something like this has happened in this programme, and I am feeling entirely depressed that I have to be apart of it.

However, I am holding all the cards within this disciplinary action that is about to be taken. Like I said I am one of 8 volunteers who are working consistently and constantly. As a matter of fact I am heading their biggest project for the end of this year. Administration has their work cut for them in the sense that if they put me on suspension, who are they going to get to replace me?

Apart from that, if I am suspended… Its more than obvious some form of withdrawal from the programme may or may not be in order. I do not care what no one says. I have not dedicated the past 3 years of my life, to have a suspension on my record. Ugggghhh My removal of the head of that project as well as all my dramatic pieces would be done immediately if I am issued a suspension. I am not taking that kind of disciplinary action just like that.

The fact of the matter is, this has been on my mind for the past 4 days and is upsetting me because it is putting me in uncompromising positions….

See no girlfriend, cousin, brother, aunty or friend could ever get me depressed like this….

but when it comes to things I love doing… and I would do ANYTHING FOR……. my life feels as if it is slowly coming to an end :(

Always looking at life,

sometimes with a frown,

Shahad the Sentinel

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

I really have not posted anything substantial in the last week. Needless to say that my work week was very hectic, however it was worth every second of experience points :). As I write this blog I could have been at Bush Bush Sanctuary on the eastern side of Trinidad. However, due to excessive partying at a Rave in Pier 1 alongside too many jello shots every hour, there was no way I was getting out of bed for an excursion with minimal sleep.

This week also kicks off rehearsals for my newly written environmental dramatic piece. It is an adaptation of Sesame Street’s “Love the Ocean”. Of course the dramatic piece is gauged for children between the ages of 3-7. The Youth Ambassadors that volunteered their time to execute this production, have been doing a great job so far. They have already blocked the majority of the piece, and the dance moves, from what I hear, are coming along great.

This week I also got the chance to visit my alma mater, Trinity College, Moka. It was form one’s registration and It was great to see the eager look on their faces. I saw many of my older teachers, and it was really great catching up with them all. My function that day was to sell uniforms to the newly registered students. The new bunch seems very enthusiastic and hopefully this would transcend into September when school reopens.

This week I also had the opportunity of interviewing a very young and talented young man, by the name of Joshua Boodram. He has a lot of potential to make it big. He still is very young though, only a mere 16. However his young age is not an indication of his experience. Performing for about 20,000 people on the UNC platform. Without a doubt, he is a confident performer and seems to be pretty determined to get what he wants out of life. A truly inspiring young man.

For the rest of the weekend. I am calming myself. I am going to review a theatre show this evening and probably get that in by today :) Tomorrow, I am looking forward to some valued family time, along with some great food. Next week is another challenge, but for now I am enjoying the rest of my weekend.

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel