Posts tagged trinidad theatre workshop

Tis’was the definition of how my life should be. I was so ecstatic that all my tasks were centered around creative and artistic learning. I was happy. No labs, no numbers, just pure expressions. It was wonderful, and I wish I could relive today all over again. 

Today I had a meeting with a volunteer group that I chose not to attend. Apart from the reasons of academic commitments, their monthly agenda has become generic and repetitive. Why must I subject myself to such monotony? Why must I put myself in a place where people do not want to progress, or for that matter have the discipline to progress. Attending that meeting would have disrupted all the happiness and glory that is filled within me now :)

I started my external Direction for one of my courses. I am directing scenes from Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie”. It is a very difficult play to direct, needless to say I am a bit worried, since it is my first try at any form of directing. It is also my first try at anything outside of environmental theatre, and as such I am intimidated quite a bit. 

I must thank Stacy and Alexander who attached themselves quickly to the script, and they both seem rather comfortable with their roles. Before today I was in need of another actress, and that problem was resolved. Things flowed well at the first table read, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. 

After rehearsals, I set my sights on my home, my sense of place… the place that made me realize that I could grace a stage if I wanted to…. Trinidad Theatre Workshop. My lecturer for Modern Theatre, Miss Belinda Barnes was acting as Nat in a Rabbit Hole. A play written by David Lindsay-Abarie. 

It was such a moving play, that simply made my eyes wet. To see the pain that this family was going through, and the plethora of issues they had deal with. My heart when out deeply to Becca who had to deal with the lost of her 4 year old son, Danny. Her son was killed by a 17 year old boy by the name of Jason. You could imagine how laboured my breathing became, when I saw Jason and Becca coming face to face. It was touching, yet heart-wrenching to see the individual problems they both had to deal with, while still trying their best to maintain a very calm and collective social situation. 

I ended the night with one drink of scotch, and I am now back home with numbers and scientific calculations related to toxicology. I know that I am suppose to be balanced, trying to become this Sciatarian (Scientist and Humanitarian)…… but I could not help but feel that this is where my heart and passion lies……. I really did live it today…….. and it was wonderful

Always looking at life,

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