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Date Posted: July
30, 2009
(The Valley, Anguilla)
The Department of Youth and Culture in the Ministry of
Social Development has just implemented a new and exciting
initiative dubbed Youth ESCAPE. Youth E.S.C.A.P.E
(Educational Summer Creative Arts Production and
Entertainment) provides a getaway for youth during the
summer vacation and provides participants with the
opportunity to work with skilled artistes to develop their
creative skills in the various art forms. This year’s
programme which is supported by a generous grant from the
Anguilla Community Foundation features four components:
theatre, moko jumbie, graphic design, and the culinary arts.
Felix Fleming of Sunshine Theatre, one of Anguilla’s oldest
theatre companies worked with participants to develop their
skills in acting, speech, dance, sound technology and set
design from 13 – 24 July. The participants had a vigourous
two weeks of theatre and dance and were exposed to
fundamentals of acting, playwriting and performance as well
as Afro-Caribbean Dance techniques and their origins. They
worked with an array of dance artistes, including Dance Diva
Ms. Clara Reyes, creator of the Imbali Dance Company in St.
Maarten, Mr. Rudolph Davis, an Anguillian dancer living in
St. Maarten, and Ms. Nicole Chantal de Weever, a native of
St. Maarten and professional choreographer and dancer who
will be debuting this year on Broadway’s new musical
“Filler”. Parents and well wishers were entertained by the
participants who produced three skits and a dance routine
for public presentation in their closing act on Friday, 24
July.
Theatre Group Photo
From July 20th – 25th participants were given the
opportunity to learn from skilled Moko Jumbie practitioners
Mr. Stanley Carty of Anguilla and Mr. Charlie Turnbull,
leader of the BVI Elite Sky Dancers of Tortola. In addition
to the existing moko jumbie dancers some twelve new dancers
developed their skills in moko jumbie dancing. Mr. Turnbull
encouraged participants to carry on the legacy left by their
forefathers and to leave a legacy of their own for their
children to follow. He advised them to ‘dance with attitude’
and always strive to leave an impact when entertaining.
Participants were exposed to the origin of Moko Jumbie
Dancing in an enlightening presentation by Ijahnya Christian
of Triple Crown Culture Yard, while their appreciation of
the history, tradition and legacy of moko jumbie dancing in
Anguilla was enhanced when Elders, Albert Carty and Ivy
Frett, children of the popular moko jumbie dancer Jimmy
Carty of North Side treated them to an exciting rap session
and live entertainment. The general public was treated to a
live production last Friday when the participants showcased
their newly developed skills on the block by KEN”S BBQ.
Skills learnt will be further demonstrated during the
carnival celebrations.
Andrew Turnbull Giving the Young Jumbies Some Pointers
Youth ESCAPE continues
after the carnival celebrations when the Anguilla Hotel and
Tourism Association and the Anguilla National Creative Arts
Association will partner to deliver an exciting immersion
experience in the culinary arts from 17 – 21 August.
Participants will be mentored by some of Anguilla’s Top
Chefs and Gold Medal Winning Culinary Team. The experience
will include onsite culinary demonstrations and hands on
practical cooking and wide array of exciting activities.
Participants will also be introduced to the Anguillian
culture and food by sampling and cooking some indigenous
dishes of Anguilla.
From 24th -28th August,
Rosell Media and the Anguilla National Trust will partner to
deliver a workshop in graphic design. Participants will
develop their skills in Adobe Creative suite, which include
“In Design” and “Photoshop” and create a wide array of
artistic and promotional products, culminating in a public
juried exhibition of the participants’ work.
The Department would like to take this opportunity to thank
everyone for their generous support and to solicit further
support for the upcoming programmes. For additional
information please contact Ms. Linda Lake or Ms. Mervil
Nisbett at the Department of Youth and Culture at 497-0969
or 498-3792 and or email us at
Youth.Escape@hotmail.com
Participants in Theatre Workshop Performing |
