“Every progressive society has a thriving cultural and arts scene, and it is this vision that fuels our continued efforts in developing Anguilla’s performance arts to a level of international excellence.”
– Collette Jones-Chin, Founder, Senoj Creations/Stages Anguilla
Welcome to the AXM DRAMA FEST 2019. The inaugural events, organized by Senoj Creations/Stages Anguilla, shall take place in Anguilla from 25 to 27 April 2019 at La Vue Boutique Hotel, South Hill Backstreet.
As a writer, performer and teacher of performing arts for many decades, in Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Anguilla, hosting an event which brings together artistes from not only Anguilla, but from across the Caribbean region, has always been one of Collette Jones-Chin’s many goals. In a society which places increasing emphasis on socio-economic and political differences, the arts are a unifying factor which surmounts these divisions. And so, we are thrilled to have you immerse yourselves in the numerous workshops, symposia and plays which we have scheduled for your cultural enjoyment and enrichment.
Our Drama Fest officially opens with a bang on 25 April 2019 with the Opening Ceremony at 6 p.m., after which our play, “VIRTUE”, will be performed at 7 p.m. to the public. Workshops specially catered to CXC students, and other interested persons, commence earlier in the day with a Stage Craft/Stage Management workshop conducted by regional and international invitees. Exciting symposia covering thematically relevant topics such as “Theatre Arts/Drama in Education and Nation Building” and “Monetizing the Arts/Entrepreneurship” follow suit on 26 April, and guest panelists include Mr Ivan Berry of 360Artistry – internationally acclaimed entrepreneur and manager of Anguillian singing sensation Deanna, and Mr Lennox Vanterpool, first-class Anguillian musician and educator. Our workshops continue with a Film-Making session, and we round off the final day of the Drama Fest on 27 April with a Sound Engineering workshop by Ms. Tshari King. We therefore aim not only to quench your thirst for theatrical entertainment, but also to educate you on the numerous aspects of performance arts.
Placing Anguilla on the map as a hub of thriving arts and culture is one of our objectives, and we believe that educating our community on the importance and benefits of the arts in our daily lives, as a career and as a tradition, is fundamental in order for us to achieve this. It is our hope that through our continued efforts of bringing the arts into the forefront via the Drama Fest, and through our periodic performances by the youth members of Stages Anguilla (plays including “The Lion King”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “Ti-Jean and His Brothers”, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “From Revolution to Gold” which was performed in Carifesta x111 – are but a few of our growing list of repertoires), Anguilla will be lauded as a society of the arts. Our youth members have been Anguilla’s cultural ambassadors with their performances in Barbados, Antigua, Sint Maarten and Trinidad, and we continue to build strong international relations through the arts. May we pave the way for a new wave of “cultural diplomacy and tourism”!
We thank the Department of Youth and Culture, Anguilla Tourist Board, Anguilla Community Foundation, Sunset Homes, Pink Mako, Alloyd Enterprises, Anglec and Leviticus Lifestyle for their support, and for believing in our cause as we continue to forge ahead with our goals. We are excited to welcome you to AXM Drama Fest 2019! We thank you, our patrons of the arts.
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Tickets for our play, “Virtue”, can be purchased at Tackle Box.
For further information please contact coljonchin@gmail.com or call 582-6860.
– Press Release