Trini culture at Virginia opera house
■ Verdel Bishop
verdel.bishop@trinidadexpress.com
TRINIDAD and Tobago's culture will be in the spotlight today at the Rhythm Live concert, Harrison Opera House, in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. The pan and folk dance, two of this country's indigenous cultural expressions, will be featured in an electrifying blended production being staged by two sons of the soil-choreographer/ dancer Kieron Sargeant and pannist/ percussionist Daron Roberts.
The production is a collaboration with the Governor's School for the Arts Dance Department, and will trace the history of Trinidad and Tobago culture through the pan, song and dance.
Roberts, who earned his Master's degree in steelpan performance from Northern Illinois University, and his Bachelor's in percussion performance from the University of Southern Mississippi, with a minor in recording industry, is currently based in Norfolk, Virginia, where he serves as the Rhythm Project associate director.
In a recent interview with the Express, Roberts said his aim is to represent Trinidad and Tobago's culture in the most authentic way possible. 'I believe fully in representing my culture and educating my students and audiences in the US with accurate details.
'I wanted to create an all-round experience for not just the audience, but for the performers to interact directly with a Trinidadian and his pedagogical approaches,' Roberts said.
Roberts said he is excited to work alongside Kieron Sargeant. 'It is exciting to partner with Kieron, who is a very well-versed choreographer in the Trindiadian art form, and I knew that he would be able to tap into the cultural depth in a fun and engaging way.
'The production will highlight the oppression and limits that we faced through African drums, tamboo bamboo, metal beating, and the fortitude that it took to produce the beautiful instrument we know today as the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.'
Roberts added, 'Patrons can expect in-depth narration, dazzling choreography, engaging animation, and beautiful arrangements of traditional and modern works. An electrifying combination of history and entertainment for all age groups,' Roberts said.
Choreographer Kieron Sargeant, who is based in Iowa as the current Grant Wood Fellow in interdisciplinary performance and dance, said the production is a perfect opportunity for foreign students to embrace this country's culture through the pan and traditional dance.
Sargeant said, 'The culture of Trinidad and Tobago is rich in history, and it's an expression that is worth sharing with the world. The world loves our culture, and I think it's very important that we continue to share our history, not only from a theoretical standpoint but also through a physical embodiment.
'I think having students learn the steelpan and now the traditional dance of Trinidad and Tobago is a perfect way for them to embody our culture through music and dance.'
Sargeant added, 'Our traditional dances are unique and serve the history of our country and its people. Delving into Caribbean dance traditions reveals a holistic worldviewone that is meticulously constructed and eloquently expressed through movement.
'These dances are imbued with a palpable vitality and a fierce necessity and urgency that capture audiences even as they convey exuberance. This joy, resilient and robust, arises in defiance of adversity, and can be embraced through the practice of these dances,' Sargeant said.
Sargeant's fellowship is one of the most prestigious positions at the university. He is the first Trinidadian to win this fellowship. He said he is happy to work alongside Roberts. 'I was super excited when Daron invited me to collaborate with him on this project with Rhythm Project and The Governor School of Arts based in Norfolk. I have known Daron since my early involvement in the Prime Minister's Best Village Trophy Competition.
'I had a fantastic experience working with the students and faculty. Everyone was so committed to the process. Special thanks to Todd Rosenlieb, Joni Petre-Scholz, Janelle Spruill, Davianna Griffin, Dave Longfellow and Audrey Holden,' Sargeant said.
The production will feature young performers from the Virginia Arts Festival's Rhythm Project, an inspired education programme that offers musical training to young people from elementary through high school. The work of Trinidadian costume designers Gail Edinborough and Aaron Schneider will also be featured.
About the Virginia Arts Festival
The Virginia Arts Festival is a non-profit organisation based in Norfolk, Virginia, and the Rhythm Project is a branch of its educational outreach programme that is generously funded by donors. Visit www.vafest.org for more information.
Daron Roberts conducts a session.
Daron Roberts
Kieron Sargeant
