BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (June 4, 2013) — The ‘Free Concert’ at Independence Square on Friday 31 May was a fitting climax to the anniversary month of May activities marking the 40th Anniversary of the Okolo Tegremantine Arts Theatre.
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For about two hours, a mixed audience of nearly 300 children, youths, adults and senior citizens were entertained by a variety presentation of drums, horns, poetry, dance and calypso in the beautiful setting of Independence Square. There were thought-provoking poems by Larry Armony, Valencia Kelly, Elsie Harry and Valentine ‘Tabu’ Martin; edifying calypsos by Singing Jennifer and King Socrates accompanied by the superb Legends band; drum/chants by the incomparable Okolo Drummers (augmented for the occasion by ‘guest’ former members); exhilarating dance to drums by Okolo-Tegremantine; and a wonderfully creative fusion of drums, horns and bass and dance by Okolo and Legends. The dancers were particularly captivating and, energized by an audience calling for more, returned to perform two extra exuberant dances, to resounding applause.
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All of the artistes and the Legends band performed gratis. Expenses were met through the generous support of the National Caribbean Insurance Company, also celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year.
The Concert (postponed from 24 May because of rain), followed upon the well enjoyed Awards Banquet on 25 May and attendance at the Zion Moravian Church service by members and former members on 26 May. Activities will continue with a theatrical production in late July, some outreach activities (to be announced) and the publication of a commemorative magazine later this year.
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The Okolo Tegremantine Arts Theatre is a Drum, Dance, Theatre Company which, for the past forty years, has nurtured and promoted traditional Caribbean performance arts and, in the process, provided opportunities for the creative development and expression of numerous persons and brought joy to countless others through performances at home, in the Caribbean and beyond.