CURRENT SOCIETAL ISSUES were discussed through skits led by several young male protagonists on the third night of the LIME/NIFCA Performing Arts Finals at Combermere School Hall last Sunday.
Marc-Ari Weekes, 12, of Harrison College, spoke to the mixed signals sent by parents in terms of telling lies while expecting children to be truthful at all times, through the Anna Adamira-penned skit To Tell You The Truth.
The well-received comical skit, marked by facial expressions and gestures, asked “what is this thing that grown-ups does call the truth?” It was an exceptional performance.
The second of three dramatic performances by Reynold Weekes Primary, formerly St Martin’s/Four Roads, was hilarious but the message was as poignant as ever.
Speaking to the topic of HIV/AIDS, the dramatic piece Who Is The Real Ossie Moore spoke to the importance of careful living while outlining ways of contracting HIV and the deadly impact of the incurable virus.
Enlisted help
This skit, penned by Trevor Marshall, began with a chubby boy trying to catch the HIV virus in an effort to shed some unwanted pounds, while being oblivious to the fact that HIV was not something to be caught like a ball. He then enlisted the help of a friend, who outlined various ways of contracting the disease.
Other dramatic performances by that school were entitled I Come To Tell You which called on people to recognise the accomplishments of the black race, and called for black history to be taught in schools. They also rendered Respect De Man, which highlighted the need for more respect for the disabled.
The night was exceptional as the Ignatius Byer Primary School Choir gave a rousing performance of two original songs penned by teacher Hugh Griffith. Last Sunday was the first time that school had competed at NIFCA since it won bronze in 2007.
The choir performed Make The Right Choice and Don’t Forget Bim, the latter being a timely reminder to Barbadians not to bypass Independence in favour of Christmas.
The seven-year-old Olakunde Steel group performed Luv Ya Bad by Blood and Whole Night by Edwin to start the evening’s performances.
First-time participants from St Patrick’s Roman Catholic School were also in fine form.
Dance also had its place on the night’s line-up with a piece by Pearls Dance Academy, Pursuit – Reaching For The Dream, and an appearance by The Ballroom Travelling Team.
Rounding off the show was an energetic performance by Praise Dance Academy, I Remember When. The little ones danced to their hearts’ delight in the Patricia Evanson choreography which brought the curtain down on a night which followed the theme: Our Thoughts, Our Creativity, Our Nation, The Tradition Of Excellence Continues.
