Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
January 17, 2008
The Okolo Tegremantine Arts Theater is celebrating 35 years of existence and is marking this milestone by reaching out to various communities to promote the art form.
An official for the group told SKNIS that Master Drummer Dominique Williams from Trinidad and Tobago is in St. Kitts to assist with this initiative. Williams spent this week visiting primary schools, talking to students about his exciting field and the importance of maintaining a rich cultural heritage.
He has also been working with the National Youth Drum Corps as well as the Okolo group, refining their performances.
Mr. Williams indicated that the sessions have been interesting and he is particularly pleased with the enthusiastic response from the young students during school visits. Williams has been drumming for the past 14 years and leads the group Hands of Rhythm in his home country.
In a few weeks, the members of Okolo will team up with the Department of Culture to take their performances to rural communities. The group will host mini-concerts in open areas and demonstrations for spectators interested in learning creative dancing. Members of the audience wishing to recite poetry or engage in other forms of cultural presentation can also participate.
The official from the Okolo Tegremantine Arts Theater thanked the Department of Culture, the Ministry of Finance, the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society, and the Lloyd Matherson Trust Fund for the “tremendous support” in the past and look forward to continued amicable relations.
Gratitude was further expressed to Maxine Webster, who played an integral part in facilitating Mr. Williams’ visit, as well as to the Department of Culture in Tobago.
The Okolo Tegremantine Arts Theater was founded on May 26, 1973. It is renowned for its energetic and entertaining performances at local, regional and international events.