Director of Culture, Dr. Katherine Smith has lauded the “Remember My Name” performing arts production that honoured ten Virgin Islands heroes as a major success.
Dr. Smith said the performance made an earnest call for Virgin Islanders to reflect on the significant contributions made by the ten recently designated heroes and their altruistic efforts towards advancing the socio-economic and political interests of the Territory.
Dr. Smith said, “One of the oldest and most enduring ways we can tell our Virgin Islands story is through performance. We must keep sharing our stories amongst each other, and to the world. The production of “Remember My Name” was a lovely mixture of theatre, poetry, dance and visual arts. Congratulations to our talented professionals in the area of the performing arts, who worked to produce this enjoyable evening.”
The ten distinguished Virgin Islanders who received this venerated honour are Mr. Shelly Martin; Ms. Perreen Georges; Mr. Augustus McCleverty; Mr. Obadiah Dawson; Mr. Henry Garnet; Mr. Theodolph Faulkner; Mr. Isaac Glanville Fonseca; Mr. Carlton de Castro; Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt; and Mr. Noel Lloyd.
Each of the honourees’ heroic stories was depicted through monologues, choreographed dances, poetry and drama, which focused on the prevailing social ills and historical contexts, and how each hero sought to overcome issues that negatively affected the Virgin Islands community.The night of performance also emphasised how their distinguished service has laid the groundwork for a more prosperous, stable and cohesive contemporary Virgin Islands society.
The performers included Errol Percival, the Junior Heritage Dancers whose performance was choreographed by Heather Butcher, Rochelle Smith, Adagio Dancers who performed an item choreographed by Sasha Creque. Visual artist Via Donovan portrayed the 1853 Cattle Tax riot led by Shelly Martin with an action painting.
Artistic Director Ms. Janice George-Harris expressed that she was especially proud of the student performers, who celebrated the contributions of the Virgin Islands National Heroes.
Ms. George-Harris stated, “I am greatly humbled as the artistic director for the “Remember My Name” performance to be able to recount the deeds of the Virgin Islands heroes and historical events that have helped to shape the Virgin Islands. I am especially proud of all of the students who participated in the production. May we all remember the names and deeds of our national heroes.”
The night of performance ended with the audience being asked to join the performers in repeating the names of the Virgin Islands heroes to contemplate, reflect and honour those who were bestowed this designation.
This year’s Culture and Tourism Month, is being observed under the theme, “Our Virgin Islands, Our Story: Tell Your Story”.
The Government of the Virgin Islands’ vision is a Territory where residents feel a sense of belonging and pride, and actively participate in cultural activities that reflect their heritage and ultimately enrich their lives.