Broadway Maybe Closed, But Good Harlem Theatre is Alive and Well in Manhattan

Although the stagehand strike has put the breaks on Broadway Theatre, in New York City, some Liberata Dance Theatre (LDT) board members spent a wonderful afternoon at the theatre in upper Manhattan. Written by Playwright Yusef Salaam and directed by David Sheppard, "The Devil and Elija Muhammed" opened yesterday with outstanding performances presented by the H.A.D.LE.Y. Players.

This excellent play was Attended by LDT Founders Sam Sherrod and Myrena Sint Jago-Sherrod, along with board member Carl E. Reid, publisher of the Savvy Intrapreneur newsletter blog.

Eldon Bullock gave a very compelling performance emulating detailed mannerisms, in the lead role of The Honorable Elijah Muhammed. Eldon brought inciteful perspective, with his role, in vividly presenting the inner turmoils experienced by The Honorable Elijah Muhammed, including his unspoken respect for Malcolm X, since their split.

The entire play covers 2 winter days in the life of The Honorable Elijah Muhammed, using his office as a backdrop to give the audience a different perspective of the inner workings of The Nation of Islam at that time.

Overall, the timing and excecution of the various characters continuously engaged the audience. The actors provided thought provoking performances with pointed questions by Ali Abdullah (played by Tom Gordon), being demurely defensive when Sister Maryum (Angela Sims) has her integrity is questioned, office procedures being subversively disrupted by Samuel X (Albert Eggleston III), conscientious attention to security details by Captain Raymond Shariff (Tom Martin) and deflecting allegations of mistrust by Reverend Lillian Jones (Georgi Page).

The sleeper role of Washington X was powerfully brought to life with an excellent performance by Ron Wilks.

"The Devil and Elijah Muhammed" is a must see for serious theatre afficianados to put on their "to do" list before the last performance on Decmeber 9, 2007.

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Select performances of "The Devil and Elijah Muhammed" run until December 9, 2007 on Friday and Saturday at 7:30PM - Sunday at 4:00PM
*** No Performances Thanksgiving Weekend ***

Location:
North Presbyterian Church
529 155th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam Avennue)

Tickets:
$20 General Admission
$18 for Seniors / Students

About the H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players
Founded by Gertrude Jeannette, the mission of the Harlem Artists Development League Especially For You, a.k.a. The H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players, is to present professional theatrical productions, to provide artists who are not regularly employed an opportunity to sharpen their crafts and to develop new talent. Our 365 performance will reflect decades of achieving these goals.

Call The H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players at: (212) 368-9314 or (212) 926-0281.
For more information email hadleyplayers@yahoo.com

LDT's Fundraising Event

Contact: Sam Sherrod
Liberata Dance Theatre
Phone: (866) 249-2437
Fax: (866) 249-2437
Curaterra@aol.com
www.LiberataDT.org
For Immediate Release
November 1, 2007:


Through high impact performances an ordinary evening of wine, cheese and networking produced an extraordinary awareness of social, environmental and global issues affecting the world community, Liberata Dance Theatre held its 1st annual fundraiser in the penthouse of Local 1199/SEIU in the McGraw-Hill Building. The Liberata Dance Theatre’s U.S. board of directors hosted this excellent event on Tuesday, October 23, 2007.



The atmosphere was charged with suspense. Initially attendees seemed not to know what to expect from what appeared to be an ordinary fund-raising event. A combination of the exciting view of the New York City night skyline, noshing food provided by sponsors Murray’s Cheese located at 254 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10014 Amy’s Bread located at 75 Ninth Avenue and wine from The 34th Street Winery 460 West 34th Street, synergized by the outstanding performances by the Liberata performers, changed everyone’s outlook and brought joy and expressions of exhilaration as evidenced by the following statements:

"I had a wonderful time! It was an enlightening experience to feel the rhythm of the drums, to hear the emotion in the performers voices, and to watch the stories unfold as they were being told through the dances. Liberata made me a believer and I will definitely attend the next performance!" stated Dr. Akim Jones, Co-founder of Urban Oasis Spa located in White Plains, NY. Urban Oasis Spa also sponsored the event by donating gift certificates.


The high impact performance at this exclusive “invitation only” event was directed by Ward Nixon, a seasoned Actor, Director and Acting Coach. Ward’s acting experience was immediately obvious. He captivated the audience with his story telling ability, while playing the part of an investigative journalist reporting on the inequalities of the human condition throughout the world.



“Thank you for the privilege of experiencing the Liberata Dance Theater. I was overcome by the joyful message of "oneness" and reverence for our environment." said Marion Green, Producer of The Lush Life, a cable television show that highlights the accomplishments of people in the Montclair N.J. community. Marion was also a volunteer at the event.


The master of ceremonies, Carl E. Reid, CEO/Founder of NetTECH Systems and publisher of the Savvy Intrapreneur newsletter blog, introduced the other Liberata U.S. board members Rose Crayton, retired adult educator and CUNY Adjunct, Carolynn See Yuen, Liberata performer and Entertainment Manager, Yveline Mcintosh, CEO of Yveline’s Travel Services, James M. Ernest an actor of stage, screen and television who also works in the human services field as a recreation therapist.

Jason Thigpen, Co-Owner of J and L Goods stated "Thank you so much for inviting Leandra and I to the LDT event. The night was full of culture, great people, and networking. I know J and L Goods will benefit tremendously from the connections we made and the information learned through LDT’s performance. We look forward to attending the next event."



Activities throughout the evening were deftly facilitated through the seamless collaborative efforts of volunteers, who professionally greeted attendees and provided a program, James M. Ernest, Liberata board member and wine server, Danielle Tyler, videographer volunteered her services, Phyllis Shelton, CEO of iPower Global Solutions was the hospitality host, insuring attendees were comfortable, other volunteers include: Althea Bryan, Sharon Quinones, Michelle Chery, Denworh Billy, CEO of Bolt Consulting Solutions LLC and Carl Schmidt who is an accountant for the state of California.



Additional sponsors who contributed to the door prizes were iPower Global Solutions, Jason and Leandra of J and L Gifts and Materials for the Arts, New York City Dept. of Cultural Affairs/NYC Dept. of Sanitation/NYC Dept. of Education.




About Liberata Dance Theatre
As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Liberata Dance Theatre, Inc. was formed to provide dance and theatre works with themes created mainly from Caribbean, African and African-American rich history and culture to the people in the U.S.A., The Caribbean Islands and international countries. LDT presents unique "high impact" works, which raise awareness of various social, environmental and global issues that are affecting everyone.

Liberata Dance Theatre is the brainchild of President and Artistic Director, Myrena Sint Jago, who co-founded this not-for-profit organization with husband and business partner, Sam Sherrod, who is also secretary and treasurer on Liberata Dance Theatre’s U.S. board of directors.

Tel: (866) 249-2437
Email: Curaterra@aol.com
Web: www.LiberatDT.org

"An Evening of Wine, Cheese and Networking" FUNDRAISING EVENT

Liberata Dance Theatre is hosting a fundraiser at The McGraw Hill Building 330 West 42nd St. 33rd floor Penthouse on Tuesday October 23, 2007 7:00PM to 9:00PM. Tickets are available for a $25.00 donation. Use the donate button (lower down on the right side of page) and we will place you on our paid guest list or call 866 249-2437 and leave a message with your contact information. You can also email us at: curaterra@aol.com.

The Seeds of LDT

Although newly incorporated, the seeds for LDT have been planted 30-plus years ago. As a solo artist, Ms. Sint Jago, has received scholarships, grants, taught, volunteered, led dance workshops, choreographed and performed nationally and internationally. Her choreographies usually deal with themes from the Caribbean, African and African American's rich history and culture through dance, music, song, art, drama and poetry. Ms. Sint Jago yearned to formalize a forum where the lack, the "black hole" of her colonial upbringing on the island of Curacao can be satisfied through multi-media productions. This lack or deficiency consisted of historical and cultural vagueness, emptiness, often untruths that resulted in numerous unanswered questions and confusion for which she embarked on a continuous search for clarification. The population she worked with was a variety of age groups, professionals and non- professionals. Some of the organizations she worked with are: Arts Connection, Bronx Council on the Arts, Hospital Audiences Inc. (HAI), Department of Parks and Recreation, Young Audiences, Prins Bernhard Foundation, Service to the Aging, Northside Center for Child Developement.

Her works have been performed at the La Mama Theater, La Mama Annex, The Asian Society, 92 Street Y, The Evolving Theater, The Billie Holiday Theater, the HAI headquarters, in Barbados, Centro Pro Arte, De Tempel and Sentro di Kultura (Curacao), Cultural Centers Theaters (Aruba and Bonaire), Utrechtse Stadschouwburg (Holland) and at different High Schools and hospitals' auditoriums.

by Myrena Sint Jago President & Artistic Director
Liberata Dance Theatre 7/7/07

LDT Welcomes Izaline Callister to New York

Izaline Callister masterfully weaves together the traditional music of her native island, Curacao with Afro-Latin sounds and jazz. Influences from Africa, Europe and more recently America, have spawned an electrifying new cocktail that ranges from vibrant lust to darkest melancholy. Izaline Callister's performances as a barefoot diva with real stage presence are unforgettable. Her compelling, multi-faceted voice - whether in ballads or in lively songs - cannot fail to touch anyone who appreciates great vocal music.

The Beat hailed Izaline Callister as one of the "irresistable divas of the Caribbean."

In fliers currently being distributed, the Antillean / Aruban Cultural Affairs Association, Inc. also welcomes Izaline Callister to New York City.

Izaline Callister will be performing with her band, including legendary percussionist
Pernell Saturnino in New York City.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007
at 7:30PM

Joe's Pub at the Public Theater
425 Lafayette Street, NYC NY. 10003, Manhattan, NY
(click here for map - btwn East 4th Street and Astor Place East Vilage)

Admission: $15.00 at the door
Click here to Purchase tickets online

Driections: #6 train to Astor Place at Lafayette Street and 4th Avenue or N / R / W trains to 8th Street New York University & Broadway (walk one block over to Lafayette St.

View video of Izaline Callister LIVE in Mexico

Free Money For College All Year Round

"Paying for College Student Resource Guide" is a phenomenal resource for finding college scholarship money, published Courtesy of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. It is updated once a year. This is a very cool resource, because it lists scholarships, internships, fellowships, books, and websites. It even provides the the listings by Monthly deadlines. This is an invaluable tool for planning a year round strategy to apply for "free college money"

On pages 5, 20 and 30 are opportunites to apply for funding, if you are a student interested in pursuing theater or drama arts related curriculums.

Read more . . .

Networking For Success at ETP Network Event

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sam Sherrod - Media Relations
Tel: 866-249-2437




"ETP Network Social defines the true art of Networking"

New York, NY, March 30, 2007: An excellent networking social was hosted by ETP Network at Mustang Harrys on March 28, 2007. In attendance was Liberata Dance Theatre (LDT) board members, Sam Sherrod and Carl E. Reid. Accompanying the board members was LDT business advisor, Phyllis Shelton, who is also CEO & Founder of iPower Global Solutions and event planner for ETP Network.

Mike Canfora, ETP Network Event Coordinator, greeted attendees with a friendly smile and made cordial introductions, while registering everyone. "Despite some career challenges, my association with ETP Network and attending the early morning Career Boot Camp conference calls with Rod Colon has had a huge impact in keeping me motivated during my career transition" stated Mike Canfora.

Rod Colon, CEO & Founder of ETP Network, extended a warm welcome to each of the 35 people in attendance. Rod set the stage for this awesome event with his introductory statement "ETP Network was established as a unique family type organization that provides 1,200 active members with access to 10,000 global contacts who sincerely support each other's success through reciprocity based networking exchanges of business opportunities".

This was a very cool event. I plan to share this with other people who may benefit from future ETP Network events" stated Sam Sherrod, Co-Founder & Treasurer of Liberata Dance Theatre.

Guest speaker Carl E. Reid, CEO & Founder of NetTECH Systems Reid & Associates, Inc. and publisher of Savvy Intrapreneur, opened with a jaw dropping statement "Networking does not work". After what seemed to be the longest deafening pause, which allowed attendees to catch their breath, Mr. Reid proceeded to edify ETP Network by reinforcing its principles of how successful networkers really achieve success through reciprocal networking. "Networking will only work successfully for people who become selfless by being more interested in what other people want, instead of being selfish in pushing our own business agendas", is what Carl expounded on throughout his well received presentation.

Frank Mannarino, CEO & Founder of Emoshuns.com emphatically stated " I walked away from this event a with a better perspective on how to properly network. I learned that my business can grow faster by being more interested in helping people succeed in their business, instead of focusing on my immediate business goals".

As the event came to a close, all attendees displayed a new found excitement in continuing their "helping" conversations. "It's an honor to be part of ETP Network. The atmosphere at this event was electric in seeing seasoned ETP Network members reaching out to new members and making first time networkers feel comfortable" stated Phyllis Shelton, CEO & Founder of iPower Global Solutions.

Liberata DT Expands into Gambia

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sam Sherrod - Media Relations
Tel: 866-249-2437
"New York City theatre company goes global by reaffirming its community programs in Africa"
New York, NY, February 15, 2007: Liberata Dance Theatre board members Myrena Sint jago and Sam Sherrod leave today from New York City for a 1 week program expansion in Gambia. They will be meeting with Liberata Dance Theatre international advisor Jalika Suso.

Known officially as "The Gambia", it gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then.

Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections, including most recently in late 2006.

Public Service Announcement: DST Starts March 11, 2007

No your eyes are not playing tricks on you. March 11, 2007 starts daylights savings time a few weeks early.

On Monday August 8, 2005 President Bush signed into law a broad energy bill (Energy Policy Act of 2005) that will extend Daylight Saving Time by four weeks in 2007. Read more . . .

HSA Presents a Play Within a Play

New York, NY, February 2, 2007: Some members of the Liberata Dance Theatre (LDT) board had the opportunity to attend the sneak preview of a new Off Broadway play "Marat/Sade". Despite the steady down pour of cold rain, it was a standing room only, packed house for this provocative theatrical performance. In attendance was LDT board member Carl E.Reid and LDT business advisor Phyllis Shelton, who is CEO of the public relations company iPower Global Solutions, along with Noel Reid, CEO of the premiere New York City classic car dealership TNTGotCars.com, who was also accompanied by his wife Brenda Reid.

Housed inside the Harlem School of the Arts the play was presented by the Classical Theatre of Harlem. A revival of Peter Weiss's play, it is Directed by Christopher McElroen. "Marat/Sade" previously won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1966.

Set inside the backdrop of an insane asylum, "Marat/Sade" is almost entirely a play within a play set after the French Revolution. The main story takes place on July 13th, 1808 after the French Revolution; however, the play directed by the Marquis de Sade within the story takes place during the revolution, in the middle of 1793, culminating with the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat (which took place on July 13th, 1793).

"This thought provoking play challenges all the senses. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire performance." said Carl E. Reid, CEO of NetTECH Systems and publisher of the Savvy Intrapreneur newsletter.

The audience is immediately drawn into this well acted play, as the seats are placed within the asylum. There is an almost an eerie feeling the audience cannot escape until the asylum guards release them. From beginning to end the entire cast engages the audience to pay attention and question democracy as a way of governing people. The play touches on the reasoning of war, can one person alone make changes to their world and what is the affect on the disproportional distribution of wealth among people. Who is really in charge in governing people?

This play is definitely a very different "must see" theatrical performance.

Marat/Sade opens February 15 to March 11, 2007
Tickets can be purchased through NYTheatre.com.

Bon Bini - Welcome

As Executive Director, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Liberata Dance Theatre, Myrena Sint jago-Sherrod projects much enthusiasm in educating people of the little known culture in the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) located in the Caribbean Sea. Many of the theatrical performances presented by Liberata Dance Theatre originate from Myrena's experiences growing up in in her home country of Curacao.

An essential part of any culture, similar to various regions throughout the United States is language. Papiamentu is predominately a spoken language among the local people of Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba. The official language is Dutch, and the written Papiamentu is limited to some local newspapers and literature. Also the schooling system is Dutch, and people typically don't get any formal training in their language. Read more . . .