On this last day of 2007, it is a great day to reflect on the wonderful opportunities and blessings bestowed upon our company. In February the artistic Director, Myrena Sint Jago, had a wonderful opportunity to work with a few very dedicated and talented youngsters in the Gambia (West Africa) on a project that relates to an issue that is affecting some African countries.
The arrangements for rehearsals were made with the youngsters who also came prepared to work knowing their lines and ready to dance. The musicians were also excellent.
In October we had our annual benefit fundraiser/performance at the 1199 Union Mc Graw-Hill building in Manhattan. The program consisted of a performance by some of the members of LDT, wine/cheese and networking. See LTD's Fundraising Event article dated Nov.1,2007 for more information and photos. The audience was also able to enjoy visual images of the beginning stages of the company before it became incorporated with performances both in New York City as well as in the Caribbean and Europe; plus the images of classes, workshop/performances in the above mentioned places.
A highlight were the two summer months, July and August spent on the islands of Curacao by Myrena Sint Jago and Samuel Sherrod, her husband and the Secretary of LDT. The following describes some of the activities that took place:
Ms. Sint Jago taught a dance/theater workshop to a multigenerational group, ages 14 to 60 that culminated into a performance on August 27 in the Sentro Kultural Korsou, SKK. (The Cultural Centrum Curacao). The Board of SKK and LDT held some productive meetings and both parties are looking forward to future collaborations in terms of workshops and performances inside the center, the patio and the garden.
Two other centers donated their spaces for rehearsals, both the Buurt Centrum Koraal Specht (Neighborhood Center Koraal Specht for the second consecutive year) and Kas Di Kultura (Home of Culture); actions very much appreciated by LDT.
Three very productive meetings were also held with the LDT advisers in Curacao and the highlight was the decision to formalize the company in Curacao, naming it Liberata Dance Theatre Curacao (or Caribbean) Connection (LDTCC). The principal members were nominated, among them Greta Trapenberg, as the President. She brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned actress and a recently retired primary school Principal with different contacts both in the theater world and the general public that could help LDT with its mission.
Another contact was the Principal of the International High school Curacao, Mr. Sever who also allowed a group of his students to perform in one of LDT's projects; one that deals with the condition of Mother Earth. In this piece the youngsters in a variety of languages voiced their opinions regarding our responsibility for the survival of our planet.
One of our advisors, Jeanne Henriquez brought Ms. Sint Jago in contact with two elders who gave their consent to be video taped for an upcoming project of LDT. They also are willing to perform in future pieces. Ms. Henriquez, a Director of the "Museo Tula" (Tula Museum), also discussed the possibility of LDT performing at her institution.
On the island of Bonaire other opportunities were presented in the form of meetings with two people who are active in the artistic scene; in the community itself and with some local artists.
Like Henk Roozedaal who lives in Bonaire and painted this painting entitled "Zen and the art of snorkeling" 4ft X 4ft Acrylic on marine plywood which is on display in New York at our corporate suite on 34th Street and is for sale by the artist with a portion of the proceeds offered as a donation to Liberata Dance Theatre by the artist. All by all it was a very worthwhile summer with great potentials for LDT, Inc.
“Reclaiming History Reinvigorating Life”
"This project is made possible in part with public funds from The Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and administered by The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council."
