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.