Performing Arts on Show at EMCVPA

Kingston, Jamaica – March 11, 2019: 1 Arthur Wint Drive will be a buzz this weekend with Music, Dance and Drama as the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts showcase its rich talent with students and faculty alike. All three performing schools will be showcasing their talents with The School of Dance 23rd Season of DanceWorks; The School of Drama production ‘Shango’ – Tales of the Orishas’; and School of Music Parallel Paradox Faculty Recital.

The School of Dance will open its 23rd Season of DanceWorks on Thursday March 14, 2019 at 7 pm in the Bert Rose Studio Theatre. This season of Danceworks will be performed under the theme ‘Make your Move: Transform the world’. DanceWorks is the performing corps of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance. DanceWorks has been affording students with the opportunity to hone their skills in production and performance while on and off stage over the years. As a student-runned organization, it creates an avenue for young dance artists and educators to excel through leadership training and community connection in and through the arts. This season of Danceworks will feature pieces by two international guest choreographer, Jamie Thompson; and Mackenson Blanchard. Danceworks run from March 14 & 15 at 7:00 p.m. and March 17 at 5:00 pm. Tickets cost $1500.

The School of Drama will open its first production for semester two with the play ‘Shango’ – Tales of the Orishas’ on Friday March 15 at 7:00 p.m in the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre. The play tells a story of Shango, and his life as he grew up with Obatala, his father and Odudua, his mother and the hardships he faced. It will be set and performed in such a way as to create a parallel connection between the Orishas struggles and the enslavement of African people. The production will feature excerpts from ‘Tales of Orishas – Wippler Gonzales; ‘Shango de Ima’ – Pepe Carril; ‘Drums and Colours’ – Derek Walcott; & ‘An Echo in the Bone’ – Dennis Scott. The production will run for two weekends on March 15, 17 and 21 – 24. For bookings and ticketing information please call 876-968-0028. Tickets cost $1500.

The School of Music will serenade us on Sunday March 17th with Parallel Paradox Faculty Recital. The show will feature a fusion of genres with an aim to showcase the artistic skills, knowledge and creativity of our faculty. It promises to be an entertaining and memorable evening with performances from Michael ‘Ibo” Cooper, Derrick ‘Stewie’ Stewart, Trevelle Clarke, Rafael Salazar just to name a few. Come prepared to get energized and rejuvenated for the week ahead with dynamic and mesmerizing performances. The show will take place in the Vera Moody Concert Hall at 5:00 p.m. Tickets cost $1500.

You are encouraged to come out and lend your support to the growth and development of the performing arts as all proceeds will go towards improving students practise facilities. For more information please contact Coleen Douglas at 876-468-5409 or the marketing and communications department at 876-619-3362 ext 2161-2.

The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has been through several stages in its evolution. The four Schools—Drama, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts—started out at different locations in Kingston. Two of the Schools, namely the School of Art and the School of Music, are historic because of their establishment in 1951 and 1961 respectively, before the island gained its independence from Britain in 1962.