In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence, the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) will put on a musical play titled, For the Love of Liberty, at the National Academy for Performing Arts (NAPA) on September 27 for school children at 10:00 am and the general public on September 28 at 7:30 pm. Admission is free.

The new play is written and directed by prolific poet and playwright Eintou Pearl Springer. It explores the events and leading personalities that were part of our first independence celebration and it poses some difficult questions about how successful we are at achieving our independence goals.

According to Springer, “The play seeks to reignite the sense of hope, excitement and love of country, of that era of the birth of our nation. It is filled with the songs, music and movement of our citizens. The play reminds us of the people who were part of that struggle for our Independence. While it celebrates, it asks some hard questions.”

At the play’s premiere held at the National Library on September 8, NALIS’ executive director, Paula Greene said, “We believe that this play will serve to teach our audiences about the important figures of our history.” It is for everyone, our school children, university students, the working class citizen, the politician, and the men and women in the street. As a library network, NALIS has the responsibility not only to support fact, but to do so by promoting, preserving and presenting our national heritage information to our populace. As such, libraries play a fundamental role in society by supporting learning, literacy and education, and by helping to shape the new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society.”

The cast consists of talent of all ages. Roderick Chucky Gordon, two time Calypso Monarch returns to the stage. Keon Francis, best known for his role as Joe Talmana in Kambule is playing the lead. The cast also includes Emmanuel Ansolia, Dara E Healy, Kiah Mulrain and Aquila Mason. Eight year old Zachary Ransome will make his debut supported by eleven year of Zkinga Moses. The musical ensemble is led by the accomplished Marva Newton and includes master drummer Gerard Hector, pannist Jamal Glynn, flautist Girma Daniel, sitarist Sharda Patasar and bassist Russel Durity. Veteran vocalist Mavis John will also be featured as well as singer Vishala Sewdat.

Dara Healy is lead choreographer for the production with additional choreography by Roopnarine Rampersad and Rajesh Seenath. Dancers include Kai Nicholas, Shaniah Garib and Sunil Ramnath. The backdrop for the play is designed by noted sculptor Sherlann Peters.

For the Love of Liberty is sponsored by the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), Trinre Insurance and the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC). Other partners include the Office of the Prime Minister - Communications, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts.

Tickets for the September 28 performance are available at NAPA’s Box Office. Bookings for the Children’s matinee are to be made by emailing the Public Relations and Marketing Department of NALIS at pr.marketing@nalis.gov.tt.

Two time Calypso Monarch returns to the stage in the musical play, For the Love of Liberty.

Centre, Keon Francis plays lead actor in the musical play, For the Love of Liberty.

Sitarist, Sharda Patasar, is part of the musical ensemble for the play, For the Love of Liberty.