Brandon Byer- Maloney in ‘A Loyal Citizen’
Dancin’ Africa in the Silent Victim of warfare.
The National Independence Festival of Creative Arts Performing Arts (NIFCA) Finals started on Friday at the Major Noot Hall of the Combermere School. The opening night of this year’s season was entertaining from start to finish.
The cultural extravaganza commenced with two pan selections from the Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School. They performed popular tracks ‘Diamond’ by Rihanna and ‘Full Extreme’ by Ultimate Rejects. The young musicians incorporated moves and antics that would rival their more experienced counterparts.
Brandon Byer-Maloney is definitely a star on the rise in the field of drama. His two pieces ‘Glenburnie by Bus’ and ‘A Loyal Citizen’ were well received by the audience. In the latter he personified being the topical pothole and he was convincing in his portrayal of the ire felt towards those who are trying to be rid of him. In one of his many humorous lines he stated, “Paved roads lack character.”
Another comedic presentation came from the Reynold Weekes Primary School with their take on the NSRL tax. They gave varying perspectives on the negative impact being experienced by various sectors of society.
There was a common thread in several of the pieces delivered during the night. Various forms of bullying were addressed. A riveting piece called ‘Poxie Rosie’ was delivered by Mustardseed Productions Inc. The story of being abused by her peers because of her skin condition drew in the audience and its portrayal was so effective there was an eerie element that added scare appeal.
Pollution was another topic which was repeated throughout the course of the night. Pearls Dance Academy depicted the vibrant colours of under the sea and the effects of litter on the delicate ecosystem with “Down Under.” Dancin Africa also touched on it with the “Silent Victim of Warfare”.
Individual musical pieces also came from Jeliyah Boyce with her original song “Keeping My Eyes on You”, Sofia Rossidi with “Sad Song” and Kai Glasby – Millington with “How Far I’ll Go.” A standout vocal performance came from Kaerie Baptiste of Hillaby Turners Hall Primary School in “I Look To You.” Choral performances came from the George Lamming Primary School who were energetic with “How Many More” and “10, 0000 Reasons.”
Award winning group Dancin’ Africa featured prominently on the night. With a fantastic track record in dance they have now made their transition into drama with “All Fall Down” which highlighted various addictions including the more prominent drug addiction. However they also focused on ‘Silent Killers’ like diabetes and hypertension. The group was also spectacular in the Aisha Commissiong choreographed piece “#Lifeinleggings.”The message that women would no longer be victimised was poignantly delivered as the participants literally shed labels of raped and abused to reveal that of survivor which was printed on the shirts they wore.
“Leh we Tek a Picture” by students of Alexandra School tackled the issue of cyber bullying. By its conclusion the resolve was to replace that negativity with positive vibes ensuring that if you didn’t have anything to say you can just say nothing at all.
Other fantastic performances came from Praise Academy of Dance, Ayoka Dance Ensemble, Louise Woodvine Dance Academy, Gentle Steps Academy and Pearls Dance Academy. Kia Downes was also memorable with “Job Interview.”
The evening closed with Dancin’ Africa showcasing their fancy footwork in “Caribbean Rhythms” (ST)