Xtra: Read the CaribiaDigest.com article on the Strolling Players!
     
     (March 15, 2004, Trinidad & Tobago): A letter from the Trinidad and Tobago Folk Arts Institute based in New York has informed me that I was selected with two other Trinidadians to receive the Institute's premier award - the Citation of Merit. The letter reads in part
     
     "The Board of Governors of the Institute has decided that you should be so honoured obviously because of the massive and enduring contribution you have made in the field of drama in Trinidad and Tobago. It is our hope you will be able to join us as we celebrate your work, when the banquet is held on Saturday evening, April 24,2004 here in New York"
     
     The letter goes on to mention some of previous recipients such as Beryl Mc Burnie, Dr. J.D. Elder, Lord Kitchener, Bob Gittens, Emory Cook, Ellie Mannette, Stephen Lee Heung, Julia Edwards, Joey Lewis, Shadow, Winsford Devine and many more.
     
     To me, the award is really for each and every member of the Strolling Players and I must say a BIG THANK YOU.I could not have done it without you. We need to work together on this unique mission to take drama by the people, to the people at a price to suit their pockets.
     
     PERFORMANCES - 2004
     
     CUNUPIA: "Zingay" only. High School on Friday 6th February 2004 at 1.30 pm.
     
     La HORQUETTA: "Zingay", "Inside Out" "20 and Under" at the Regional Complex- next to the Police Station, Arima.Sat. 7th Feb. 2004 at 4.30 pm.
     
     SAMARRO VILLAGE: "Inside Out" only. Church of God auditorium for the Santa RosaLions' Club on Sunday 5thMay at 5.00 pm.
     
     TUMPUNA: "Zingay","Mamaguy", "Police Woman Wanted" at the Presbyterian School, Corner of C.R.Highway and Tumpuna Road. Arima. Saturday 29th May at 5,00 pm.
     
     WE CRUCIFY HIM
     
     All performances begin at 6.00 pm.
     
     PENAL..................Tabernacle of Prayer, Rock Road, Saturday 28th February
     
     ARIMA...................Holy Cross College, Calvary Hill. Sunday 29th February.
     
     TACARIGUA........Presbyterian Church, Eastern Main Road. Saturday 6th March.
     
     MALABAR................Roman Catholic Church. Sunday 7th March.
     
     St. JAMES................St.Agnes Anglican Church. Saturday 13th March.
     
     SAN FERNANDO.......St. Paul's Anglican Church. Sunday 14th March.
     
     BELMONT...........Providence Girls' Secondary School. Saturday 27th March.
     
     St.JOSEPH.................St.Joseph's Convent. Sunday 28th March.
     
     HERMITAGE...............Presbyterian Church. Saturday 3rd April
     
     FYZABAD...................Presbyterian Church. Palm Sunday 4th April.
     
     THREE PLAYS at CITY HALL
     
     'Beulah' - Born 1974...Still going strong in 2004.See Shirley King as "Beulah" in "Police Woman Wanted" - written and directed by Freddie Kissoon. Plus "Inside Out - The Mad House" - written and directed by Azard Daniel and "The People" - written by Dorothy Jolly and directed by Simon Bedasie at the City Hall on Thursday 18th, Friday. 19th and Saturday 20th March 2004 at 8.30 pm. Admission $10.00 for any seat - house or balcony.
     
     To date The Strolling Players have staged 111 plays, 2136.
     
     Courtesy of the National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago
     Veronica Collens
     (NDATT) Secretariat
     Web Site: http://drama.wow.net/
     Tel: (868) 623 9232