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The Melody of STEEL
Written by : Adanna Austin
Location : Trinidad & Tobago
Posted : Sep 19, 2005 : 9:41:00 PM |
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The world premier of STEEL at Queens Hall in Trinidad can only be classified as an explosion of talent, history and mastery in a must-see production. Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott and Tony Award-winning Galt Mc Dermott have done a splendid job in their musical direction and production of STEEL.
Performed by an ensemble of veteran performers including Albert La Veau and Mavis John, the stage was also graced by new faces from Trinidad and Tobago, which once again proves that if there's one thing Trinidad and Tobago is not lacking it's talent.
Set in the panyard of the Belmont-based Bandidos, STEEL was an exceptional depiction of life in Belmont after the war and how pan was able to unite a family, as well as a community struggling to find its own voice. Characters move across the stage with stealthy grace as they perform each number. La Veau, who plays the lead character, the Mighty Growler, took control of his performance with a majesty and sophistication that befits any talented actor.
The voices of the other central characters - Bones, Reds, Zora and Scholarship, to name but a few - commanded attention and took you on a journey through the streets of Belmont, across the country to Tableland down South, and even as far as the USA. STEEL was a love story, a battle and a victory that dealt with the life, death and rebirth of a community.
Despite a few mishaps such as dancers failing to maintain their balance and lines in some songs seeming too long to fit the music, as an avid theatregoer and supporter of all that is Trinidadian, and most importantly West Indian, I give it two thumbs up. STEEL ran from September 12-18 at Queen’s Hall in Trinidad. |
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