English Author – Andrew N. Walker, has landed in Trinidad and Tobago for the first reading of his new play; ‘The Silent Drum,’ at the Playwrights Workshop Trinbago’s (PWT) July installment of their Readers Theatre Series 2017. This reading will take place on Wednesday 5th July, 7PM at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop.
The Silent Drum; based on Walker’s novel of the same name, tells the harrowing and poignant story about a girl called Esi Takyiwaa Kwaku, born free into an African Village in Ghana, in 1785, who becomes a victim of the abhorrent trans-Atlantic slave trade and is brought to Trinidad. Esi tells her personal account of the pain and suffering she endures whilst having every part of her human rights stolen from her. Introduced to deceit and betrayal at an early age by those she trusted, Esi uses the knowledge and stealth she was taught as a child to survive her captivity.
In a recent interview with the Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network, when asked why he wanted to adapt his novel into a stage play, Andrew said he believes the unique quality of live theatre would allow the telling of the story in a more personal and compelling way than a novel or film ever can. It is for this reason he says he is coming to Trinidad; to get the support and feedback to tell a more authentic story, as he continues to develop the script.
Tony Hall; the Artistic Director at PWT, said, while the workshop has read work written by foreign playwrights previously, this July installment would be the first time a playwright would visit our shores specifically for the reading of his/her play.
Safaa Niamat-Ali, the coordinator of the New Play Festival; a project under PWT, was heartened that Andrew recognized the need for playwrights to being present to hear their play read, as an important part of the process as they develop a new script for the stage. For PWT she says, Andrew’s visit removes a barrier they thought existed, and gives them the opportunity to work more intimately with playwrights globally.
This month’s instalment of the Readers Theatre Series 2017 will be held on Wednesday 5th July 7PM at Trinidad Theatre Workshop, Cor. Jerningham Avenue and Norfolk Street, Belmont.
Local Actress – Jillia Cato has been slated to read the part of Esi. Seasoned and aspiring actors, as well as the general public are invited to attend.
For further information call (868) 351-6293; or email: playwrightsworkshoptt@gmail.com, or find Playwrights Workshop Trinbago on facebook.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 