The National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NDATT) has appointed its two elected Trustees, Triston Wallace and Peter Craig as Executive Custodians of the Association. This strategic move comes in response to the departure of the elected President, Emmanuel Ansolia, who tendered his resignation on May 25th citing personal reasons, and reflects the Executive’s commitment to organizational continuity and transparent stewardship.
Following the vacancy of the Office of the President, the remaining members of the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Trustees, convened two ad hoc meetings to determine the most appropriate course of action. The goal was to ensure that the Association remains stable, functional and transparent in the lead up to its next Biennial General Meeting (BGM), scheduled for November 2025, where all Executive Committee positions will be up for election.
As part of the consideration process, the advice of Internal Auditor, Linda Mentor, was also sought to ensure that the appointment aligned with the Association’s Constitution and principles of good governance. The decision to appoint the Trustees as Executive Custodians was finalized on June 22nd, 2025.
The role of the Executive Custodian is a transitional title, granted to the Trustees, to support the existing Executive Committee in:
- Upholding constitutional governance during the interim period
- Reaffirming the Association’s unwavering commitment to its aims and objectives
- Administering the duties and responsibilities normally assigned to the President
One month after the appointment, the Association reached out to the theatre community for feedback.
Michel Cherrie, renowned Trinbagonian actor and past NDATT Executive Committee member, noted that “there have been periods when the custodianship of the Association has had to move from the Executive Committee to the Trustees,” assuring members there is no need for alarm. “These things happen, and there are systems and procedures in place to facilitate a smooth transition. NDATT has always followed such procedures and continues to do so.
Cherrie also expressed his confidence in the appointed Executive Custodians, describing them as “consistently honourable and focused theatre practitioners,” who have both served on the NDATT Executive. He praised Triston Wallace as “one this country’s top casting directors and talent brokers as well as a consistently solid performer,” and Peter Craig as “one of T&T theatre’s most sought-after lighting designers and dedicated technical directors with many years of service at various theatre spaces and devotion to NDATT’s endeavours.”
Stage Manager, Theatre Arts Teacher, and NDATT Member Kaithlyn De Gazon also voiced her support: “I am truly encouraged by NDATT’s decision to appoint Triston Wallace and Peter Craig as Executive Custodians during this period of transition. I believe Triston’s longstanding dedication to theatre as a choreographer and arts advocate can reflect positively on the Association, and Peter Craig’s extensive backstage and technical experience can move NDATT to a better place. Together, they can guide NDATT forward with transparency and purpose.”
NDATT remains fully operational, and invites their members and stakeholders to stay engaged, support the ongoing initiatives, and be part of this new chapter in the Association’s journey.
Further announcements will be made regarding the BGM timeline and opportunities for members to serve on the next Executive Committee. For updates, find us on Facebook, Instagram and X @iamndatt, or email us at nationaldramatnt@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE NDATT
Incorporated under Act 33 of 1989, (The National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago (Incorporation) Act, 1989), NDATT is a collective of professional and amateur theatre practitioners who are committed to the development of the theatre industry in T&T.
Founded in 1980 by James Lee Wah, NDATT is the first and only statutory body that represents the interest of theatre in T&T. After a seven year hiatus, the NDATT was revitalized in July of 2017 with renewed purpose to the development of theatre in T&T.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 