I Hyarima debuts in Port of Spain to rave reviews

The audience comprising First Peoples from all over the world, members of the Diplomatic Corps and local cultural and literary royalty, sat spellbound as the play chronicling the last days of Nepoio warrior Hyarima unfolded. Even when the play came to an end, no one got up from their seat as they applauded the actors and dancers extensively.

‘I, Hyarima', the Eintou Springer play which celebrates the legacy of Nepoio warrior chief Hyarima, debuted last Friday with an entirely new cast at the National Museum and Art Gallery in Port of Spain.

The role of Hyarima was played by Spoken Word Poet and Actor, Muhammad Muwakil, supported on stage by Brendon La Caille of ‘Arts in Action' and veteran actor, Noel Blandin in their roles as Warriors. The play was directed by Eintou herself and stage managed by the highly skilled and experienced Patrick Cambridge.

This is the third year that the play was mounted in honour of Amerindian Heritage Day. In previous years ‘Hyarima' received critical acclaim by patrons and the Amerindian community when the show was performed at the Santa Rosa square in Arima.

The creative team which contributed to the success of ‘Hyarima' in past years was once more on board. Acclaimed choreographer and dancer Allan Balfour lead his team of excellent dancers, while Master Drummer ‘Redman'  provided musical accompaniment supported by Shomari, Ajani and Kayode of the Chibale Drumming Ensemble. Victor Donowa returned as the Sound and Lighting Engineer, and Dara Healy served as the overall manager of the production. The wonderful costumes were created by Ruth Caraballo, while the set was designed and mounted by Cristo Adonis of our local Amerindian community.

The success of the play has led for calls for this historical drama to be shown outside of Amerindian Heritage Week and shared with students and young people throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

We continue to do the work.

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