An explosion of young Caymanian talent recently took centre stage for the annual Talent Xposition of the Arts at the Harquail Theatre.
At the 23rd staging of the event, held on Saturday, 30 June and organised by The New Self-Help Foundation, more than 30 established and up-and-coming artists presented various forms of creativity under the theme ‘Tranquility’ – drama, comedy, dance, singing and other musical performances.
The theatre was filled with families, friends and supporters of local culture and heritage through art who were seen stomping their feet, waving their hands, laughing and cheering throughout the show.
A tropical-themed neo-noir lighting display added to the effects of the two-act showcase.
The crowd erupted with laughter and applause as the Martinez Tribe, a group of talented family members, presented a skit entitled, ‘Reece’, which sent a message, tempered by humour, warning people of the effects of drug use.
For the first time, the showcase featured a collaboration by Centre Pointe and Dreamchasers Cayman. Steel pannist Jimmeh The Boss brought a tropical vibe to the stage with his performance of ‘The Caribbean Breeze’.
The show ended with ‘CP Mash Up’ by Centre Pointe.
This year, proceeds went toward the foundation’s Community Youth Talent Training Programme of the Arts.
“To me art is so important,” J.C. Connor, event organiser and founder and CEO of The New Self-Help Foundation, told the Cayman Compass, adding “you find in the United States that you have dance and the arts become subjects in school”.
Noting that “even [Albert] Einstein was a musician”, he said in the US “they try to [introduce] music [and] dance, because they realise kids involved in the arts are more interested in supporting the community, their attendance in school [would] be a lot better, their attitudes are better, and they are more willing to help. [It] gives them more of a focus [in] life.”
Throughout the years, the foundation has supported organisations such as the NCVO, Lighthouse School, The Pines Retirement Home, Frances Bodden Children’s Home, and George Town Primary School performing arts centre.
Additional reporting by Compass intern Henri Morineau.
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