Students and alumni of the University College of the Cayman Islands’ performing arts programme brought a cultural experience to local audiences during the two-night ‘Culturama’ showcase, held 18-19 May, at the Harquail Theatre.
In collaboration with the National Cultural Foundation, more than 50 performers, including UCCI’s dance company, choir and Pandemix steel pan band, graced the stage, presenting a wide variety of themes, expressions and genres through music, song and dance.
MoniKa Lawrence, a UCCI associate professor, artistic director and choreographer, praised the performances by the students and the alumni who returned to take part in the event.
“It is rewarding to see the advancement of students and alumni … especially to the dance department,” she said.
Among attendees were Governor Jane Owen, UCCI faculty and staff, and parents, seen grooving, cheering and applauding as dancers leapt across the stage during the three-hour showcase.
Attendees were moved to give standing ovations to a number of the presentations, including Joshua McLean’s riveting performance of ‘Moments’, a reflective exploration of solitude and the human need for connection; Renee McDonald’s choreographed dance of ‘The Vow’ featuring dancers Brian Watler Jr., Megan Hurlston and Saunite Kelly; and Iyanla Powell’s operatic solo performance.
“Although the show was three hours, nobody really left. … The audience didn’t notice because new things kept coming at them … new ideas, new things and not just movement for movement’s sake,” Lawrence said.
“I have never seen it in that people were given standing ovations in the middle of the show.”
The evening also featured special contributors including Randy Chollette, Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette, Rex Nettleford, Jackie Balls, Nicole Durrant, Jevaughnie Ebanks and Roy Bodden, the man behind the vision for the institution’s performing arts programme.
Nine of the presented works were new to the show. Only two items were repeated from last year’s showcase.
The showcase also recognised contributors for their instrumental work with the programme, including Pat Ebanks and Pearinder Foundation.