![Image: The theme of reconciliation between the La Rose and La Marguerite societies was emphasized when Jomo’s mother accepts a rose from the La Rose society. [PHOTO: Stan Bishop]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/The-theme-of-reconciliation.jpg)
![Image: The theme of reconciliation between the La Rose and La Marguerite societies was emphasized when Jomo’s mother accepts a rose from the La Rose society. [PHOTO: Stan Bishop]](https://www.thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/The-theme-of-reconciliation.jpg)
The play was written by the participants from the creative writing workshop organized by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) in March and April this year. That workshop, facilitated by Kentillia Louis, saw just over a dozen participants learning various elements of creative writing and implementing them in a final project.
During the nine-day workshop, participants, including calypso monarch, Menell, and other adults, as well as young students studying theatre arts, got the chance to develop their writing skills collaboratively while drafting the script for “Journey To Full Bloom”.
The YSAP organized under CDF’s Summer of the Arts (SOTA) programme that began on July 21, comprised students from primary and secondary schools who spent the first two days involved in team competitions, the next two weeks in workshop sessions on the performing and technical arts, and the final four weeks in auditions, rehearsals and preparations for the staging of the play.
The play is based on lead characters, Jomo and Rose, two youngsters from different flower societies. Jomo’s mother is a Mama Marguerite while Rose’s family members are from the La Rose society. After showing no interest in either flower society, Jomo opts to join the La Rose society after being attracted by Rose, the La Rose princess, and conflicts arise.
During Wednesday’s premiere of the play, the students received resounding rounds of applause from the large audience that included parents. Even CDF officials expressed their amazement that the youngsters were able to deliver their parts with a high degree of confidence.
The students also received prizes for displaying good behavioUr, including Best Team, Best Team Leader and Most Affable Participant.
With the La Rose festival currently in the air, “Journey To Full Bloom” served to reinforce in youngsters the important values to be learned from joining the flower societies, including discipline and an understanding of one of the island’s most renowned pastimes.