Dramacan Talent House is a theatrical and multimedia production firm with a diverse and dynamic portfolio of work centered around drama, from the creation of plays, public service announcements, and knowledge-sharing events to talent management and casting services. The company’s core membership consists of individuals who are dedicated to mastering the art of theater and performance, which also makes them available for creative initiatives and casting calls.
They recently published “The Gwo Pwel Rehabilitation Centre,” a three-part stage drama that was presented as part of the Nobel Laureate Festival in 2020, 2021, and 2023. School engagement is another aspect of their work and focus; they specifically work with CSEC Theatre Arts students to develop their capacity and offer apprenticeship opportunities. Their ultimate goal is to inspire a profound awareness and admiration of the transformative potential of theater and artistic expression in Saint Lucia. Its name is a clear statement of its purpose and objectives: theater has the power to transform lives, inspire change, and promote personal growth, development, and discovery. Dramacan Talent House is a multifaceted organization that aims to increase theater’s national profile.
The company submitted an application for the Commonwealth Foundation’s 2024 Creative Grants – Caribbean Region funding call. The goal of the Commonwealth Foundation’s creative grants program is to increase the ability of individuals and cultural organizations to advocate for change and hone their creative abilities. In keeping with the concept of freedom of expression, Dramacan Talent House won its bid with “The Daily Piper – A Freedom Project.”
The Daily Piper Project Brief
“The Daily Piper – A Freedom Project” is a capacity building, storytelling project which artistically captures the question – whats that one thing you cannot forget? It will witness the creation of short plays that depict significant national concerns and their theatrical presentation. Resource staff will be hired along the way to instruct members and the public in playback theater, playwriting, and basic performing methods. In the end, the work produced by this initiative will initiate crucial conversations regarding themes of crime, education, climate justice, and freedom of expression. It is anticipated that participants will develop a profound understanding of the craft and utilize the instruction to support their personal endeavors and goals. This initiative, which is rooted on the principles of free speech and expression, will empower our members via performance and training while showcasing lesser-known tales of Saint Lucia.
Dramacan recently held a school engagement tour called “Level Up! No Bully Business!” to wrap up Phase One of the Daily Piper Project. On December 5 and 6, 2024, at Beanfield Secondary School and Clendon Mason Memorial Secondary School, respectively. The trip featured a workshop with CSEC theater arts students and the replay Level Up showcase.
Andre Dillon of Drama Making a Difference (DMAD) Trinidad and Tobago led the workshop, which focused on the principles of performance and improvisation. All students in Districts 5 and 6 were invited to participate in the Level Up No Bully Business show. Mr. Dillon, who conducted the show, did an excellent job of relating to and interacting with the students, drawing out their emotions and anecdotes for the actors to improvise and perform. Top-tier local artists made appearances on both days, and the show ended spectacularly. In an effort to reach and influence even more students, the Level Up No Bully Business school tour is continuing into the new year.
Ezra, Subance, Sly, Arthur, Donaton, D.J Woody, and Teddyson John deserve special recognition for their contributions to the programme’s popularity. We also want to express our gratitude to our sponsors and partners, which include the Commonwealth Foundation, the Department of Creative Industries, the Minister of Education, the National Youth Council, KFC, Sandals Grande, Massy Stores, True Value Building & Hardware Supplies Limited. A special thank you to the educators and school officials who still support Dramacan’s work in their respective venues. Mrs. Danielle Evans, the theater arts teacher at Beanfield Secondary School, has been an enthusiastic supporter from our inception. Without the collective support, this endeavor would not be feasible.
Looking ahead, The Daily Piper Freedom Project will continue until May 2025, with a focus on community engagement and playback events.