Calypsonians who have chronicled the life, death and legacy of this country's first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams will be prominently featured in Eric-the Musical, at the Little Carib Theatre from February 9-12. Written by Zeno Constance and directed by Victor Edwards, the musical features about 40 calypsoes depicting the different stages of Williams' life, from a historical, sociological and political perspective. Many of the lines have been changed to make them more relevant. Director Edwards said the play, which is one of two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) projects, was done last year, to coincide with the centenary anniversary of Williams' birth. Today's show has been bought out by the People's National Movement (PNM).
"The play uses calypso as a medium through which to tell his story. It starts in 1981, goes back to his childhood, and then comes back to 1981 in his death. The play tries to piece together some of the very important aspects of his life, the Federation, the reclamation of Chaguaramas, the naming of Woodford Square the "People's Parliament," the Black Power Movement, his leaving and coming back," Edwards explained. He said the play haD a two-fold aim, in that it was an education for young people who would come to see the play, because in the Social Studies text, there was only one page dedicated to the man described as The Father of the Nation. Secondly, he said, the merging of the local culture and history was an alternative to the Carnival fetes, and ideal for foreigners who wanted to experience our early history. Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool), the Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), Relator (Willard Harris), De Fosto (Winston Scarborough), Valentino (Emrol Phillip) Calypso Rose (McCartha Lewis), Black Stalin (Leroy Calliste), the late Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts) and Ras Shorty I, are among the calypsonians whose works are being used in the play. Many of the calypsonians have consented to be among the audience on the different days, Alette Liz Williams, a member of the cast said.
Williams said she thought it would be an honour to have them in the audience to show them how relevant their messages still are, and the profound impact they have had on her and all the members of the cast who are 26 and under. "Every cast member who are doing the songs, want the original singer to be in the audience. The guy who is singing Chalkie's songs, had to watch his videos, move like him, embody his entire character. This play and the calypsoes caused me to go and study history, read the autobiography of Lionel Seukeran and read up on the Black Power Revolution. Because of the impact on the members of the cast and the nation as a whole, we thought it fitting to invite them to this show." Williams said, "De Fosto was shocked that we were honouring him. He said people don't really do that for calypsonians." There will be two 10 am shows for schoolchildren only today and tomorrow, and nightly shows at 6 pm.