Four decades ago, two friends and colleagues, Noble Douglas and Tony Hall, embarked upon the groundbreaking task of creating T&T's first children's theatre company. Their foresight led to the establishment of the Lilliput Children's Theatre marks that milestone with its 40th anniversary production, Big, on May 15-17, 2015, at Queen's Hall, St Ann's.
With its signature approach to drama instruction, the company harnesses the performing arts as a medium to help shape and build character while encouraging self-confidence through the challenge of theatre, game play and imagination, a release said."We strive to do this one child at a time," reflected Douglas. "We have succeeded in using culture to build the character of every Lilliputian. No matter their discipline or profession, Lilliputians are excelling in their fields today."
The veteran company is known for staging thought-provoking productions that challenge audiences to countenance alternative political, social and cultural views. Annually, the young thespians are charged with creating and scripting a play from the creative concepts of costume designer, Merylle Mahabir.
In this process, journal writing is used to explore intricate ideas as an integral part of their writing process. Under the direction of Hall, Greer Jones-Woodham, Che Rodriguez, John Isaacs and Wendell Manwarren, Lilliput's past productions have included published plays such as Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Derek Walcott's Ti Jean and His Brothers as well as original productions including the inaugural, Cinderella Strikes Again, Flew and EIEIO Animal Farm.
To date, Eye Eye Eye, which chronicled the plight of street children, remains one of Lilliput's most critically acclaimed and insightful presentations. This year's celebratory production will again challenge audiences as the company looks at the impact of Big issues on the lives of little people.
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Lilliput Children's Theatre's 40th Anniversary Production, Big
Dates: May 15 (7.30 pm), May 16 (5.30 pm) and May 17 (5.30 pm)
Venue: Queen's Hall, St. Ann's, Port of Spain
Tickets: Children and adults, $120
Crosby's Music Centre, St James–622- 7622; Queen's Hall Box Office (from May 11)–624-1284 and Students of Lilliput Children's Theatre.