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NDTC dedicates Easter Sunday to Sheila Barnett, Anthony Locke

Published:Wednesday | April 20, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Dancers light up the stage during the 1974 performance of 'The Rope and the Cross', choreographed by Sheila Barnett. - Contributed
Sheila Barnett performs in the 1974 production of 'The Rope and the Cross'.
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The now traditional sunrise act of worship, Morning of Movement and Music, hosted annually by the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) continues at the Little Theatre in Kingston, on Easter Sunday.

Artistic Director Barry Moncrieffe has informed that this year's performance is dedicated to two NDTC veterans: founding member, choreographer and dancer, Sheila Barnett, and stage manager, Anthony Locke, who passed away earlier this year.

Under the direction of Moncrieffe and the musical director, Marjorie Whylie, the company will present a number of new and remounted dance works as well as a feast of spiritual musical selections.

Choreographers whose works will be performed include the company's late co-founder and artistic director, Professor, the Honourable Rex Nettleford; founding member, Bert Rose, Gene Carson, as well as new generation choreographers, Christopher Walker, Marlon Simms, Kevin Moore, Patrick Earle and Phillip Earle.

'Rope and the Cross'

According to the artistic director, an excerpt from Sheila Barnett's 1974 duet 'Rope and the Cross' will be performed by Keita-Marie Chamberlain and Tamara Noel in honour of the late choreographer.

In addition, the 1999 solo 'Freedom', co-created by former principal dancers Monika Lawrence and Patsy Ricketts, will be done in tribute to Anthony Locke and performed by Marisa Benain.

The musical director will lead the NDTC Singers and orchestra in her own compositions, including Alleluia and The Jesus Suite, and has advised that the music for this year's performance reflects those used in traditional and modern worship in the Caribbean, North and South America as well as Ireland and South Africa.

Among them are Stephen Swatrchz's When You Believe, with soloists Carole Reid and Conrod Hall; and Whylie's River of Peace, with soloist Earle Brown.

The programme closes with Whylie's Lord's Prayer and Noel Dexter's Psalm 150.

Praise songs and spiritual music presented in dance works include Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach, Amazing Grace by Sandi Patti as well as Oh Give Thanks by Jamaican Gospel artiste, Carlene Davis.

The Morning of Movement and Music will begin promptly at 6 a.m. Patrons are requested to be in their seats by 5:45 a.m.