[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E561-E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF CARIBBEAN THEATRE WEEK APRIL 5-12, 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the inaugural 
celebration of Caribbean Theatre Week. This unique week was made 
possible through the diligent efforts of persons at the Daily 
Challenge, and WLIB Radio, special community leaders and performers who 
have tirelessly committed themselves to developing events that 
celebrate the entire spectrum of Caribbean creativity. Caribbean 
Theatre Week, which will be held in New York on April 5-12, 1998, is a 
magnificent forum for presenting the significant artistic contributions 
made by Caribbean performers.
  In reviewing the history of the Caribbean, one can ascertain the 
importance of theatrical production in the Caribbean region. The advent 
of the Caribbean theatre contributed to the increase in national 
independence in the Caribbean islands. The theatre often served as a 
powerful tool for political communication that both defined and 
reflected the island's culture and identity.
  Caribbean Theatre Week is the brainchild of Mr. Dawad Philip, a poet, 
artist, and editor of

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the Daily Challenge in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Philip and other 
organizers had the vision to develop an annual arts performance week 
that would bring a sharper focus on the depth and scope of this 
burgeoning theatre movement. They hope to bring the natural beauty of 
the Caribbean islands and the rich variety of cultures in the Caribbean 
islands to the theatre audience.
  The event was developed more than two months ago with just one event. 
Caribbean Theatre Week developed a momentum of its own, resulting in a 
week of culture-driven events and activities. WLIB Radio and the Daily 
Challenge have convened an impressive gathering of Caribbean 
playwrights, actors, producers, writers, and performance artists--
representing the English, French and Spanish Caribbean--to help 
celebrate the week-long series of events. Such a fascinating spectrum 
of the arts and theater during Caribbean Theatre Week will help the 
residents of New York deepen their appreciation for the vitality of the 
Caribbean island traditions.
  The organizers of the event have created a multi-dimensional showcase 
of Caribbean culture. Caribbean Threatre Week will showcase a 
Children's Storytelling Festival, Oral Folk Tradition, a Poetry 
Festival and poetry reading, a celebration of Caribbean dance, a 
symposium examining the state of Caribbean theater in New York, and 
Caribbean Street Theatre. The event will conclude with the grand 
finale, the New York Premiere of ``Jean and Dinah,'' performed by the 
Lord Street Theatre Company of Trinidad and Tobago.
  As we approach the new millieum, the ties that bind nations globally 
are becoming more apparent. Evens such as Caribbean Theatre Week serve 
as the perfect vehicle to understand and embrace the various cultures 
of the world. I applaud Mr. Dawad Philip, WLIB Radio and other 
organizers of Caribbean Theatre Week for celebrating the beauty, 
culture, warmth, and diversity of the Islands and its people. I also 
salute the artists and performers; their work exemplifies the wide 
range of talent in the Caribbean community.

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