Philipsburg:--- The fundraiser for Imbali Center for Creative Movement, which is spearheaded by Lady Ruby Bute, has been moved to the Belair Community Center.The production entitled "St. Martin for Thee I Weep..." was organized in efforts to replace instruments and materials stolen from Imbali Center for Creative Movement in two recent robberies and is now scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at 7pm, this according to Imbali Founder and Director Clara Reyes.
Reyes explained that the event had initially been scheduled for September 10th at the Silk Cotton Grove Gallery in Friars Bay, but due to the passing of Tropical Storm Maria had been postponed. She said that after the postponement Lorraine Lopez, Director of the Belair Community Center had stepped in and made the new venue available for use.
"After they heard about the robberies and then the delay of the production they decided to allow us to use their space free of charge. This is a beautiful gesture and I we are deeply appreciative of this," Reyes said.
Reyes said that while the venue and date had changed, all else remained the same; including the list of artists scheduled to perform. Artists on the line-up are Lady Ruby Bute, Isidore "The Mighty Dow" York, Fred York and Alex Jack of Mosaic, Rita Bourne, Jacky Nicholson, Stacy Roberts, Stacy-Ann Taylor, Thierry Gombs, Romeric Benjamin, Brandon Davis, Tyrone Phelipa, Aparna Samaga, Lena Browne, Mansoura, Motiance Dance School, HOT Dancers, Lucinda "La Rich" Audain, Lysanne Charles, Stephan "Stretch" Rodney and many, many other singers, dancers, poets and artists. The show will also start with a fashion show by local entrepreneur Marilyna Boston.
Reyes said that the support of the St. Maarten artist community had been tremendous and that those attending could expect a dynamic, entertaining, jam-packed two hours of activity.
Tickets are $10 for both adults and children and are available at the venue (Belair Community Center) an hour before start time and also at Pete's Photos, Candy Man, Van Dorp-Simpson Bay and Madame Estate, Imbali Center for Creative Movement and from cast members.
"This production is special, because it really illustrates how local artists can come together for a cause. The break in and robberies at the John Larmonie Center were really shocking to us, because we feel like our youth and our elderly were targeted and we feel like something real is being lost on our island. The arts is one way to speak to this and sort of pull everyone together in this vein. So we are encouraging everyone to come out and support this endeavour so that we can replace our materials and also send a strong message to those hell bent on destroying our sense of community," Reyes said.
