The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport National Drama Festival has been attracting full support from drama groups and companies throughout the country.
According to a press release, entries for the competition have surpassed the number received in 2011. In the secondary school category 13 entries were received, while the new generation category received 19 entries and the youth and religious groups saw 17 entries. The open category received entries from the likes of Ron Robinson, Ronald Hollingsworth, Ras Leon Saul, Michael James, Jennifer Thomas and Collette Jones-Chin among others.
As part of the festival, two plays were held at the National Cultural Centre from 7 each night from September 21 to 25.
From September 28 to 29 one full length play will be shown each night at the Lichas Hall in Linden starting at 7 each night.
Several plays will be held at the NCC from October 8 to 16 from 7 each night as well. Plays will also be held from 10 am each school day during the period October 12 to 16 the release added.
The grand award ceremony for the festival is scheduled for October 26. Coverage of the entire competition will be done by the National Communication Network (NCN) and will include interviews with writers, directors and actors for the expected production of a 13-part series.
The release also stated that a mentorship programme geared to ensure that the highest standards are met will be in place but will be exclusive to youth groups and secondary schools. It will be run by graduates of the Merundoi, IDB, Commonwealth Youth Programme Drama Course. The festival is fully supported by Digicel, the release said.
