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Lilliput
Theatre Calls Us To Introspection
April 28, 2008 – Port of Spain, Trinidad… Lilliput Theatre will premiere its interpretation of The Emperor’s New Clothes at Queen’s Hall beginning Friday May 16, 2008 and running throughout the weekend. In their re-presentation of this classic tale, the young thespians emphasise the relevance of the tale’s metaphor to Trinidad and Tobago’s present political and societal landscape. This year, Trinidad and Tobago’s political environment deeply inspired the artist and designer, Merylle Mahabir, in her conceptualisation of the theme for Lilliput’s 2008 thought-provoking production. “The original story echoes what is going on in the country. I wanted to do something that highlights the complicity and the follow-fashion mentality of the people not just ‘The Emperor’ in the big con. It seemed really apt and inevitable that we do this,” muses the artist. The Lilliputians were charged with creating theatre out of Mahabir’s conceptual designs which first came to life in the streets during Lilliput’s 2008 Junior Carnival portrayal.
Lilliput Theatre teaches theatre to children aged 7 to 18 and dance to children aged 3 to 18. It was founded in 1975 and encourages self-confidence through the challenge of theatre, game play and imagination. The theatre’s production team is led by the founder, artistic director, producer and choreographer, Noble Douglas and the director, Wendell Manwarren. Juxtaposing
rising concerns for indiscriminate government spending with growing complacency
in society, Lilliput’s 2008 production is well timed. In the words of the
director, “In signature Lilliputian style, the play is not for those who
want all the answers…rather it stimulates one to think and read between the
lines.” WHAT: The Emperor’s
New Clothes |
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Children’s
Theatre Company Premieres Its Interpretation Of The Emperor’s New Clothes
Mahabir’s
desire to make her art socially and environmentally conscious led her to look
back to traditional costume design. In the costuming there are historical references
from very different periods combined with influences from Trinidad and Tobago’s
traditional mas characters. The designer created fancy yet economic costumes reflecting
those of the Pierrot, Dames, Baby Dolls, Saga Boys, Devils and Imps. “There
is a kind of not-quite-covered-up feeling although they dress to impress. Between
the loosely spaced strips of fabric, one can see their 'underwear'. Their real
story,” she says.