Hairoun Theatre marks 13 years

Culture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines got a welcomed boost with the formation of Hairoun Theatre Company on September 4, 1993. It came at a time when Vincentians hungered for the arts, in whatever form, and also at a time when the stage at the Peace Memorial Hall, the island’s lone performing arts centre, lay bare. Hairoun Theatre’s entrance therefore on the Vincentian stage, was as dramatic as it was refreshing.

The group makes every effort to infuse very potent aspects of local society into its presentations, which make them remarkable, and a strong promoter of national identity of which Vincentians are justly proud.{{more}}

Their productions are not just a rehash of the ‘goings on’ in the community. They have sought to put a focus on the need for change, and more important, they bring to the fore certain mechanisms of achieving that goal. And they do so with an exciting multi-talented cast.

Hairoun Theatre’s mixture of traditional song and dance is pivotal in their attempt to mirror Vincentian culture in all its richness. They have incorporated every aspect of culture in their productions and reintroduced many traditional dances, rhymes and ring games on stage.

A Hairoun Theatre production is never without humour, and never without its social content, the burning societal issues, the latest “commess” in skit, and good “ole” time folk songs. And most of the productions have had to be repeated in response to popular requests from the general public.

In the history of the performing arts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hairoun Theatre Company is the very first group, which has succeeded in projecting several different areas of theatrical work in many of their presentations. Additionally, their appearances on video and television, coupled with their radio presentations, have all combined to identify its members as part of a very outstanding group.

In 13 years of existence, the achievement of this group is commendable: National Drama Champions, gold medals in the National Dance and Music Festivals, 237 performances to date, 38 productions, shows in rural towns and villages, the Grenadines, eight Caribbean countries, England and the United States.

The group has also staged or appeared on many charity concerts for a variety of causes. Perhaps it may be difficult to find many persons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines who have never seen or heard of the group.

Despite limited finances and theatrical facilities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hairoun Theatre Company has strongly influenced the development of the arts locally and with tours to England in 2000 and the United States in 2001, has been making an impact on the international scene.

The group is also a member of the International Amateur Theatre Association. With a membership of 15 persons and

the motto: “Development Through Cultural Expression”, Hairoun Theatre Company has brought great pride and enjoyment to St. Vincent and the Grenadines through their many productions and performances.

The group has been the leading organisation promoting Vincentian culture and national identity and its members truly are, SVG’s cultural ambassadors.