Crop Over folk concert comes full circle

n a bold celebration of the 50th anniversary of Crop Over, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) is set to present Full Circle, a groundbreaking folk concert that promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of music, dance, and powerful storytelling. Taking place on Friday, July 26, at Golden Square Freedom Park, The City, this free event coincides with The Day of National Significance, making it a pivotal moment in Barbados’ cultural calendar.

Under the creative direction of Levi King, Full Circle aims to push the boundaries of traditional folk concerts while appealing to both long-time enthusiasts and a new generation of attendees. This year’s production is envisioned as a full-scale musical theatre experience rather than a conventional concert.

The performance will feature re-enactments of significant historical speeches from National Hero Clement Payne and the revered Pan Africanist Israel Lovell, infused with a fresh, modern interpretation of traditional folk culture. This innovative approach aims to engage audiences on multiple levels, encouraging reflection on the past while celebrating the present.

Music lovers will be thrilled to learn that the concert showcases entirely original compositions, with music composed by the acclaimed Dr Stefan Walcott and lyrics by King, alongside scriptwriter Michelle Hinkson-Cox.

Full Circle explores the lives of a fictional working-class Barbadian family navigating the pre- and post-1937 disturbance. The narrative follows an older couple, Lily and Elliot, as their son Aaron and his pregnant wife, Charlotte, move in with them, creating a rich tapestry of intergenerational experiences.

King emphasises that the NCF production seeks to illuminate the socio-economic challenges of the time while drawing parallels to contemporary issues. Themes of poverty, disenfranchisement, and the strength of the family unit resonate throughout the performance, making it both relevant and poignant.

The 19-member ensemble, a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, is led by award-winning actress Jennifer Walker as Lily and Akil Ifill as Elliot. Rising stars Kiara Harper and Nekoda Ellis portray Charlotte and Aaron, respectively, while a talented supporting cast brings depth to the narrative.

The concert will also feature a live band, with Shane Ryan on bass, Delano Ifill on drums, and Irvin Belgrave on keyboard, adding a dynamic musical backdrop to the evening’s events.

King hopes that attendees will leave the concert inspired by a message of resilience and the potential for positive change within their communities.

“I want that people nowadays still feel empowered in the knowledge that as Barbadians, we have the power to control our own destiny and that if there are things in our society that need to change for society to more than survive, but to thrive, we have the ability to make those changes happen,” he said.

(PR/BT)