Praise Academy of Dance takes NCF to court over NIFCA disqualification

Praise Academy of Dance has filed a civil lawsuit against the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), challenging the disqualification of its theatrical production Speak Life from the 2023 National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA).

The case is based on the NCF’s decision to remove the production on the grounds that it “exceeded the bounds of good taste.” The performance told the story of a teenage girl grappling with gender identity who ultimately finds her identity in God.

Speaking to the media outside of the Supreme Court Complex before the first legal hearing got underway, Attorney Davida Maynard-Holligan, who represents Praise Academy, said it remained committed to challenging the decision to disqualify the piece.

She was joined by members of the academy’s board, GospelFest and the First Baptist Church and filmmaker Marcia Weekes.
The church’s leader, Pastor Paul Leacock, said it was necessary to give support to Praise Academy, saying the case had implications for artistic freedom of expression.