Stand or beg. Fold or hold. In life, like in a game of cards, one must play the hand dealt strategically. To ensure a winning position, analysis is paramount and the wisdom to change tactics is necessary. Trinidad and Tobago’s leading children’s theatre company, Lilliput Theatre, will take a metaphorical look at the game of life in its 2011 presentation, The Changing Of The Guard. The production premieres Friday May 20, 2011 at Queen’s Hall and continues nightly until Sunday May 22, 2011.

As is traditional, the pivotal concept for Lilliput’s annual production was born out of the creative mind of costume designer, Merylle Mahabir, while she developed Lilliput’s 2011 Junior Carnival presentation. Mahabir used the imagery of a deck of cards to reflect the game of life where change is the only thing that is assured. “Will we be remembered for making choices that are beneficial for many generations of players in this game of life? Or will we be relegated to the pages of history like powerful civilisations, such as the Mayans, Conquistadors, Crusaders and Medieval peoples, who thought they would endure forever but are now fallen?” Mahabir questioned.

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.

Mahabir who has mastered the art of breaking complex themes down to a level children can relate to, chooses themes that are topical, globally or locally. The young thespians are challenged to create a play from her concept and use journal writing to explore intricate ideas as an integral part of their writing process. Manwarren supported by drama instructors, elisha efua bartels and Tonya Evans, is charged with shaping the Lilliputian’s playwriting process. “This year, the overarching concept is one of change. Change for better. Change for worse. There has been an acceleration in change globally which cannot be ignored,” shared Manwarren.

WHAT:
The Changing Of The Guard

WHO:
Lilliput Theatre

When:

• Friday 20 May, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday 21 May, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
• Sunday 22 May, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

Where:
Queen’s Hall, St. Anns, Port of Spain

Tickets:
Adults $95/Children $85
Crosby’s Music Centre, St. James or students of Lilliput Theatre