Rex Nettleford arts conference promises spectacular performances

The second biennial International Rex Nettleford Arts Conference will come alive with live performance shows from Wednesday, October 16, 2013 until it closes on Friday, October 18, 2013.

The three-day conference will have four major performances beginning with 'Anchor Root - Movement in Consciousness' at the Pre-Conference Show on October 16. This performance takes a non-linear path through the African-Jamaican psyche towards self-acceptance. The piece is an experiment in physical theatre using dance (to recorded music), spoken word, drumming and a cappella music. It uses Jamaican folk and traditional dance vocabulary as the basis for contemporary dance movement and 'choreo-staging.'

Written and choreographed by Michael Holgate, this non-linear narrative represents some of the 'movements' in consciousness which helped to define the Jamaican culture and points towards a more (non-self-conscious) conscious self, enlightened by reflection on what it really means to be Jamaican. Performances will be done by the Ashe Company and the School of Dance at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

The conference will close in fine style with exciting performances from dance companies including the Company Dance Theatre, National Dance Theatre Company, L'Acadco and Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, alongside a performance from professional dancer Tamara Thomas. Patrons can enjoy both the opening and closing performances for a minimal fee of $1,000 at the gate.

Delegates and patrons will also be able to enjoy a special treat at the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre, School of Drama, with the opening of the double bill - Crave and God's Door.

The Rex Nettleford Arts Conference is hosted by the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in association with the National Gallery of Jamaica, and seeks to stimulate discourse among government representatives, economic investors and the arts fraternity on how the creative industry can innovatively pave the ways to transform the economy.