The renowned National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) is set to mesmerise audiences with performances at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, Georgia on June 24 and 25. This special event, organised by the Calabar Old Boys Association, marks the closing celebration of the NDTC’s 60th anniversary. Proceeds from the performances will benefit the Calabar High School Endowment Fund, the Atlanta Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Just People, Inc.
Following rave reviews for two shows at the prestigious Shubert Theatre in Connecticut earlier this month, the NDTC will once again showcase some of their most iconic works in Georgia. The audiences in the 1,762-seat Atlanta theatre will experience Rex Nettleford’s seminal pieces, ‘Gerrehbenta’ and ‘Drumscore’, as well as the critically acclaimed dance works ‘Rough Drafts’, choreographed by Chris Walker; ‘Unbroken’ by Renée I. McDonald and ‘My Prayer’ from Arsenio Andrade Calderon. The repertoire will be completed by ‘Cascade’, created by NDTC’s artistic director, Marlon D. Simms.
The NDTC singers and musicians will also take the stage to pay a heartfelt tribute to reggae music legend, Rita Marley. The suite, aptly named ‘Tribute to Rita Marley’, will feature some of her most beloved songs, including A Jah Jah, Thank You, Jah, and Harambe, which have been masterfully crafted by acting musical director Dr Kathy Brown. Movement for the suite of songs was choreographed by Kevin Moore.
Artistic Director Marlon D. Simms expressed his gratitude to Jamaicans in the diaspora who have supported the company’s 60th Anniversary. “We are truly honoured to have been invited to perform in Connecticut and Georgia this year, and reconnect with the diaspora following the global pandemic. The anticipation for this Atlanta performance is great, and we are excited to share our passion with our esteemed audiences once again.”
Simms also mentioned that the last time the company performed in Atlanta was in 2005, making this an eagerly awaited return.
The NDTC’s 60th anniversary celebrations have been a series of performances and dance workshops locally and across different cities in the United States and the United Kingdom. After a highly successful Season of Dance in Kingston, the company travelled to Florida in October 2022, followed by performances in Connecticut in June 2023. Additionally, the NDTC premiered a solo at the Signatures Concert in Leicester, England, on May 2, 2023.
Simms expressed his delight at the overwhelming response they received during these performances, stating that the live performances across the diaspora were dearly missed and warmly embraced. “The NDTC is on an extraordinary path, carrying forward the legacy established by previous generations and continuing its contribution to Jamaica’s development. What makes the NDTC truly exceptional is the love and commitment we have for showcasing the greatness of Jamaica to the world,” the artistic director remarked.