A WOMAN’S SONGBOOK: Creative Ensemble Unveils New Stage Production

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]Woman’s Songbook is a snapshot of the lives of four contemporary Caribbean Women, challenged by life, love, choice and circumstance. This edgy and provocative drama uses a collage of iconic songs, scripted dialogue, and projected image to address the deep emotional entanglements facing its characters.

The production is the result of a creative collaboration initiated by singer, songwriter, actor Claudia Edward, and which has grown exponentially to include the creative energies of Adrian Augier (Producer), Drenia Frederick (Director) and Kenson Hippolyte (Musical Director).

The “Songbook” production will be at the Palladium, Sandals Grande on April 13 and 14, and will feature a dynamic combination of female singers unseen before on stage: Claudia Edward with co-stars Darleen Anius, Dianna Philip and newcomer Jesmara Nelson.

The drama is set in Saint Lucia at the “Bomb Shell Marina Restaurant and Bar”, a place which promises many a shocking surprise. Trapped by bad weather and delightful coincidence, the four antagonists confront the complications and consequences of past
actions.

They are all hopeful that their dreams of love, respect and fulfilment can still come true, but also realize that life is seldom so perfect.

The conflicting egos of these vastly different women start to converge as they share the music of iconic singers like Billie Holiday, Tina Turner, Amy Winehouse, Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin, all of whom have their own histories of pain and glory.

If confession is good for the soul, A Woman’s Songbook will move audiences profoundly. It is an unusual tapestry of dialogue, music, image and effects, woven to produce an emotional rollercoaster laced with sardonic humour, sadness and celebration.

The drama is real, the music both sad and sublime. The dialogue is peppered with raw and raunchy moments counterpointed by delightful glimpses of pure hope and vulnerability.

A Woman’s Songbook opens at Sandals Grande on Friday April 13, 2018 with a gala reception, and continues on Saturday April 14. Showtime is 8:00 p.m. nightly.

Tickets may be purchased at The Cell in Castries and Bay Walk Mall or by calling 722 5033.
Part proceeds go towards the completion of the Ciceron Secondary School Theatre Arts Room, a community project of the Edward4Education Charity Foundation.