A Tale Of Time: Caribbean Storytelling Workshop

Jamaican Music and Poetry was born from two peoples’ immense love for the arts and Jamaican culture. Maurice Gordon and Marsha Laylor. 

In September of 2023, Laylor was invited to participate in Gordon’s “Miss Lou Celebration” in honor of the great Louise Bennett, Jamaican Queen of Culture and mother of the Jamaican poetry form.  That was the spark that would ignite this collaboration. 

In this workshop, participants will be encouraged to embody the spirit of Miss Lou. They will critically examine themselves and the world around them and boldly share their truth through spoken word, music, and drama.  Both Gordon and Laylor are united in their belief that music and poetry can provide forms of edutainment and healing, supporting the body, mind and soul of diverse communities.  Even more importantly, they are extremely powerful tools that can be used to address and challenge societal ills such as anti-Black racism, as well as to build self-esteem and to inspire racial pride in marginalized communities. 

Hon. Dr. Anthony Guerra (aka Prime) has directed and choreographed numerous productions on local and international levels. His profound knowledge of dance, the origins of dance and the African contribution to many of today’s dance forms has made him highly sought after by many educational institutions, corporations and by other artists in dance, theatre and film.  Prime’s cultural dance research has brought rare, (traditional) Afro-Caribbean dances and historical information to light; and his original “Prime dance” philosophy that has uncovered the healing and spiritual aspects of dance at its most primal essence. 

“Exploring Caribbean Culture: Creole Music Language and Folklore” is a dynamic and educational presentation that immerses the audience in the vibrant world of Caribbean culture. Through music, greetings and captivating folk stories, it fosters an appreciation for the diversity, history and traditions that define this unique region. By encouraging active participation, the presentation invites audiences of all ages to celebrate the Caribbean’s rich heritage and embrace cultural diversity 

The heart of the presentation lies in the sharing of two captivating St. Lucian Creole folk stories: Ti Bolom and Ba Li Wap. These stories provide insight into the folklore and mythical creatures that populate Caribbean narratives. Ti Bolom explores the mischievous sprite of St. Lucian folklore while Ba Li Wap relates to an unsuspecting encounter with a witch called a “Dlajables.” Both stories are set in the enchanting world of a 1966 St. Lucian village and with an interactive element that teaches the audience to sing and dance in critical moments adding a layer of engagement to the storytelling.