Sarah Beckett

In just over a week, a unique show out of Trinidad that fuses jazz, art and poetry will be in Guyana for two nights only as part of a charitable exercise.

Trinidad Quartet Polyphony, which brings together a pianist, an artist, a poet and a panist among others, will treat local audiences to "Round About Midnight", the latest instalment in its repertoire of highly praised shows.

The production, which will be hosted by GEMS Theatre Productions and the Diplomatic Spouses Association, includes a Creative Educative Outreach programme for schools. Last year TQ Polyphony presented the show at La Bastille, in Port of Spain and is taking it on tour to select countries this year; Guyana was chosen among the few.

Gem Madhoo-Nascimento of GEMS Theatre Productions said the show would be quite an experience. In a press release, she explained that it started out as Polyphony with the combined creative skills of John Vanneste, pianist and Sarah Beckett, artist in 2001.

She noted that throughout history, artists have leapt the boundaries of place, nationality and discipline to nourish the creative process through working with artists in other fields, and Beckett and Vanneste consider that TQ Polyphony is simply continuing a great artistic tradition.

John Vanneste (right) and Clifton Allen (left)

"Polyphony started small, presenting events in a French 'Salon' style to audiences of roughly 35 people each night of the run. Happily, it has grown considerably since the early days and now attracts audiences in the hundreds," Gem said.

One of the basic tenets of Polyphony is the collaborative process between artists in different disciplines, which is pivotal in the development and focus of each event. The anchor idea for each event stems from the music, art or poetry and is then developed.

As Polyphony, Vanneste and Beckett presented five events between 2001 - 2003 before joining forces with Trinidad Quartet to become TQ Polyphony in order to broaden their collaborative base in a transatlantic alliance of musicians, artists, actors, poets and singers.

In addition to Vanneste on keyboard, Clifton Allen from Pamberi Steel Orchestra, on double pan and Guyanese George Reid on bass, there will be poetry by Nigel Scott of Trinidad. Over 35 paintings by Sarah Beckett would be on display and sale for interested art collectors.

All proceeds from the events go towards the various charities of the DSA. The gala performance is scheduled for May 24, and will be held at the residence of the British High Commissioner. Tickets are $3,000, by invitation only.

The public is invited to attend the performance at the Umana Yana on May 25. Tickets are $2,000 and available at Oasis, Nigel's Supermarket or by calling Gem Madhoo-Nascimento on 624-8694. All performances begin at 8.30 pm.

TQ Polyphony's workshops on music, art and poetry with schools will take place on May 25 from 10 am at the Umana Yana. Interested participants must register by collecting forms from Nigel's Supermarket or Oasis Café.