Reverence and Rebellion - Drums On March 17th, 2018 for Ancestral Commemoration

Reverence and Rebellion –  Drums On March 17th, 2018 for Ancestral Commemoration
Author

Montserrat Arts Council (MAC)

Release Date

Sunday, December 2, 2018

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Ms. Shirley Osborne, in a sharing of ideas with The Montserrat Arts Council and the Montserrat Community at home and abroad, has come up with a creative way to acknowledge the passing of 250 years since the slave rebellion of March 17th 1768. REVERENCE AND REBELLION will integrate the energy of the drum into the remembrance of our African ancestors for this March 17th week of activities, in particular, on St. Patrick’s Day itself.

All across Montserrat, in the first hours of March 17th, the mountains and valleys will reverberate with the sounds of the drum accompanying the voices of men, recounting and remembering those who tried and those who died here on, St. Patrick’s Day, 1768.

Awakening Montserrat at midnight, in Lookout, the procession will make its way across the island to Salem, keeping vigil till the early morn. All of Montserrat is invited to move with us as we go, and join in at our village centres when we stop to render homage, celebrate our heritage and give thanks that we are free.

Between Runaway Ghaut and Salem the drums, the voices and the people will become a powerful and inspiring Drum Jam, as we take the procession on foot, walking and dancing, making a joyful spirit noise in celebration of the courage of our ancestors, in remembrance of their sacrifice and in gratitude for the freedom that we now enjoy.

Transporting us through the night and into the early morning, this spectacular demonstration of art, culture and spirituality will set a high tone for the celebrations of our people on this sacred and momentous day.

“As this year marks the 250th anniversary of the legendary insurrection, it is fitting that this event begins at its earliest hour. Awakening the sprits and greeting the dawn with the sounds of drums, and with the sounds of a free people. There is no better way to acknowledge the sacrifice of our benevolent ancestors in their fight for freedom. It is my hope that this would be a permeant part of the calendar of events. It is a relevant reverent spectacle which acutely captures the true spirit of this heritage festival. It has been a pleasure to produce this event with Ms Osborne and the enthusiasm shown by the community has been encouraging.” Chadd Cumberbatch, Director of the Arts Council expressed.

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