Calypsonian Relator (Willard Courtney Harris) returns on Saturday, October 12, from 7 pm, to the Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW), at 6 Newbold Street, St Clair, for another intimate performance in the vein of his previous performance at the that venue earlier this year. Theatre patrons and visitors, music lovers and friends of the TTW can “sip and chat” with this world class performer and master of extempo. Anything can happen that night.
By any name, The Real Master, is the master showman and calypso troubadour, one of the last of the Greats of Calypso’s Modern Era from the 1960s. Drinks and food plates will be served from 7 pm with the performance from the man who sang the classic calypsoes Food Prices, China Syndrome, Take a Rest, and of course, Gavaskar. This globe-trotting troubadour, now 71, is a calypso ambassador in his own right. Musician, performer, calypsonian, writer and, above all, entertainer, Relator is truly a man for all seasons.
Steelpan recording artist, Andy Narell says of Relator: “Besides being a fine composer, Relator is a walking encyclopedia of classic calypsos. I would venture to say that he knows more of them than anyone alive today.” That statement is the truth that makes this evening of calypso performance a must do.
Relator is also an accomplished guitarist and, with this accompaniment, he will serve up a fine repertoire of classics and originals. This intimate performance series coincides with the 60th anniversary celebrations happening this year.
Despite local radio stations rarely airing Relator’s calypso gems, the past Auntie Kay radio programme winner, former Local Calypso King and 1980 Calypso King is quite busy performing at premier events and venues. There was standing room only on Thursday, August 22, at Kaiso Blues Cafe 2.0, Port-of-Spain, when Relator and David Rudder teamed up to present one of the best acclaimed shows at this venue for 2019.
The Friday before Independence Day, August 30, he starred at the Pavilion of the Queen’s Park Oval, and on Independence Day, certainly won even more fans when he brought the house down at MHTL Starlift Steel Orchestra’s Independence Day Brunch, sharing the spotlight with Baron, Relator, Oscar B, Errol Fabien, Brimblers, Starlift Junior, Starlift and a cast of accomplished artistes.
A week after his October 12 Lord Relator Live @ Dinner, on October 19, another spectacular performance can be expected from Relator when he headlines The Awesome Foursome. To be held at Kaiso Blues Cafe 2.0, other headliners on this show are Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Douglas “Dougie” Redon and Edwards.
TTW continues to soar
In addition to its continuing outreach to the community—the TTW is providing support to the Living Water/UNICEF project of providing education to refugee children in English by hosting the classes at the premises—the TTW hosted a masterclass conversation at the recently held Carifesta Journey Round Myself symposia featuring veteran actor Albert La Veau. The sustained efforts at providing a space for theatre and live entertainment is ongoing. Support for the arts and education enhances the TTW’s mission to foster expression of Caribbean realities through theatre.
Limited secured parking on the compound and street parking is available within one to two minutes walking distance from the venue.