Black theatre festival comes calling

Troika Bermuda will make its international debut this summer at the National Black Theatre Festival this summer in North Carolina.

Twenty-five actors, known as players, will travel to the festival in Winston-Salem over the Cup Match holiday.  

Out of over 130 entries from theatre companies throughout the United States, Canada, Africa and the Caribbean, Troika Bermuda’s Work In Progress #3 original production entitled Misunderstood was selected as one of the 30 mainstage productions to be featured at this year’s festival.

The actors will spend their summer in intense rehearsals to prepare for the festival.

Shoa Bean and Seldon Woolridge, co-founders of Troika said they heard about the festival while researching overseas performances opportunities for the actors.

Bean said: “The requirements for acceptance into the National Black Theatre Festival were that we had to submit a video along with a media packet which included details about the show and the organization.

“We also had a Festival representative come to Bermuda to see the show when it premiered in August 2011.

“The festival committee had to see the value in what we submitted in order to select us over some of the other submissions. 

“We understand it was tough competition, some theatre companies that have been going to the festival for years, and who are pretty well established, were not selected this year.”

Woolridge said it is a privilege to be selected. 

“We are honoured and humbled and we now consider ourselves Cultural Ambassadors from Bermuda.

“Bermuda has not been represented at the National Black Theatre Festival for quite some time.”

Making Troika’s appearance even more special is they are the only youth theatre company performing on the main stage for this international festival.

Woorlide said it “is quite an achievement. There has already been quite a buzz regarding our appearance this year so we have a lot of work to do to ensure that our first international performance goes smoothly.”

As far as preparations go, the group will be rehearsing all summer long while Bean and Woolridge works on the technical and logistical aspect.

Bean said: “The festival has over 30 companies to deal with internationally so it’s important that we maintain that communication so our show runs smoothly once we are there.

“Professor Artie Reese, who had worked in Bermuda for many years and his technical team take care of the technical aspects and the Festival has a staff that help us take care of the other aspects.”

Troika is making sure they are well-prepared to hit the international stage.

Woolridge said: “We are rehearsing for eight weeks to make sure that this show is in great shape. This means that the Troika players have to learn choreography, songs, blocking and lines.

“There are many elements to making this work, which is why we are glad to have solid production team to make it all happen.  We are learning along the way.”

Asked why she believes Troika was selected, Bean said: “We believe that TROIKA was chosen because the selection committee saw the quality of talent and the potential in the production.  

“It also helped that we had a representative come and view the production when it was initially staged. 

“At the time we didn’t tell the cast this because we wanted to ensure that their performance was as natural as possible.”

Bean said Troika did its part to snag a spot on the coveted stage.

 “We also provided them with a detailed packet which included media reviews which we are sure assisted with their decision. 

“We have been trying to present quality shows for the past five years and this opportunity is validation of the work that has been put in.

“It was a surprise to be selected and we are humbled and grateful for the opportunity.

“We thank the local community for supporting us through the years. This is definitely encouraging.”

Troika will be holding various fundraising events over the summer to support this endeavour.

If you are interested in supporting Troika, visit www.troikabda.com for more information.