Girls Be Heard hold poetry, storytelling showcase

This weekend, the female youth leaders, activists and changemakers of Girl Be Heard Trinidad and Tobago (GBHTT) are set to raise their voices to inspire change at the poetry and storytelling showcase, Activated for Change.

The national arm of the US-based performing arts training, empowerment and social justice organisation will present its 2024 mid-year production on July 13 at 6.30 pm in the Audio-visual (AV) Room at the Nalis Library in Port of Spain, a media release said.

GBHTT aims to challenge its writers, poets, griots and audiences to new perspectives through engaging in serious subject matter. In this vein, during a recent arts and activism session, the current cohort was inspired by the words of spoken word artist, singer, songwriter, visual artist and activist Muhammad Muwakil of Freetown Collective, who encouraged, “The only way we can activate change in others is if we can activate change within ourselves.”

The release said, "With the realisation and understanding that change in one’s community, nation and the wider world comes out of engaging the difficult work of self-reflection, and personal growth and transformation, the central theme for the upcoming showcase was solidified."

GBHTT teaching artist Veronique "Niques" Francois said in the release, “We must do the difficult work of developing our minds to become the best versions of ourselves. We believe that if one person raises their voice for injustice and inequality it can inspire others to raise their voices as well. Many voices united can and will activate change for a brighter community.”

At Activated for Change, audiences can look forward to thought-provoking and moving presentations from 11 young women, ages 12-18 who are also members of National Youth Councils, winners and competitors in national spoken word competitions, and regional netball and track athletes.

ABOUT GBHTT:

GBHTT nurtures leaders, changemakers and activists using socially-conscious theatre-making, storytelling and performance to develop, amplify and celebrate the voices of girls and young women. Employing a unique listening model, ensemble-based theatre, storytelling, spoken word and writing, the organisation’s after school programme marries art and social justice creating a safe space to engage and empower its participants to advance dialogue about social justice issues.

Difficult and critical personal and community issues which are unpacked include consent, rape culture, body image, mental health, gender equity, sexual identity, self-confidence, leadership, human trafficking, etc. By developing critical thinking skills, a social justice perspective and a sense of co-responsibility, as well as their individual creative identity and artistry, participants define their personal and collective agency, leadership, activist and performance voice.

GBHTT was launched in 2016 as a school-based programme housed at Bishop’s Centenary College (BCC), Port of Spain in partnership with the New York-based founding organisation, Girl Be Heard US, the US Embassy Port of Spain, the Oak Foundation and local parent company and performing arts training facilitator, Blessed Essence Entertainment (BE Entertainment). In 2020, the programme expanded to enrol girls and young women aged 11 to 18 from across the nation including work with youth in underserved and migrant communities. GBHTT’s team is led by programme manager, Akai Webster, and teaching artistes, Francois and Arielle John.

For more info: connect with GBHTT on Instagram (IG), Facebook (FB) and LinkedIn, e-mail beentertainmenttt@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp (868) 678-0907.