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.”
[caption id="attachment_1095972" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A young activist delivers her spoken word piece at GBHTT’s April production.-[/caption]
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.
[caption id="attachment_1095970" align="alignnone" width="768"] Spoken word artist, singer, songwriter, visual artist and activist, Muhammad Muwakil of Freetown Collective, facilitates an inspiring session on arts and activism for the 2023/2024 cohort of GBHTT. Photo courtesy GBHTT. -[/caption]
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 think
