IN less than one week, Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s will come alive with more than just music and dance. It will resonate with legacy.
The Lilliput Children’s Theatre marks its 50th year, and the Noble Douglas Dance Company (NDDC) celebrates 40 years of artistic excellence. To honour these extraordinary milestones, the companies will host A Noble Celebration – a gala and matinee performance directed by longtime collaborator Wendell Manwarren, showcasing signature works, inter-generational storytelling and tributes to pioneers who helped shape these institutions.
Scheduled for May 17 at 7 pm, with a follow-up matinee on May 18 at 6 pm, the event will feature returning NDDC veterans and emerging talent performing pieces that reflect the companies’ long-standing values of discipline, joy, and a commitment to TT’s creative spirit. At the heart of the event are four individuals who will be honoured for their dedication and impact: Martina Laird, Kevin Jack, Sian Aboud and Allan Balfour.
At the centre of it all is Noble Douglas herself, the mentor, choreographer and teacher whose vision nurtured thousands of young creatives over the past five decades. Reflecting on the milestone, Douglas expressed gratitude for longevity in an environment where “many things in TT have a short shelf life.”
“I'm proud that we have been around for such a long time. And it’s people like Wendell Manwarren and Merryl Mahabir who have stayed with us all these years, helping to bring our visions to life.”
Douglas saw the awards as more than just accolades. They were also acknowledgements of enduring commitment.
“Kevin Jack is a trooper, a real stalwart. Allan Balfour always answers the call and delivers something brilliant. Sian Aboud gave selflessly as a parent and remains involved.
“At seven years old she and wrote and directed her first play with our first class of Lilliputians. It's incredible to see how much she has achieved since then and it makes me very proud knowing that our Lilliputians can attain such greatness.”
Lilliput began in 1975 under the name Rounders with founding members Douglas and the late playwright Tony Hall at the helm. The group became a creative haven where young people could express themselves freely and develop confidence through performance, guided by the philosophy that theatre was a way to teach children about themselves, their culture and their community.
In 1985, Douglas founded the Noble Douglas Dance Company to meet the needs of her advanced students who had “aged out” of Lilliput but still wanted to grow as performers. NDDC became a professional dance company rooted in the Graham technique but was highly influenced by the Caribbean.
Over the years, the company toured internationally and collaborated with major choreographers, developing a solid reputation.
And the award goes to...
Receiving the Noble Douglas-Lilliput Vanguard Award for excellence in theatre arts will be UK-based Trinidadian actress Martina Laird.
“I think my parents, who knew I loved dance and acting, wanted a social
