NDTC to pay tribute to Dr Wigmore Francis at sunrise Easter concert

The 43rd staging of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) Easter concert — The Morning of Movement and Music — is set for Sunday, March 31, at 6 a.m. at the Little Theatre, and the event holds special significance as it pays tribute to alum guitarist Dr Wigmore Francis, who recently passed away.

Dr Francis, a stalwart of Jamaican music, graced the NDTC with his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment. From his early days in the company to earning a PhD in philosophy and history from The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, his journey was one of passion and dedication to his craft.

Under the artistic direction of Marlon D. Simms, artistic director of the NDTC, this year’s concert promises to celebrate life, love, and the enduring power of dance and music. As the sun rises on Easter morning, patrons can anticipate classic performances, such as Rex Nettleford’s Jesu Joy from Blood Canticles, featuring Kerry-Ann Henry, Tamara Noel, Marisa Benain, and Mishka Williams, and Goodbye Motherland from The Crossing, performed by the full company, along with new works by Paul Newman and Amaya Gomes.

A cadre of new-generation dancers will perform Gene Carson’s Sanctuary.

Audiences can expect soul-stirring renditions of hymns such as Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, arranged by musical director, Dr Kathy Brown, and O Worship the King, plus Marjorie Whylie’s Our Father and Noel Dexter’s Psalm 150, performed by the NDTC Singers and Musicians. Toni Barrett and Shane Wright will lead the singers in The Potter’s House, while Conrod Hall and Andrew Laidley will be featured soloists in The Blessing, arranged by Andrae Wilson.

“The Morning of Movement and Music is a very special event because it is Easter, but it will hold even more significance this year because we are honouring the memory of a wonderful member of the NDTC family who is affectionately known as ‘Wiggy’,” remarked Brown.

Guest performer Joan Andrea Hutchinson will offer a reading of her poetry, adding an additional layer of depth to the proceedings. And a captivating excerpt from Haiti’s Jeanguy Saintus’ Incantation, performed by ballet mistress, Kerry-Ann Henry, will transport audiences on spiritual awakening and self-discovery journeys.

Simms, reflecting on Dr Francis’ legacy, remarked, “Dr Francis was a very gifted and talented artist and extremely committed to the company. We are grateful for his contribution and look forward to paying respect to him through this performance.”

Audience members should be seated by 5:45 a.m.