News Releases

‘Here’s my ass; now try to whip it!’ was the defiant shout of supporters of ousted Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide in anticipation of his return to Haiti in 1994.The brutal repression of the inter-Aristide years (1991-94), triggered  a political activism that transformed the lives of seven women who have decided to take their stories around the Caribbean. It is timely that they speak to us on the return by the still popular ex-President.

Produced by UWI’s Department of Creative and Festival Arts, ‘Here’s my Ass.’ is the second of four events for JOUVAY AYITI, a project that proposes a new and sustainable relationship with Haiti in which that country is recognized as central to Caribbean nationhood.  The project was launched with a Jouvay band: ‘Haiti – Mudder of Civilization,’ in which UWI students, community-based arts organizations like Studio 66 and Scherzando Steel Orchestra, Unesco Clubs and visiting student groups from Trinity College, Massachusetts and Pacific Lutheran University, all created and played mas celebrating Haiti’s past and possibilities. In August, a film festival is being organized by local film-maker Yao Ramesar. The project concludes with a mas workshop in Haiti facilitated by T&T National Commission for UNESCO in 2012.  

‘Here’s my Ass’ opens on Friday 25^th March, 2011, at 8 pm, at the Learning Resource Centre, UWI, and plays every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until April 10th.

Bookings may be made by calling the DCFA at 663-2222.  

For further information, please contact Camille Quamina at 369-3278, or Betty Ann Moses at 781-5155.