The story of the birth Christ in a manger some two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, which was successfully re-enacted at St Dominic’s Children Home (2000 – 2002) at the Botanical Gardens and Jackson Square (2005) returns on November 17, 18 and 19 at the newly renovated Lions Civic Centre, Fitzblackman Drive, Port of Spain.

This famous Nativity play has its genesis in 1926 when it was first performed on the grounds of St Dominic’s Children’s Home in Belmont. A French Dominican nun, Sr Loretta produced it under the title La Pastorale.

This was an open-air production in which live animals were used. When it was staged in the Botanical Gardens in 2002 it got high ratings in Dutch, Irish, English and Miami newspaper from foreigners who were visiting Trinidad at the time.

The cast always comprised mainly of children who portrayed the various Nativity characters and was staged every other year from 1926 to 1959 by the French Dominican sisters. Courtney Rodney resurrected the play in 2000 to commemorate the Holy Year observed every 25 years in the Catholic Church.

Rodney is a freelance travel writer who has travelled to 57 countries around the world. He served in the Customs and Excise Division, Ministry of Finance from 1968 to 2004. He is being assisted by Sr Paul Clarke OP from La Brea parish.

Nativity scene

The Clarke family has a long association with the Nativity play going back to the 50s. This 80th anniversary year, this special Nativity is dedicated to Mother Catherine Dominique who was the last French Dominican nun to produce it in 1959 with Mother Rosa Pia and Sr Paul Clarke, a Trinidadian. Mother Catherine Dominique died in the Mother House of the Dominican Sisters in  Etrepagny, France on October 24, 2005.

The production opens by bass singer Benedict Rousseau singing the biblical prophecies pertaining to the birth of Christ. A combined choir from four churches will be singing carols in English and a few in Latin while music will be supplied by the Trinidad and Tobago Police and the Fire Services Bands.

Boys from St Mary’s College will take up their roles as shepherds, innkeepers, lantern bearers and kings. The part of the Angel Gabriel will be choreograph by Charlotte Boyac from the Bentley Potter School of Dance while Candice Chow will be giving the shepherds in the field the good news of the birth of Christ in a soprano voice.

 The three kings will arrive at the manger in regal splendour following a moving bright star courtesy mas man Geraldo Vieira. He will also be responsible for the set.

Before the play one of Trinidad’s leading comedians, Learie Joseph will entertain patrons with clean Christmas humour and 2006 Music Festival winners, Bishop Anstey High School Choir will entertain patrons with carols and parang. Each night patrons can win hampers.

The Nativity is under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards TC, CMT, PhD President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

This production will be done like the Passion play performed in Oberammergau, Germany every ten years. The musicians, choir and patrons will be inside the Lion’s Civic Centre (safe from the elements, should it rain), while the actors will perform on the lawn between the trees of the Lions Civic Centre.

Part proceeds will be given to three charitable organizations. All patrons are requested to be seated half and hour before showtime on Friday 17 – Family Night. The show starts 7.00 p.m. sharp. Tickets cost $50.00 for children and adults. Showtime on Saturday, November 18 is at 8.00 p.m. and on Sunday 19 at 6.30 p.m. Tickets for these shows cost $75.00.

Tickets are available at Republic Bank branches – Westmall, Ellerslie Court, Diego Martin, Ariapita Avenue and Tragarete Road and also at the Sanctuary of the Holy Family (632-4194), Dominican Book Centre (633-6564), Living Water Community, Frederick Street (623-4677) and Christian Book and Gift Shop, San Fernando (653-4360).

Free and secured parking will be available at the Jean Pierre Complex. Get your tickets now and support a worthy cause.