SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) – The Department of Culture is calling on all interested persons and supporters of the creative industries in the community to come out and support Ms Natorii Illidge in her bid to complete her Masters in Musical Theatre Performance, validated by the University of Wolverhampton in London. Ms. Natorii Illidge who is currently residing and studying in London is finalizing her thesis in the form of an online live stream one-woman show, “Survive to Thrive”, that will take place this Saturday August 21st, at 12pm (local time) at the Philipsburg Cultural Center. Natorii’s family members will collect an entrance fee of $13.75 US Dollars or Fls. 25.00 Guilders at the door.
Persons that are unable to attend the viewing at the Philipsburg Cultural Center are welcomed to join the performance via the following online link – https://doors.live/e/survive-to-thrive . The funds collected will go directly to the well-known aspiring dance artist to facilitate any expenses associated with finalizing her studies while abroad.
“Honestly, I’m a bit nervous and yet excited to showcase the early stage of my triple threat skills but there’s a common saying, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” So here I go!”, stated Ms. Illidge.
Studying Musical Theatre Performance at Associated Studios in London has been the most challenging journey I’ve experienced so far. Not only was I studying during the pandemic but I was entirely out of my comfort zone in this course. Although I’m still in the beginning stages of my singing and acting abilities, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, and how much further I can go.
It should be noted that Natorii Illidge is one of many recipients of the Talent Scholarship granted by Department of Culture based on the annual budget of the Ministry of Education Culture Youth & Sport. The Department of Culture’s remind the community of Sint Maarten that its mission is to develop, promote and safeguard the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of the people of St. Maarten.
Clara Reyes, Head of the Culture says, “I am extremely happy to see and recognize the accomplishments of Natorii thus far and want to encourage her to remain focused as she finalizes her studies. The Department of Culture is a proud supporter of her efforts and we continue to encourage all persons in our community who are pursuing a career in the Creative Arts Industry not be discouraged and remain steadfast in their dreams of becoming a professional creative.”
Accompanied with visual content, Natorii explains her one-woman show as follows, “I’ll take you on a journey sharing the stories of black women that have impacted me. Through singing, acting, and dancing. I’ll play the different hats of black women in the past and modern world to bring awareness and to celebrate resilient women and black women. These stories have also inspired me to become a stronger role model for others that aspire to unapologetically be the best version of themselves. It’s important for us women to empower others so that we can continue creating a better world for everyone. My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive!”
