PRESS RELEASE

Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda –Tuesday, 14th April, 2026 ……..The ninth edition of the National Secondary Schools’ Theatre Festival was declared open on Monday evening with spectacular performances in the solo, duet, and improvisation dance categories.

The week-long event is a coming together of students, who are passionate about the performing arts and are displaying their talents in drama and dance on a single stage at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre.

In remarks during the opening ceremony, Director of Culture, Khan Cordice, said the Department of Culture, which forms part of the Ministry of Creative Industries, continues to execute its mandate on three core pillars—namely preservation, education and development.

According to Mr. Cordice, the National Secondary Schools’ Theatre Festival is a critical component of those pillars.

“It preserves storytelling traditions, it educates and develops young minds through discipline, creativity, and collaborations. Most importantly, it provides a platform to showcase the immense talent that exists within our schools and communities,” he said.

The Director of Culture used his remarks to appeal for sustained support for the work of the Ministry of Creative Industries in the promotion and preservation of culture.

“We need sustained investment. Not just in events, but in people, in infrastructure, and in long-term cultural development,” Mr. Cordice stated. “Because when we invest in culture, we are not simply funding performances, we are shaping identities,strengthening communities, and building a more confident, creative, and capable nation”

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He expressed appreciation to the organising committee of the festival, and applauded the work and support received from adjudicators, principals, teachers, parents and students.

A total of ten schools were represented in the solo, duet and improvisation dance categories on Monday evening. The students displayed their talents before a packed audience that included Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.

This evening (Tuesday), nine schools will participate in group dance, while four schools will be included in the drama improvisation.

On Wednesday, Ottos Comprehensive and Jennings Secondary Schools will take centre stage with their drama presentations during a matinee commencing at 9AM and in the evening at 7PM.

All Saints Secondary and Pares Secondary Schools are listed for Thursday, and Irene B. Williams and Saint Mary’s Secondary Schools, will be featured on Friday.

Tickets for the National Secondary Schools’ Theatre Festival can be obtained from Cool and Smooth, Roti King, Ministry of Creative Industries, Old Parham Road, and at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre.

The curtains will fall on the festival on Saturday with a dinner and awards ceremony for participants.