Approximately 1,290 members of the public will view Dance Me Lover and witness the launch of the National Theatre Arts Company of Trinidad and Tobago at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain this evening.

Culture Ministry Marlene McDonald said the launch will feature the first command performance of the company.

She was speaking at a news conference at the Ministry’s Community Education Information Training and Resource Centre in Port of Spain yesterday.

’The performing arts lift hearts, [they] spur imagination, develop an innovative people and nurture a caring society,’ she said.

’The arts are necessary, like food and water, for true civilisation. Through the National Theatre Arts Company of Trinidad and Tobago and the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Government is proud to give artistes the stage they deserve.’

Dance Me Lover, which was written by Ronald John, celebrates the music, dances and splendid costumes that were once common in Trinidad and Tobago.

McDonald is pleading with holders of tickets to the free show to arrive between 6 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

’Cocktails will be served from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., when the formal ceremony will commence. This will be followed by the prompt start of the play, Dance Me Lover at 8 p.m. Ticket holders are asked to please be punctual,’ she said.

During the reception, there will be an exhibition by local designer Anthony Cummings, hosted by Prime Minister Patrick Manning and his wife, Local Government Minister Hazel Manning.

President George Maxwell Richards and his wife, Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards, will also be in attendance.