“The Wiz” Comes to Trinidad, Celebrating Geoffrey Holder’s Legacy

Above: the cast of “The Wiz” in Trinidad

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The world continues to mourn the loss of Trinidadian actor, choreographer, dancer, designer and singer Geoffrey Holder, who captivated audiences for decades.

Now, the Proscenium Theatre Company in Trinidad seeks to honour the legacy of Holder through its upcoming production of “The Wiz.”

It was in 1975 that The Wiz, a re-imagining of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, played the Broadway stage with an all-African American cast and costumes designed by Holder, who won a Tony Award for his work.

“We wanted to highlight the impact that Mr Holder made as a Trinidadian on the international stage,” Proscenium founder Andrew Seepersad told Caribbean Journal. “His designs and direction of the show was anchored in our Carnival street theatre – telling powerful stories through costuming and movement. As a people, we should be so proud of his body of work and should celebrate that one of our own was awarded one of the highest accolades for theatre.”

He said the costumes for the production “will build on Mr Holder’s vision.”

“We really want to celebrate his legacy and contribution to the Arts,” he said.

“The Wiz” runs from Nov. 6 through Nov. 9 at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

For more information, visit www.prosceniumtheatre.com.