The annual tribute of Rex Nettleford Foundation, Remembering Rex, unfolded at Kingston’s Little Theatre on Tuesday, February 13.

The evening featured presentations to Little Theatre Movement stalwart Michael “Rufus” McDonald and students Deanna Fraser (Rex Nettleford Hall, The University of the West Indies [UWI]) and Mattheou Dillon White (Cornwall College, Nettleford’s alma mater).

The creative portion of the evening opened with the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) performing Nettleford’s Spirits at a Gathering set to the music of Mouquet/Sanchez’s Deep Forest.

The first of several appearances by the University Singers followed, with the ensemble delivering Franklin Haliburton’s specially composed Alleluia followed by a trip to the American deep South, with Althea McKenzie’s commanding rendition of the Florence Price transcribed spiritual My Soul’s Been Anchored in de Lord.

A spoken word reflection announced the first of two solo pieces on the night, Marlon Phinn exploring themes of rejection, abandonment and resilience on the aptly titled
Introspection, before a medley in tribute to reggae great Jimmy Cliff, arranged by musical director, Dr Kathy Brown led the proceedings into the interval.

Rex Nettleford Foundation’s Executive Director Elizabeth Buchanan Hind recognised those individuals who exemplified Nettleford’s spirit of excellence.

McDonald, the only lighting and creative technician to have served with all of the artistic directors of the NDTC since its founding, was hailed for his dedication, commitment to excellence and warm, engaging manner.

Kerry Ann Henry, with some accompaniment from the UWI Singers, took the stage with the Renee McDonald-choreographed tribute to Nanny of the Maroons, entitled simply Queen.

With a seeming nod to the current political moments, the Singers did a trio of selections by Grub Cooper from the 1992 LTM Pantomime Man Deh Yah with Lloyd Lovindeer’s Trailer Load A Politicians thrown in for humorous good measure. There was also a tribute to another reggae great with the Bob Marley classics
Three Little Birds and One Love.

Maestro Nettleford had his deserved finale with Kumina sending home the audience in the best of spirits until next time.