VSS, uNiqu’ Arts plan Billie & Ella production for domestic violence awareness

Victim Support Services (VSS) of Sint Maarten and Pittsburgh-based uNiqu’ Arts are planning Billie & Ella: Blue Notes in Paradise in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, according to the organisations. They said the production is intended to raise awareness of domestic violence and encourage conversations about it through artistic expression.

VSS and uNiqu’ Arts said the production will combine music, theatre, spoken word, storytelling, humour and Caribbean culture. The listed performers are Pittsburgh gospel and jazz recording artist Zanetta Butler; Caribbean soul and jazz artist Essynce; Judah Jubilee Company theatre director Jamila Javois; spoken-word artist and actor Lenworth Wilson Jr., appearing as The Jazz Poet; and emerging performers Kimore Smith and Shellecia Rogers.

Smith and Rogers are recent graduates of Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts, according to VSS and uNiqu’ Arts.