BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SCORES of persons attended Saturday evening’s (Jan. 31) production of “Silver Lined Verse” at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium, a collaboration between the Kiwanis Club of Liamuiga (KCL) and the Basseterre High School.

The play, first performed last year, was penned by Kesha Isaac and aims to sensitise youth to issues affecting the development of the nation.

The show mixed dramatic presentations with song, poetry and dance, with each of its scenes focusing on a particular social issue.

Popular songs including King Konris’ ‘One Song’ and One Republic’s ‘Apologise’ were played at pivotal moments to underscore their impact while Maya Angelou’s famous piece “Still I Rise” was at one point recited to highlight the importance of hope.

Scene One dealt with the dysfunction and destruction of family life while Scene Two addressed matters relating to incest, teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. Scene Three centred on the impact of youth violence and crime.

The show closed with a tribute to persons who had lost their lives as a result of violent crime, which included a message that admonished persons to work towards the development and advancement of the nation’s youth instead of giving up on them.

Isaac gave insight into the play’s conception, noting its title was based off the old adage “behind every cloud there’s a silver lining”.

“When I returned home from college I was shocked at the increase in incidences of violent behaviour. I know that right now things may seem dark and foreboding but I still think we as a people can get through it.

“Despite the social ills plaguing our society, despite the murders and everything else, I don’t want persons to become too negative or jaded. This play is meant to remind everyone that in the face of all the challenges confronting us, there is still a bright spark and a hope for a future in which we can all live as one and respect one another,” Isaac said.

She expressed pleasure at the large youth turnout, revealing that the play was primarily intended to target young persons in order to empower them to make the right decisions and to be role models for misguided youth.

Isaac, who is also a KCL member, reinforced the club’s commitment to serving and developing the nation’s youth. She also revealed that another performance of the play would occur on Saturday (Feb. 7) at the Nevis Cultural Centre.