The evening begins at the Madam Theatre grounds with a guided walk-through of the ruins led by region deal programme manager, Raimie Richardson. Residents will have the chance to reflect on the site’s history through stories, fact cards, and an interactive activity board where they can share memories and ideas for the theatre’s future. The renovation team, led by Michael Newton, will also be introduced.
Later in the evening, the session moves to the Region Deal Office for a presentation of preliminary renovation plans. Newton and his team will explain which original features can be preserved and which must be removed due to their condition. Residents will then take part in small group discussions on how the theatre’s design might reflect Afro-Caribbean heritage, Statian identity and community values.
The following day, a second session will take place at the Gwendolyn van Putten School. This visit will introduce students to creative careers connected to heritage development. The renovation team will share their professional experiences, answer questions, and invite students to contribute their own reflections on the future of the theatre.
Both sessions aim to ensure that the restoration of Madam Theatre is guided by the voices of the community and the next generation, while honouring Statia’s cultural heritage.
