At the Heart of the Caribbean

In this instance, the result is a production that combines 3canal songs with the poems of several revered Caribbean writers. Through loosely tied scenes, actors and dancers present a picture of modern island life, for all of its richness and troubles. The story told in the song about the murdered boy, for instance, is a true one. Days before the child was scheduled to attend a music workshop with Manwarren, he was gunned down outside his home as his mother looked on.

Like all of GALA's shows, the script is recited in English and Spanish, sometimes by alternating actors, sometimes by a faceless narrator.

Five of the 12 cast members came with 3canal from Trinidad and Tobago, while the rest were recruited locally. With less than three weeks together, the cast was thrown into an intensive rehearsal schedule, but 3canal will break Saturday to take part in the Latino Heritage Celebration of which GALA is a co-sponsor.

The "Imperia" in "Caribeana Imperia" refers to the influence colonial powers had and continue to have over island culture and society.

"We're always defining ourselves in the context of something bigger, something imperial," Manwarren explains. "As an American, you don't have to explain who you are to anyone. That's something we have to do all the time."

The show's messages are heavy but tempered by traditional Caribbean rhythms likely to have people tapping their feet, even to ballads of prejudice, danger and death.

This is entertainment, yes, but entertainment with a conscience and an unmistakable directive for its audience.

"People have preconceived notions of the Caribbean," said 3canal member Roberts. "But if you scratch the surface a little, you'll find so much more."

LATINO HERITAGE CELEBRATION Saturday from 10:30 to 3:30. Around Park Road and 14th Street NW. Free.

Caribeana Imperia GALA Hispanic Theatre at the Tivoli Theatre 800-494-8497 Thursday through July 30