Feb. 17, 2004 Carabana Ensemble Theater Company celebrates Black History Month with a performance of "Nenie Myrah" on Friday, Feb. 20 at UVI's Little Theater.
The play tells the story of noted midwife and herbalist, Myrah Keating Smith. St. John's health facility, Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, is named in her honor. Nenie Myrah was just one of her several nicknames.
"Lots of children know of Myrah Keating Smith, but they don't know who she is," said Clarence Cuthbertson, who wrote and directed the play.
He said that Keating Smith probably delivered half the people now living in St. John. Born June 1, 1908, she died May 4, 1994.
According to Cuthbertson, the play emphasizes Keating Smith's role as an herbalist.
The one-woman play stars St. John actor Carla Sewer as Myra, a market woman with a similar first name to Keating Smith. In the play, Myra tells Keating Smith's story.
The performance, made possible by a grant from the Friends of the V.I. National Park, is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. at UVI's Little Theater.
Admission is free.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name, and the city and state/country or island where you reside.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice… click here.