An experienced Antiguan & Barbudan-born UK-based poet and storywriter has been recognized for his outstanding work.
Baden Sebastian Prince Jr, a gradate of the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England, was recently lauded after he was invited to be the headline act at an event called the Bardic Trials, which took place in the town of Stony Stratford in Buckinghamshire.
A veteran of more than 30 years, Prince, who holds an honoursBachelor of Arts in English and American studies, was invited as a storyteller to perform in the headline slot, marking the climax of the evening’s entertainment.
“I was informed that I had been chosen to be this year’s headliner because, in the words of the Chair of the Bardic Council which organises and hosts the Trials, I am regarded as “a shining example of the Bardic Arts!” said Prince who attended the attended the Antigua Grammar School.
His thirty-minute storytelling performance was well received.
“Our headliner Baden Prince showed just why he is one of the most popular storytellers on the circuit – his tales of comeuppance had the audience enthralled, and was the perfect way to round off what had been a jam-packed evening of entertainment,” organisers said in a review.
He also received a personal congratulatory message from the Chair, in which she said, “It was a great honour to hear you tell again and share that with my town. It was a truly masterly telling that enthralled the audience and was the perfect way to round off the evening. Thank you for your time, talent and tales.”
This event, which has been running for 15 years, is an open contest of three rounds where poets, storytellers, dramatists and singer-songwriters (exponents of “the Bardic Arts”) compete against each other in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges for the prestigious title of Bard of Stony Stratford.
This is an official civic position, recognised by the Town Council and supported by the Lord Mayor’s office.
The Bard serves in the post for one year, during which the exponent is invited to create a minimum of eight original pieces of work in their chosen art form. These are designed to celebrate significant customs and achievements of the town and the Bard is invited to perform those pieces at official events.
This year’s competition was won by a spoken word artist who goes by the stage name Abracadazra. It was a closely-fought affair as the other two finalists, both poets, produced work of an extremely high quality, but Abracadazra (real name Darren Paul) came through to take the title with a bravura final round performance.
Every year, guest artists are invited to perform for the audience between the competitive rounds.
Editor’s Note:
Name: Baden Sebastian Prince (Junior)
Experience: 30+ years on the London and UK scene as a creative artist (writer, poet and storyteller).
Published work includes:
“The Shadow Dancer” (poetry chapbook);
“The Bag Man” (short story published by The Rose & Thorn e-zine);
2 poems, “Ah Wonder” and “Healing Hands,” published in “100 Years Unheard” Anthology by House of Amau, London, England.
Several poems published in “Rising” and “X-Bout” Literary magazines in the UK.
“Brer Rabbit and the Breadfruit Tree” and “Anansi and Tiger,” two Caribbean Folk Tales published by SuperGreat (sic) Kids Stories in conjunction with Bloomsbury Press, London.
Education: Antigua Grammar School; University of East Anglia, Norwich, England.
Qualifications: GCE “O” and “A” Levels; BA Hons. English & American Studies.