22/06/2026
Before Father’s Day comes to an end, we must pause, genuflect, and pay homage to our final foundational pillar. This outstanding stalwart has left an indelible mark on us and by extension, Trinidad and Tobago. 🌟
Many titles can be ascribed to our stalwart of this magnitude, and we invite you to share yours in the comments below. Yet, the permanent title etched into our company’s history books for this magnificent human being is our Honorary Lifetime Artistic Director. We are talking about our MENtor and dear friend, Louis McWilliams.
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It is only fitting that Louis be honored today, as his love for being a father and a doting grandfather comes first. But make no mistake, Louis has also been a father figure to us from the moment he took the reins as the Artistic Director of Malick Folk Performing Company. For that choice, and for his enduring stewardship, we are eternally grateful.🙏🏽
Any attempt to fill the shoes of our founder, the visionary, the iconic Norvan Fullerton, would give most people stage fright. But Fuller’s eye for talent has always been unmatched. He recognized a colossal creative talent in Louis and entrusted him with a monumental task: to chart, protect, and elevate the artistic legacy of MFPC. Trust me, he did not let us down.💯
Louis became a member of MFPC as Artistic Director in 2002 and was surrounded by a batch of young, talented, and creative members who were thirsty for new material. Louis was excited to get the ball rolling and took us on a journey none of us saw coming. 🔥
From spearheading original work for our tour to Germany for the World Cup to achieving a record-breaking 13 victories in the Theatre Category of the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition, the masterclass of Louis’ craft made the impossible happen. 💥
Louis’ creative process is a sight to behold. He doesn’t just direct, he teaches. Every rehearsal was a T&T history class wrapped up in a bow. One legendary memory Louis shared was his first time winning the PMBV Theatre category with our production, “Little Man”. Oh man! You had to be there! This production was dripping with music, dance, and drama. Another MFPC production dear to his heart is the restaging of “Obeah,” which has won competitions and thrilled audiences alike. Any production that’s dripping in Calypso has Louis’ signature all over it. 💖
His ultimate vision is to see his artistic work and teachings passed on to the younger generation. Today, he stands proud that this succession planning is in full effect within MFPC’s Junior Company. Looking at our current mentors, he feels an immense sense of pride that they are the dedicated guardians ensuring that the flame of MFPC’s legacy continues to burn brilliantly into the future. With the company now bursting with an extraordinary wealth of fresh, young talent, Louis encourages a grand resurgence of theatrical productions, eager to watch this new generation leave their own indelible mark on the stage.😇
For the next generation aspiring toward a lifetime of passion and enduring success, his counsel is absolute: remain committed to your craft, knowing that sacrifice and hard work are the silent seeds of future triumph.🤩
And, of course, he must include his ultimate, holy mantra, the gospel we live by: “Trust the Process.”😎
We salute you, Louis. You didn't just direct us on the stage; you fathered our creativity and nurtured our passion. We are eternally grateful for your vision, your sacrifice, and your profound friendship. 😍
To our mentor, our patriarch, and our Honorary Lifetime Artistic Director—we salute you!❤️🤍🖤