Paulette Saint Lot Frank interview

Dossier

Paulette Saint Lot Frank interview

• August 21, 2013 (Production)

Paulette Saint Lot was born in Pétion Ville, Haiti. She is the daugther of Aglae Rameau and Haitian Diplomat, Legislator, Jurist and Educator, the late Dr. Emile Saint-Lot. The late Dr. Emile Saint-Lot was the Haitian Plenipotentiary at the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco in 1945. She often travelled with her father particularly in Europe. Following in her father's footsteps, Mrs. Saint-Lot Frank served in the Haitian diplomatic corps in Spain and England. She studied at the London and Madrid Conservatory. An outstanding mezzo-Soprano, she played soloist roles such as Carmen in Carmen de Bizet, Amneris in Aida de Verdi, with the New York State Opera and Harlem Civic Opera. Mrs. Frank returned to Haiti in the late 1950's and subsequently was offered a position in the Haitian Tourist Department. One of her major accomplishments is her contribution to Consecration, an adaptation of Macaya Roi and a comedy-drama by Andre Narcisse. In 1964, Paulette left Haiti a second time to immigrate to New York, USA with her 2 sons. It was there she met Dr. Henry Frank whom she married. Dr. Frank was then the Consul General of the Republic of Haiti in New York. During that time period, she served as the Executive Secretary of the Organization of African Unity to the United Nation in charge of Administration and Finance. Paulette is also the Artistic Director and Choreographer of the Ibo Dancers of Haiti. This well-known dance company has performed at many prestigious venues such as Carnegi Hall, Madison Square Gardens, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Place des Arts (Canada). Mrs. Saint-lot has been the recipient of many distinguished awards, such as the "Best Choreographer" Certificate of Appreciation for Contribution in Music and Dance by the American Embassy (Haiti). In 1985, Mrs. Saint-Lot Frank produced and directed the first Haitian musical in New York City, Lakou Lakay. The musical was first presented at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on June 2, 1985. Ms. Saint-Lot Frank was awarded the Best Director and Choregorapher prize for her work in Lakou Lakay. Interviewer: Lucrèce Louisdhon-Louinis Pembroke Pines, FL