Tivoli Dance Troupe.
Justin Whyte, Entertainment Editor
The folk culture of a people consists of those aspects of life which are identifiable as not absolutely necessary for subsistence, but which give strong emotional support and direction for the continued existence of the group over a period of time. (Arts Of An Island).
AT this time of our celebration of Independence, the spotlight is on our rich cultural heritage, and in particular the performing arts.
But the question remains, how do we encourage young people, full of talent, to make a career in the arts, when it's hard to find full-time employment, with reasonable earnings.
Unfortunately, qualified and talented artistes are forced to juggle part-time jobs with careers in the arts, while others go away to 'greener' pastures in search of a better life.
According to Winston Ewart, director of studies at The School of Music, Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts: "People view the arts as a spare time activity - not an area to be studied or to be done in depth". He said if the arts should continue to strive, fees paid to artistes and teachers will have to be subsidised. "It could be a partnership between the Government and the private sector or better yet, we need an Arts Foundation to administer that field", he said.
The music educator said he was also cognisant of the role of cultural agents. "Cultural agents should now look to a meeting of the minds. We are too fragmented. For example there are the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Social Development Commission, Creative Production Training Centre and the Schools of the Edna Manley College. There are no set policies governing the arts overall", he continued.
Meanwhile, Arnold Bertram, Minister of Local Government, Youth and Community Development feels there is no contradiction with regardº to the role of the JCDC and the SDC. He said the SDC dealt with community development, while the JCDC was responsible for the cultural promotion of the nation.
The Minister, in response to Showbiz queries about the new mass support to cultural activities evident this year, said: "Our mandate is to serve all the people and we have to provide a balanced programme. Hence the violin and classical guitar has to co-exist with the drum and maracas."
He also said more than $30 million has been spent on upgrading the Ranny Williams Centre to facilitate the showcasing of the arts.
Since 1964, the JCDC, in its bid to continue to unearth and develop talents, has been showcasing the best of the performing arts at its annual Mello Go Roun show.
This year's show, which was the climax to the Festival of the Performing Arts, was staged at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre as part of the Independence festivities.
The various electrifying performances brought positive responses from the capacity crowd and showed that the presentation had shaken off its past dull and unattractive appearance. In so much that its organisers may have to begin to look at the possibility of hosting next year's event at the National Arena.
The programme was well structured and ran smoothly. In fact the format was much improved over previous years. There was keen, clear rivalry among the performing groups.
Again dance led the way, but this year drama was incorporated into the programme. And the one-man act by Everald Harriott, from Manchester, titled Mi Nat A Mad Smaddy was
hilarious.
The show's momentum was maintained in parts and the finales were orderly. However the programme could have been shorter.
The lighting mix enhanced many of the presentations. Unfortunately, efforts have to be made to get the itinerant vendors out of the amphitheatre and restrict them to the refreshment areas.
The night's moving showcase featured outstanding presentations from such groups as Lannaman's Preparatory School which was second runner-up in the Marcus Garvey Awards in The Performing Arts. But why wasn't St. Jago High School, winner of the award not in the line-up?
There was also champion performance from first runner-up Clonmel Primary and Junior High School out of St. Mary. Kimeila Isaacs of Wolmer's High School, with her song Go Light Up The World, was a scorcher. She defied the notion that being disabled can hinder success.
St. Peter Claver Primary of Kingston and St. Andrew was also outstanding, so too was the pop dance duet, 'Matrix', from Exed Community College, Kingston and St. Andrew.
Other moving presentations came from St. George's College Drummers, Tivoli Dancers and Troupe, Leonie Harris-Dell, Portland and Manchioneal Culture Group. Terran Frazer, of Red Hills All-Age, was also outstanding in his presentation of 'What More Could She Want'. But why was Shelly-Ann Foster selected to represent the country at CARIFESTA, when she cannot keep in key (tune) and cannot fully handle the Jamaican classic 'Independence Jamaica'.
Overall, the stage appearances and demeanour of the performers were outstanding.
