New thinking, funding needed in local theatre

- File

Rhone... "It's time we take creative risks."

Showbiz recently caught up with Trevor Rhone, playwright, actor, teacher and writer/producer of Smile Orange (1972) and Old Story Time (1979). Read about his views on the theatre, his past and his plans.

Question: What are your thoughts about theatre in the island?

Answer: Recently, I have not been seeing a lot of plays. However, it is always resilient. It has its off-spots too. Unfortunately, it is a little bit one-dimensional. The accent seemed to be on the comedic - and not so much on the non-comedic. Although the latter makes very little money, it is most important.

Q: What do you think is needed to get theatre back on track?

A: The economy has taken a toll on things. There is great diversity and putting on a play is very expensive. Maybe, if the government takes $50 off each cable TV subscriber's fee and puts this in a fund for developing the film and theatre industry this would help.

I am suggesting that the Lotto contributions go not only to sports, but some to the theatre - projects undertaken by directors, actors and new writers.

The private sector too can help in providing the necessay funding. A new thinking is needed, else we will miss the boat.

Q:What's happening in theatre elsewhere that we could emulate in Jamaica.

A: Well, I am familiar with happenings in Britain. The Lottery is used as the major funding for special projects, including theatre.

Funding here is our main obstacle here. If we were able to make movies in the 1970s, when it was much more costly and resources were scarce then, why can't we do so now. The cost, for example, of making movies now is cheaper.

Q: How does your past prepare you for your present status.

A: (Laughter) You know the other day a friend by the same name called overseas to do business and he was asked, "Is that the playwright from Jamaica"?

I am a little bit awed by my reputation. However, I have done a lot of hard, honest work and this is paying dividends. I am hoping to fulfill my film projects for the next three years and possibly return to the theatre.

I will be involved in a movie project - One Love, which will begin shooting in November and this will be the solace of my soul. Everything that I am involved in from now will be for my soul's pleasure.

Q: Do you think actors and dramatists in this country can live off their craft?

A: Yes, and no. Theatre is not an easy road to travel, very few can make ends meet. Maybe only a percentage of those involved live very well. In the past, many more lived very well from earnings generated by the theatre. This number, instead of expanding, is diminishing.

Thirty years ago I managed very well, even one's passion carried him on. I am not the materialistic type.

Q: What role do you think commercial theatre can play in the country's development?

A: Commercial theatre seems to appeal to most people and it also brings in money.

There should be, however, a balance with what reflects the mood of the society.

In Jamaica, commercial or popular theatre is in demand. I look back on my life as a young man at 18, and if I were confronted by what I now see, there would have been very little to fire my imagination.

A major loss is, our youth are not able to inhabit that special world of theatre. To this end I am hoping to start a writing workshop to assist those who are so inspired to be writers, actors and directors.

Q: Are you satisfied that the media is utilising existing talents in the country?

A: Not at all. However, it comes down to a lack of vision and economics.

It is easier to pick up a cheap foreign sitcom for US$200 and use it.

It takes much courage to find money to use local talents. When one looks at a film such as The Harder They Come - this has survived over 30 years.

If those who made it did not have the courage and vision and made that "imaginary leap into the darkness", nothing would have happened.

It is time we take creative risks.

Back to Entertainment