Basil Dawkins accepts one of his four awards last week.
- Ricardo Makyn photo
Barbara Ellington, Gleaner Writer
IN SPITE of technical glitches on a show ironically dubbed 'A Tribute to Technical Theatre', the International Theatre Institute's (ITI) 2003 Actor Boy Awards was an event well worth attending. It was held at the Little Theatre in St. Andrew on March 23.
Playwright Basil Dawkins' riveting drama A Gift For Mom emerged winner of four awards. These were: 'Best New Jamaican Play', 'Best Drama', 'Best Production' and 'Best Director'. In the category of 'Best Production', his play eclipsed other nominees: Who God Bless, Mama I Want to Sing, Combolo, Pecong, Redemption and Single Entry.
But the first low note was the totally uninspiring drumming during Sean Hird's beautiful flute rendition of the National Anthem. Talk about overkill. Next was the far too long on-stage wardrobe change for the night's host Karl Williams. Great idea poor execution. Add the poor sound quality that plagued presenters and video presentations of scenes from the nominated plays, which put a slight wrinkle an on otherwise tight production.
The host Mr. Williams did a brilliant job of ad-libbing, injecting humour and keeping proceedings flowing at a quick pace. His rib-tickling sketch, comprising the titles of all the nominated plays, was one of the night's high points.
The productions up for awards during the year in review were generally of a high standard so the audience had no problems with the judges' selections. There were over 30 categories and two special awards. Theatre critic Michael Reckord received a 'Special Thanks' award for his work and Lauriston 'Larry' Watson received the 'Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre'.
The programme also included two remembrances for the lives and work of theatre veterans, Thomas 'Ted' Dwyer and Lilieth Campbell-Chin, who died last year. Mr. Dwyer served as a judge of the Actor Boy Awards and was described as 'the consummate theatre practitioner'. Mrs. Campbell-Chin worked tirelessly behind the scenes in scores of productions, ensuring that those on-stage had no headaches.
HIGH POINTS
One could say the night belonged to Basil Dawkins, who penned the winning production and whose profound words of gratitude will resonate for a long time. One could also say the night was definitely Makeda Solomon's winner of the 'Best Actress' award for her role in another Basil Dawkins play, What the Hell is Happening to Us, Dear? Her acceptance speech was an emotionally charged delivery from the heart, and those of us who have not yet seen her perform, cannot wait to do so.
And yet, one could not be faulted for opining that the night belonged to Christopher McFarlane, winner of the 'Best Supporting Actor' award for his role in yet another Dawkins play, Who God Bless. His joy was boundless and he had a hug for almost everyone he encountered on his sprinted journey to the stage. Naturally, like all well brought up lads, the lion share of his thanks went to his mother.
The night's other winners included: Little Theatre Movement's (LTM), Pantomime, Combolo for 'Best Lighting Design' and 'Best Original Song'; Schererazade for 'Best Children's Theatre'; Mama I Want to Sing for 'Best Musical'; Alwyn Scott for Best Actor; Joan Belfon, 'Best Actress'; Single Entry, 'Best Comedy' and Voices, 'Best Revue'.
HITS AND MISSES
The winner who was not dressed for the occasion
The presenter who forgot her lines
The beauty queen who could not pronounce Combolo
The exciting range of outfits provided by Les Campbel, Wright Style, SoHo, and Petals and Promises.
The concise responses by winners from whom Oscar recipients could take some lessons in brevity.
