Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Anita Bully introduces the films created in the Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) Jamaican chapter's project at the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts on Sunday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THEATRE'S CONTINUED growth needs a space for fermentation to take place, a space for conversation and exploration.
As such, the creation of the Jamaica Association of Dramatic Artists (JADA) Spotlight programme is rather significant to Jamaican theatre's continued growth, as it provides such a space.
On Sunday, March 12, the second installment of Spotlight was staged at the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Arthur Wint Drive, St. Andrew.
PRIZE WINNER
Sunday's spotlight was shone on the late American playwright, Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson, whose work, as it was explained by Alwyn Bully, is of international significance although it has been little performed in the region.
The light sprang up from three sources. The first was a reflection on Wilson written by Yvonne Brewster and read by Christine Bell, the morning's host.
Brewster's short reflection, written from her personal interaction with the playwright, gave quick insight into his intellect with what she referred to as an "august legacy from August to playwrights everywhere" when he declared, as she cited, "I write plays, not biographies".
The second light, excerpts of Wilson's final play, Radio Golf, beamed even more brightly.
Radio Golf was the final of 10 plays which each dealt with a decade in the 20th century.
Plays in the series include Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars and Two Trains Running.
Radio Golf takes a look at the black middle class in America.
In his introduction to the segment, Bully explained that Wilson's work focused on black experience, but was equally significant to the exploration of the human experience.
The reading of excerpts from Radio Golf, impressively performed by Jerry Benzwick, Tesfa Edwards, Damion Radcliff and Karl Williams, highlighted this.
The reading of Radio Golf conveyed Wilson's brilliant creation of dialogue and the intriguing character development. The play deals with the question of the fate of the individual as the entire group tries to gain social advancement.
The third shaft of light came through a re-enactment of Wilson's last interview, played by Alwyn Scott and Sabrena McDonald.
RE-ENACTMENT
The re-enactment created a touching insight into Wilson near his death, creating a picture of intelligence and dignity and a man who was facing death.
The August Wilson spotlight highlights the possible value of the Spotlight programme, but the lack of discussion in the talking point segment did not allow it to fulfill its mission of engaging opinions.
In the earlier part of the morning, there was also a profile on Jamaican born Canadian actress and singer Saskia Garel.
Additionally, two short films created in the Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) Jamaican chapter's project 'Inspire and Educate' were presented. The project was executed at the Ardenne High and Harbour View Primary schools.
The segment was introduced by Anita Bully, who coordinated the programme.
It featured Forgive and Forget, written by Camille Coward and directed by Codae Pennicott, and Fire on a Windy Day, written by Shantolle James and directed by Jahsent Murdoch
JADA Spotlight takes place once every other month and its next instalment is scheduled for May 14.
