The Editor, Sir:

I attended the performance of Curfew by the ASHE group recently. It was a shot of class (no pun intended), since the piece is about inner-city gun violence. Congratulations to ASHE but, of course, to one Michael Holgate providing all the ingredients of book, music and lyrics with the sort of intelligence and imagination which a work like this needs.

ASHE is lucky to have Trevor Nairne direct it. The details of the interaction between characters were not lost on someone like myself and the piece, as performed, was extremely credible without being overly naturalistic. USAID no doubt knows that it has a winner on its hands by sponsoring the production. The 'inner cities' in Jamaica themselves should see it, as should schools and youth groups all over.

Little profit

That it is the basis for a film, there should be no doubt. Except that ASHE should know that these enterprises do not make the money many think they do. Perry Henzell made little or nothing from The Harder They Come which remains a cult film par excellence and is probably showing somewhere in the world as you read this note. I saw the musical of it in London and was pleased despite some reservations. A semi-documentary-type cinematic production for widespread dissemination - worldwide - wherever there is a 'garrison' - culture could bring returns. But unless some mogul comes and has you transform the script for market purposes, probably losing much of its essence, one cannot be too hopeful on the matter of profits. Yet, nothing tried, nothing done!

This does not take away from the intrinsic value of the work and the genius behind the book, lyrics, music and direction. I left Centerstage somewhat buoyed from having really enjoyed an evening's splendid theatre in Jamaica based on Jamaica reality. It needs only a moment of truth from a performed play or musical to bring satisfaction. I had quite a few of such moments and I want to thank Mr. Holgate, the two Trevors (the reggae hero and the director) as well as the entire cast (including, of course, the ingénue Gungoo - what a fascinating name) for a satisfying evening.

ASHE is to be congratulated for a good play with a timely message having community spirit triumphing over gunmanship.

I am, etc.,

REX NETTLEFORD (Prof.)