Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Papa D tries to convince Portuguese Joe of his power, as Joe looks on unbelieveingly in 'Man Better Man' put on by the Jamaica Youth Theatre (JYT) and The Phillip Sherlock Centre, held at Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, UWI, Mona, on Sunday September 23. - photos by Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer

Some actors find their calling at an early age. For the members of the Jamaica Youth Theatre (JYT) who hear the rhymes and rhythm of the stage, theatre has become a way of life.

The JYT is a group of students from various schools who have come together to perform. The group consists of 28 members between the ages of 12 and 23, and each seems to balance a youthful zest for life with an intelligent maturity.

The group is guided by Aston Cooke and Quindell Ferguson.

Cooke, Artistic Director told The Gleaner, "The Jamaica Youth Theatre started out as a performing arm of the National School of Drama festival. The award winners from each year would automa-tically come together in the Jamaica Youth Theatre."

The members of the JYT are usually members of other drama groups attached to their alma mater.

"Every two years JYT represents Jamaica at the Caribbean School of Drama festival. We've been doing that for at least sixteen years. The festival was held in St. Lucia this year and we went there with a play called Masquerade directed by Fabian Thomas. We picked up a top production award and our own Bryan Johnson and Fabian Thomas got best director," said Cooke.

Fresh, vital outlook

Members of the Jamaica Youth Theatre. - Contributed Photo

It would seem that the JYT is striving to forge ahead bringing a fresh and vital outlook to the arts.

This year the group staged Trinidadian playwright Errol Hill's 'Man Better Man' at the Philip Sherlock Centre on the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. Making its own improvisations, the JYT has shown ingenuity.

According to Cooke they like to invite directors from all walks of life to help out. The group assists its members in a variety of ways, one of which is by hosting various workshops on a monthly basis.

Experienced actors from the theatre world also participate at the workshops such as Oliver Samuels and Karen Harriott.

"I think the group is there to give young people the chance to perform. They have been doing very well" Cooke said.

With time the members of the group hope to eventually integrate into the wider world of theatre.

Inez (Kajha Escoffery, right) pleads with her brother Brisoce (Lee Patience) not to fight Tiny Satan in 'Man Better Man'.

Lily crowns Briscoe the stick fighting champion at the end of 'Man Better Man' .