Contributed
The Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston.

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, has secured Italian assistance for the restoration of what is often considered the most famous and influential theatre in the Caribbean - the Ward Theatre.

Founded in 1912, the once majestic building in downtown Kingston has fallen into disarray. It needs a total renovation, including a new roof, parquet, balcony chairs, curtains, air-conditioning system and stage, to name a few current challenges. Despite falling out of favour, however, the Ward Theatre continues to host a wide variety of performances, including plays and dance productions.

According to a release, on a recent visit to Venice, Italy, Minister Grange held discussions with the country's director of culture and secured an agreement for assistance to restore the 96 year-old theatre to its former glory. During a tour of Venice's heritage sites, the minister was reportedly deeply impressed with the work of revered artist Tiopolo and the technology applied to restoring the city.

In addition to supporting the Ward Theatre project, the Italians agreed to assist with other aspects of Jamaica's cultural programmes, including the continued training of Jamaicans at Italian restoration institutions. They also offered to facilitate collaborative work between one of Jamaica's leading classical singers, Anna Strachan, and renowned Italian classical singer Boccelli.

According to the Jamaica Information Service's (JIS) website, in June of this year, Minister Grange stated that there was "the pressing need of the Ward Theatre to be renovated and restored to its former glory".

Vibrant nature

She pointed out that despite the vibrant nature of the Jamaican cultural and entertainment product, there is a need to provide comfortable and adequate spaces for people to experience art and culture as well as to create and promote high-level cultural offerings.

At the time the minister was actively engaged in a 'venues development programme', which would see collaboration with international entities to raise funds to restore the Ward Theatre in particular, as well as develop other venues.

When The Sunday Gleaner contacted Dr Ruby Martin, chair of the Ward Theatre Foundation, she had not yet had any discussions with Grange about plans for the theatre, but was aware of the trip to Italy. According to Martin, the Ward Theatre is in need of a well-deserved total restoration.

"The hurricane last year severely damaged the roof and each time it rains, parts of the roof keeps collapsing. The longer we wait, the more of a problem it becomes. I am aware, though, that the Tourism Fund has put together $20 million to at least put back the roof. Once the roof is put back in place, we will continue to try to move forward," she said. In an interview with The Gleaner last year, Dr Martin estimated that total renovation of the structure would cost US$20 million (J$1.4 billion).

According to Martin, the theatre will be putting on a fund-raising concert in December with hopes of raising money to assist in restoring one of Jamaica's national treasures.

When The Sunday Gleaner contacted Minister Grange, she was unable to give further details on the plans being made with the Italian government.