Jamaica's youth theatre vibrant

- Contributed

Students having the time of their lives in LTM's 'Schoolers 2'.

MOST successful producers and directors have a knack for writing unforgettable scripts. Many of them are never satisfied with mediocrity and possess gifts which could be described as "restless creativity".

Many producers, directors and writers pass these theatrical skills on to young people, while at the same developing leadership skills.

Students nowadays tend to think they do not possess those capabilities, hence some are only concerned with stage appearances and "playing to the gallery".

To Shaurna Miller and her players at the Green Island Comprehensive High School, it is more than that. Though drama is a part of the school's syllabus at examination level, it is nevertheless encouraged at the extra-curricular level, and especially as a part of the school's performing arts programme.

"At the beginning of each term auditions are held. Each aspirant must dance, sing or act, and the individuals having the highest scores are accepted into membership", Miss Miller said.

Doug Bennett, director and voice tutor at the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC) concurred: "Our audition encourages entrants to participate in all areas of the performing arts ­ dance, drama, speech and music. We audition for specific roles, which are contested for keenly, he said.

The Port Antonio Theatre Group, founded and directed by Maureen Campbell, uses a different approach to auditioning students for theatre.

"We look keenly at their skills in theatre, with specific reference to acting. Audition results too are decided on by the players themselves along with my guidance. And this makes working together much easier," she explained.

'Serious issues'

"Young people who are creative tackle plays which highlight serious issues, including incest, rape, lawlessness; they are mainly concerned with what's happening around them in the wider society. We find too themes coming up based on crises in families, peer pressure, poverty and helplessness", said Andrew Brodber, speech co-ordinator at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.

Mr. Brodber also told Showbiz, "Nowadays too, a visit to the theatre will reveal a selection of foreign topics with a Jamaica twist. And there is also a good mix of theatre ­ commercial and the more formal," he said.

According to Mr. Bennett, youth theatre is gaining momentum. "This is so because of their commitment to duty and positive attitudes. The future of Jamaica theatre looks bright."

However, Mr. Bennett lam-ented that because theatre in Jamaica cannot guarantee a decent living the youngsters in drama move into other areas just to survive.

In Green Island, the problem is being addressed by making the school's drama group a part of the community. They get gigs at neighbouring hotels, and are contracted by various organisations like the Urban Develop-ment Corporation and the Hanover Mediation Society to transmit relevant messages to children of school ages.

"They are paid for all these services and the money is pooled for assisting in paying examination fees, providing scholarships for needy ones, and the opening of bank accounts for students who might not have been able to do so on their own. Each child receives at least $500 cash as payment for jobs done", Miss Miller said.

Andrew Brodber finds too, that although an increasing number of young people are doing acting for leisure time or as a career, too few young men are getting involved.

Dance as a tool

The JMTC, which in the past faced similar problems, has been placing great emphasis on dance as a tool to good theatre and has had good results.

"The boys show reluctance at first, mainly because it is felt it is effeminate to dance. However, we refer them to great sportsmen who have to take this subject as a requirement for excellence in their performance in their respective sports and this has helped", Mr. Bennett said.

Many of our theatrical groups find an outlet for honing and practising their craft by entering annual competitions organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, which is the main vehicle for unearthing, developing and showcasing talent. Many have won several medals, cash awards, scholarships and other incentives.

Meanwhile, more established groups like the JMTC stage their own shows and receive rave reviews from critics.

What was quite heartening when Showbiz contacted most of the leaders and players themselves, was that they all echoed similar sentiments about "the power of the stage". According to them theatre builds character and opens up the mind to boundless possibilities.

According to Maureen Campbell, "Drama contributes much to the social interaction among children and young adults. They enjoy each other's company and it assists us as teachers to spot talent and more significantly leaders."

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