Louis MarriottFOLLOWING the formation of the Arts and Affiliates Subcommittee of the Tourism and Sport Ministry's Entertainment Advisory Council, some theatre practitioners will attempt to form an umbrella group in a view toward promoting the interests of all theatre practitioners.
The association also hopes to focus on several other matters related to theatre. These include: the roles, relationships and problems of the various categories of theatre practitioners; education and training; professional standards; gender issues in theatre and the business of theatre.
Louis Marriott, Charles Hyatt, Lloyd Reckord, Ted Dwyer and Andrew Brodber are members of the group responsible for initiating this association, according to a release.
Louis Marriott said the current state of drama in Jamaica dictates that an umbrella organisation be formed. He said the Arts and Affiliates Subcommittee of the EAC almost excluded drama in the document.
Mr. Marriott said this is ironic in light of the fact that drama is the longest established art form in Jamaica.
The association has no name yet. This is to be decided at the first meeting on Saturday, November 24. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Penthouse of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport at 10:00 a.m. All theatre practitioners, including actors, playwrights, producers, directors, designers, administrator and technicians are invited to attend.
Among the objectives of the inaugural meeting is the addressing of the definition of objectives of the entertainment industry's drama sector. The association will also elect a nominee to represent the drama sector on the Entertain-ment Advisory Council as well as consider the Council's proposal of an annual theatre festival.
Mr. Marriott, in his release, said Wycliffe Bennett, Trevor Rhone, Cathi Levy, Basil Dawkins, Sherando Ferril, Lenford Salmon and Denise Hunt are all expected to be at the meeting.
