By Leighton Williams, Staff Reporter
One of the more popular faces in Jamaican Theatre, Oliver Samuels. - File
IF YOU'VE heard the term "new wine in old bottles" being used by some local theatre goers, do not be surprised. They feel that way because they see the same faces in plays all the time. However, the producers of plays disagree, saying that new faces are exposed in the
theatre all the time.
However, it is widely believed by some theatre goers that certain actors have dominated the local scene, featuring frequently in several productions. In fact, some fans are of the view that the same faces turn up over and over again every season.
"It's the same face I see every time I go to a play. It's about time we start seeing more new faces. You sometimes see new faces but it is not enough," said Marie, an avid theatre fan.
But while Marie holds the view that it is always the same faces, producers such as Ginger Knight and Lenford Salmon disagree, based on the fact that they have introduced new persons to the stage.
"There are instances when the same people are used. However, we do introduce new people to theatre. In addition, there are other groups that have introduced new people and there are people coming through all the time. So a person who says that it's the same old faces couldn't be farther from the truth," explained Lenford Salmon, director of Jambiz, the organisation responsible for plays such as Oliver and the Genie.
While Mr. Salmon points out that there could be more new faces, Ginger Knight proffered a possible reason for the use of already established actors. Mr. Knight opines that a producer tends to work with people he is familiar with, due to the dispositions that both producers and actors have.
"Some actors are miserable, but they will put out the extra for a particular producer. If times are bad and there is no money that actor, based on his relationship with the producer, will go the extra mile," he said.
Knight also points out that another underlying factor is money. He explained that especially when he is selling benefit shows, persons sometimes ask about the cast. If it contains a known crowd puller, then they will readily buy the night. However, if the actors are not known, it will be a bit more difficult to sell.
"For my play Part Time Lovers, opening up in May, I will be using new people. However, a part of the problem why not many more new faces are seen is due to the fact that not many plays are being produced anymore and also not many new producers are emerging," he said.
While the producers give their side of the story surrounding shortage of new face in the theatre, the players put a different spin on the matter. Actor Dean Martin is of the view that there is a fraternity within theatre and, as such, more actors do not get exposure.
The man who has appeared in plays such as Room For Rent and Bwoy Blue believes that while it is a concern, maybe actors should start writing their own scripts, which will ultimately lead to more persons getting exposure.
"I would like to see newer faces, as well as older ones who haven't worked in a long time. However, the bottom line is money, so it's a case of persons who can draw the most crowd," said Mr. Martin.
Oliver Samuels, however, sees things a bit differently, in that a probable reason for the lack of more new faces is the theatre not being as lucrative as some upcoming actors would like. He points out that some see it as job on the side, hence the 'bread and butter' job will always take precedence. "We need more money and people to come to the shows and then maybe things will start getting better," he said.
While money is an element, Salmon believes that it is not the decisive factor. He points out that at times it takes a while to groom new actors and bring them up to the level of the more established actors. He, along with Knight, pointed out that they sometimes give new talents minor roles to get them the necessary experience.
He (Salmon) points out that for his upcoming production he would again be seeking new and young talent. "We're looking for two young ladies for our upcoming production in June. One of those young ladies will have a lead role in the play," he said.
