Krista Henry, Staff Reporter
Members of the Peace Management Initiative, the Area Youth Foundation and residents dance and sing their way through Rose Town, Federal/Wilton Gardens, Hannah Town, Denham Town and end in Tivoli Gardens during a peace walk to promote peace in west Kingston. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
For one night only, the biggest musical production of the year 'Bus' Big' promises infectious rhythms, strong, well-blended voices and high-energy choreography.
On for only one day, The Gleaner-sponsored 'Bus' Big' will be staged this Saturday, December 1, at the National Arena with shows at 2 and 7 p.m. Organised, staged and with performances from the Area Youth Foundation, 'Bus' Big' is the latest version of a permanent work in progress for the company. According to Artistic Director Sheila Graham, "We call it ('Bus' Big') a mega musical. Its going to be spectacular with a huge stage and a beautiful set."
'Bus' Big' is written by Sheila Graham, Winston 'Bello' Bell, Owen 'Blakka' Ellis and directed by Alwin Bully, one of the foremost theatrical directors in the Caribbean.
10-YEAR DEVELOPMENT
According to Graham, 'Bus' Big' is a story that has been developed over the last 10 years.
The tale is about a young man who has made his way out of a volatile community and wins a Grammy. He then returns triumphant to his community and attempts to bring his people together to put an end to violence. A small incident triggers a flare-up and its up to the hero to bring peace. Thrown into the mix is a love story with a girl from the other side of the tracks.
Musically, 'Bus' Big' is an interplay of the folk heritage with urban dancehall culture linking past and present. 'Bus' Big' is characterised by a large company of performers, a number of whom hail from the Area Youth Foundation, who will be working on stage and behind the scenes. In an interesting turn, an open audition for the show was held in the form of a reality television show on CVM TV called Mus Bus Big, which took place from September to October, and 10 new cast members were chosen from the show.
The production was originally staged at the Island Life Centre, but due to Hurricane Dean and the general elections the show got postponed and had to be re-staged at the National Arena - hence its limited time. Graham states "it's a huge undertaking but it's going to be worth it. It's of a quality not often seen in Jamaica. The music is outstanding."
This is only the latest production from the Area Youth Foundation, who have been in existence for the last 10 years. The foundation has been responsible for shows such as Border Connection. Members of the Area Youth Foundation hail from volatile communities and will bring their own personal experiences and emotions to the stage.
