File photo
Mervyn Whittingham (left), Paulette Spence and Gus Staples in the 1998 staging of Patrick Brown's 'Puppy Love' at Fairfield Theatre.Justin Whyte, Senior Staff Reporter
The Montego Bay Little Theatre Movement (MTLM), an off-shoot of the Little Theatre Movement (LTM) in Kingston, shares antecedents with its capital city cousin. Both were founded by Henry and Greta Fowler in 1975. While Mrs. Fowler has died, Mr. Fowler resides in London. The MLTM project was implemented along with Paul Methune, foundation member and first director of the MLTM, who has now retired and lives in Scotland.
In its formative years, the theatre relied heavily on classical performances, but according to Douglas Prout, who is currently the head of the MLTM, the movement suffers from the perception of being considered elitist. Mr. Prout pointed out that the framework upon which the theatre was built was classical in nature. "Yes, we used to do
mostly Shakespeare's classics, including Romeo and Juliet (1984) and Twelth Night (1985). Others included The Odd Couple by Neil Simon (1989) and Private Eye Public Ear by Peter Shaefer (1983). The reason, too, might have been due to the fact that our supporters were mainly from the business community and those who were exposed to such training," Mr. Prout said.
However, he explained that that has changed now and the MLTM is now presenting plays with Jamaican themes, written by Jamaicans. Some of these include Montegolo, a musical revue by Kyann Walker, Children Children by Patrick Brown and White Witch of Rose Hall by Jane Crichton, who is a member of the MLTM. "We have been staging plays written by Patrick Brown, David Heron, Trevor Rhone and Louis Mariott, among others, so our patrons are now getting a variety of theatrical works. However, we are not presenting roots plays, because, we feel there are other outlets for this", Mr. Prout said.
Lloyd B. Smith, editor-in-chief at the Western Mirror in Montego Bay and member of the MLTM, agrees that the company's image has been changing, while it is fulfilling a need in the west. "It is the only theatrical group of its kind in Montego Bay. The MLTM also boasts its own venue, which offers adequate facilities and enhances good productions. Its main drawback is that it's off the 'beaten track' - you have to drive to get there," Mr. Smith said, referring to the Fairfield Theatre headquarters.
Although indications are that the theatre's image is changing, Mr. Smith wants to see more local writers coming forward and a lessening of the dependence on Kingston. He also dismissed the notion that the movement caters to the elite. "I do not think, though, we are doing enough to challenge this misconception. We have to find a way to attract the wider community. We just need to re-invent ourselves. We cannot afford to be stuck in the old groove," Mr. Smith said.
The MLTM attracts small houses and their box office intake is quite small. They are experiencing financial problems now that they are moving away from being an amateur company to professional one.
" We have launched a membership drive with a view to enlist new members. We can no longer rely on the box office for survival. We have so far established links with schools and colleges in the area, including Sam Sharpe Teachers' College and Mount Alvernia High School, among others, to attract new and younger members," Mr. Prout told The Sunday Gleaner.
Although the MLTM is an off-shoot of the LTM, both groups operate independently. "We still maintain contact with the LTM. We have a good working relationship. The company benefits from the expertise of George Carter, lighting manager, and playwright Barbara Gloudon," Mr. Prout said.
The MLTM boasts a membership of over 200 persons, with about 25 actors and actresses. Plays are held only on weekends and the movement is continuing to build up its clientele.
The theatre faces a production cost of between $500,000 and $600,000 to stage a single play. Cast members are not paid for their services, hence all the players do other jobs.
Contact is maintained with the community by offering reduced rates to students and groups who wish to attend productions. The theatre is also rented for private productions.
"The theatre is now staging a monthly poetry reading session, with a view to diversify participation. We have secured the services of local experts, including Jane Crichton, a teacher at Montego Bay High School, and Jinarey Forrest, author and marketing manager. The sessions are experiencing great audience support," Mr. Prout explained.
The MLTM, in its bid to offer quality theatre, has drafted a five-year development plan. This involves the development of the physical plant and updating of equipment, including sound and lighting. A rehearsal room has been completed and this, Mr. Prout said, is making a great difference in it preparations.
Meanwhile, Mr. Smith feels its time for the movement to go out to the people if they won't come to them. "We need to go out into the depressed communities and be more original in our productions, because there is the tendency to do over what is presented in Kingston," he said.
There are several great playwrights and musicians of fame who have played at the Fairfield Theatre. Included in this stellar cast are James Bernard, composer and musician, who wrote scores for Dracula movies. He also won a Hollywood actor award. Bob Mallasch, construction consultant, built beautiful set designs, while Timothy Moxon, retired pilot and professional actor, acted in Dr. No, which was filmed here. He is tipped to receive a part in the 2002 'Doctor No' series, also to be shot here. He has the distinction of being the first person to have died in the Doctor No, James Bond series. Mention was also made of Howard Clayton, musician.
For the remainder of the year, the MLTM will stage two shows of Dawn Bent's Jamaica Alive, a musical revue. And, according to Mr. Prout, "we are now in negotiation with Basil Dawkins to stage What The Hell Is Happening Dear next year.
