MEMBERS of the local drama fraternity have organised themselves into an association to promote better their interests, as well as help to position Jamaican drama as a force in the international marketplace.The Jamaica Association of Dramatic Artistes (JADA) was established last November, following a meeting of actors, playwrights, producers, directors, designers, technicians, theatre administrators, and other practitioners.
A steering committee was established, headed by convenor of the meeting, playwright Louis Marriott, to provide interim administration and make preparations for an annual general meeting.
Members of the committee are Andrew Brodber, Alwin Bully, Dorothy Cunningham, Fae Ellington, Charles Hyatt, Trevor Rhone, and Basil Dawkins. Mr. Dawkins was also chosen as the drama sector's representative on a sub-committee of the Tourism and Sport Ministry's Entertain-ment Advisory Coun-cil (EAC).
Mr. Marriott told The Sunday Gleaner that Sydney Reid (from Montego Bay) and Aston Young (Ocho Rios) were co-opted as regional representatives, while Valerie Chuck was subsequently confirmed as treasurer, and Donna-Marie Freckleton and Camille Beck-ford to serve in a secretarial capacity.
Several sub-committees were also established to focus on drafting a constitution, fund-raising, equity and welfare of members, education, training, code of conduct and standards, as well as special projects.
But still the association needs to build its membership base, and is currently holding another meeting this weekend, to which dramatic practitioners and other theatre lovers are invited. The meeting will be held at the School of Drama at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts on Arthur Wint Drive, starting at 10:30 a.m.
This meeting will finalise plans for the association's annual general meeting (AGM), which is scheduled to be held on February 23, to elect a president and other officers, and volunteers will be recruited to assist with the AGM.
Progress will also be reported on the draft constitution, as well as other plans and projects.
Among these initiatives is the compilation of a directory of dramatic artistes in Jamaica to be available at the AGM, and an annual theatre festival.
And, as part of an effort to position Jamaican drama as a "formidable force in the international marketplace", the association has been approved for membership in the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA).
Members hope to benefit from the JEA's expertise in organising exhibitions and overseas missions, as well as sourcing of funds.
On Ash Wednesday, a fund-raising performance of the play Forbidden is scheduled to take place at the Little Theatre, starting at 6:00 p.m. Tickets (at $600 each) are available from Louis Marriott (Telephone/Fax 926-1384 or e-mail jamaicanow@anngel.com.jm).
Interested persons should note that membership fee in the association is $1,600 per annum.
G. H.
