Mel Cooke, Freelance WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
HAVING MADE the step from page to stage in numerous readings, concentrated in the Corporate Area, the surging poetry scene is set to make yet another move.
This time, it is to the screen.
Judith Alberga, programmes co-ordinator at the Creative Productions Training Centre (CPTC), told The Entertainer that the Centre is seeking poets for the pilot of 'Lyrically Speaking', a half-hour poetry dominated show. To this end, interested persons are being asked to come to the CPTC's offices, 37 Arnold Road, Kingston 5, on Tuesday, October 7, at 2 p.m. to make their submissions.
The pilot is slated to be taped in studio on October 13.
Explaining the format, Ms. Alberga said there will be a guest host, up to 10 poets doing two to three minutes each and an emerging artiste fitting with the general nature of the programme. Mutabaruka has been approached to be the first host.
The pilot will be taped before a studio audience.
As for how long the series will run, Ms. Alberga said "usually a series is for 13 programmes".
And as for the request for poets at CPTC's offices on Tuesday, she clarified that it was not an audition, but it is a question of "looking at what is out there".
'Lyrically Speaking' will be filmed for CTV and, as a family station, it is expected that the poetry aired will be within the limits for children as well as adults.
Hopefully though, the programme will also get onto the island's major television stations, as Ms. Alberga said "we would like to get it on TVJ and CVM".
A lot, apparently, depends on sponsorship and so far CTV will be going it alone on a minimal budget.
Still uncertain is how the poets for the pilot and subsequent programmes will be required to deliver their material whether they will be required to read or recite.
"I have seen them read it from paper, but when they recite it works better," she said.
However, with reading, "artistically it looks nicer".
And, at least initially, as CTV is doing the pilot without any sponsorship, the poets will not be paid. That matter will arise "if we get sponsors".
And, as to why CTV is making the venture, its first foray of this magnitude into poetry, Ms. Alberga said "CTV is all about culture and heritage. It is a form of expression," she said.
