By Mel Cooke, Freelance WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
A FEW weeks ago, poetry made a major leap in Jamaica when the pilot of 'Lyrically Speaking' was taped at the Creative Productions Training Centre's studios on Arnold Road in Kingston.
It could be said that the programme, which features poets from the growing poetry scene in Jamaica, especially in the Corporate Area, went off to a flying start. What started out as a rehearsal went so smoothly there was no second take and the euphoria in the studio after the taping was tangible.
With the first step made, the producers of the programme are taking the pace up to a trot on Monday, November 9, as not one but two half-hour editions of 'Lyrically Speaking' will be taped at the CPTC's studios. And there is no intention to lose the momentum as the programme heads towards the 13-episode target, with plans to shoot the fourth instalment the following Monday.
Judith Alberga, CTV programmes co-ordinator, said the public is welcome to be a part of the studio audience and sign-up sheets for subsequent editions of 'Lyrically Speaking' are at the CPTC's offices.
There is a slight change in format for Monday, however, as a musical component will be added to the show, with Ingel Chanta being a special guest. Some of the poets who will be involved are Black X, Abidan, Marsha Hall, Sabrina McDonald, Cherry Natural, De I Am and Princess Love.
Once again, Mutabaruka will host the shows, on each of which six or seven poets will present their work. The target time per show is 24 minutes, to fit in with television half-hour slots.
With the beginning of the programme left to be worked on, the pilot of 'Lyrically Speaking' runs over 40 minutes. The intention is to present it to the island's two nationwide stations as soon as it is finished and, naturally, CTV will always have ample space and time for the poetry programme.
Among the persons who are involved in the pilot are Jean Wilson, Sabrya Simon, Ras Jaja, Roy Thomas, Dave Culture, Melissa Edwards, Suzanne Pyke and Brian Cleaver.
Monday's taping starts at 5:15 p.m. and persons who wish to be a part of the audience will naturally need to get to the CPTC studios earlier.
