By Mel Cooke, Freelance WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
IT HAS been many months nine, in fact since the pilot of 'Lyrically Speaking' was shot at the studios of the Creative Productions Training Centre (CPTC) on Arnold Road in St. Andrew.
It has not been a case of the poetry production being stalled, as programmes director at CPTC and producer of 'Lyrically Speaking', Judith Alberga, says that the editing process for the entire series is still going on. Of the 13 programmes which make up the series, eight have already been edited.
While CPTC still waits for a response from CVM and TVJ, who they have sent a synopsis of the programme, they will be utilising their own resources to have the programme aired.
Ms. Alberga says that CTV will be showing 'Lyrically Speaking' come September. There are also plans for a second poetry series. Hosted by Mutabaruka, 'Lyrically Speaking' utilises the talent of Kirk Buchanan (director of production), Cleon Weise (editor), Michael Edwards, David Graham and Ruel Guthrie on cameras, Andre Bidwell on sound, engineers Royston Teape and Damion Ricketts, against a set designed by Paul Hamilton and built by Gessler Brooks.
SYNOPSIS
In an overview synopsis of the programme CPTC states that; "Lyrically Speaking introduces the viewer to the length and breadth of Jamaican poetry, told by wordsmiths drawn from all sectors of society. Lyrically Speaking is a combination of new and experienced poets; it exposes both the poet and the viewer to what can happen when words are used creatively and gives a different spin on the language."
In addition to the poets, there were also some musician guests in keyboard player and singer Ozoune, violinist Mark Stephenson and singer Taurrus Riley, who recently performed on the closing night of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2004.
CPTC lists some of the participating poets as Jean Wilson, Dingo, Jonah, Gina Rey Forest, DYCR and Neto Meeks. Among the other poets to be presented, doing one poem each, are Ann-Margaret Lim, Paula Ellis, Steppa, Albert Bethune, Verna George, Patrick Davis, Diana Wright, Ras Rod, Duane Francis, Barrington Thomas, Abebe, Damali Robertson and Nick Hemmings.
POETS FROM MONTEGO BAY
The Gleaner got a look at some of the edited programmes, including one which focused heavily on poets from Montego Bay, as well as another which had the 'foreign flavour' of some U.S.-based poets, who gave a touch of slam poetry to the event.
Andrew Stone started off one particular programme with Shining One ('I did not ignore your screams/It is a deafness I suffer/For having forgotten my mother'), Saffron continuing with an ode to 'these old blues' - her well-worn jeans, of course. Jah Children gave a taste of Rasta Poetry, while Adziko Simba took an intense look at the gift of children.
Mutabaruka, whose continuing involvement with poetry was evidenced by the way in which he was familiar with many of the persons who performed, often adding a comment after each poem. "A some serious parables and metaphorical language there," he said of Adziko Simba's poem. Dingo contributed Jamaica, Land We Love, describing it as "hobbling along on three flats and a spare." Neto Meeks employed a rhythm track to do Cruisin' Up The Waltham and Mutabaruka closed by reminding all of "the col' supper shop."
With graphics and theme music all set, 'Lyrically Speaking' is a few steps or frames away from its promised September debut.
