THE 2004/5 National Pantomime, Iffa Nuh So presented by the Little Theatre Movement brings nothing new to the table. This proves to be the best and the worst things about the production. Nonetheless, the production can stimulate a few laughs though it falls far short of a belly buster.
As the title, taken from a proverb (iffa nuh so it go, den a nearly so), hints at, the production is filled with proverbs and other folk elements. This is the best thing about the production and the reason, regardless of criticisms, it remains important to the theatre landscape. Iffa Nuh So pulls together the traditions of proverbs, storytelling and music.
The storyline works on three levels. The main tale involves a rivalry between two villages, Bamboo Hill, and the aptly named Nedder Side. These two are competing in a storytelling festival, though Bamboo Hill has been the reigning champion for years. However, the Bamboo Hill residents fall into trouble when their leader Maas Clement loses his grip with his costumes.
THREE FOOT HORSE
This brings in the second element of the story which involves the three foot horse. The third element of the plot is the story in the story which comes out through the two tales told in the festival.
The music for the production is generally very engaging criss-crossing different genres of Jamaican music, Grub Cooper having once again done a wonderful job. The ska laden 'Order! Order!' which ends the first act and 'I Choose' an opera parody were particularly delightful. 'I Choose' benefitted both from skilful turns of phrase from Barbara Glouden and Cooper's arrangements. Additionally, as he mourns 'So much pudden, so likkle time' Donovan Miller (who plays Pardee) delivers perfectly.
The movement has also not missed a step with Professor Rex Nettleford's departure. This year, movement was orchestrated by Christopher Walker, George Howard and the result was some vibrant numbers, especially the finale.
Its problem is the writing is largely uninspired and the plot fails to come together properly. Additionally, it runs for much longer than necessary and could have easily been tightened to create a more entertaining piece. Plot holes also crop up because the characters Festa and Lesta are never tied into the production. They simply wander on and off the stage, fortunately providing some laughter.
In much the same vein there also does not seem to be much point in having the three young people, Cadine Hall (Jah-Wayne), Angienne Cannigan (Taneisha), and Roger Thomas (Sha-Mike) running around in the woods. They seem to have been sent there simply to give them something to do and to relieve the tedium of the storytelling festival which stalled for most of the production. The mysterious behaviour of the suit case is also unexplained while 'The Three Foot Horse' is connected with the barest whisper of a thread.
The cast is lead by Nadean Rawlins (Miss Melvina), Melward Morris (Maas Clement), Faith Bucknor (Katie), and Carlton Butler (Jack). All deliver competent performances but all also fail to sparkle. Through George Howard's antics as Lesta Macca-Lester, the audience, especially the younger members should get quite a few laughs however.
The pantomime remains a significant force in putting forward the tapestry of Jamaican culture. With the Little Theatre it is also able to show much more dynamic works in technical theatre. However, the production is clearly ailing and it is quite obvious between the few laughs Iffa Nuh So produces.
