André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
Charles Hyatt (left) and Ranny Williams, disguised as Indians, invade the place of the King of El Dorado. - File
The recent passing of Charles 'Pa Ben' Hyatt has robbed the Jamaican theatre of one of its pioneering stars.
While several other pioneers remain, others have stepped out of the spotlight into obscurity.
Jamaican theatre is experiencing a rebirth, with fresh faces and multiple productions each year, but who is the next great thespian?
"Part of what is lacking is discipline. We had to find it when anywhere it was. That started from we were young," said Jamaican theatre legend, Leonie Forbes.
"Its full of stardom, but not the substance of stardom. We have a bag of talent, they just need to develop it more. They need to finish their education so they can talk sense," she added.
Ms. Forbes admitted that Oliver Samuels and Glen Campbell have been ardent actors and have already made their names in theatre. She added that Alwyn Scott and Mackeda Solomon are exciting and potentially great Jamaican actors. Karen Harriott and Dion Silvera were also mentioned.
"I hope we can get back to the stage where we offer more. Yes, we love to laugh, but that is not all. Is still a wonder thing though," she stated.
Playwright and producer, Basil Dawkins, was not ready to identify any names, but he said he was not worried about the future.
"Whether they will actually become icons, I can't say. I can't predict the future, but they are out there," Dawkins said.
He also admitted the void was indeed a great one and would not be filled any time soon.
Instead, young actors, he said, should spend more time developing their talent in order to get to that stage.
The road to supremacy will not happen over time and it takes discipline and hard work. All those worth mentioning could only start out the desire to act as only a hobby. Today, there are full-time actors, who possibly do not realise how fortunate they are.
Noted actress, Fae Ellington, also had high praises for Samuels and Campbell, but she thinks Damion Radcliff will also shine in years to come. She, however, thinks that if more serious roles are presented onstage, more talent will be put do display.
"I am not saying we should get rid of what's there, but we need to add to it. There is only one kind of the Jamaican self being shown," Ellington said.
"If something of a serious nature is presented, they (audiences) will appreciate it."
She warned that if some actors only enter the industry to 'try a thing', they will 'go up in smoke'.
