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Jamaica is the place where the Ward Theatre is located. The only theatre of its kind in the English speaking Caribbean, it was gifted to the country over 100 years ago. To say it’s a historical landmark is to grossly understate things. The site on which it’s situated in Kingston has been the location for theatres since the 1700s. The Ward Theatre was the third to be built at the site since 1775. The theatre as we know it today was built shortly after an earthquake around 1907.
It should be noted here that it was declared a National Monument 26 years ago for its cultural and political significance. Ironically, both political parties have enjoyed using the Ward Theatre as a launching pad of sorts, or a more prominent place and platform to perform “back in the day”. Yet, one of Jamaica’s most prominent structures in our history has languished and become an eyesore for ages.
Another theatre gifted to the city of Kingston approximately 65 years ago is the Little Theatre. I need not exhaust or dilate on its decay over time, as that is known to all who take the arts and culture seriously. It was not established in the strictest legal latches as a trust, but sought to serve the promotion and posterity of theatre and dance as a non-profit organisation.
Clearly, that has not worked. The mere reliance on contributions and generosity has not made it better. I also find that decades of being politically correct when speaking about the Little Theatre has helped to keep it in a sad state of existence.
It became “owned and run”, but certainly not to the benefit of community and theatre at large. I discovered recently that some friends and other interested partners are making a determined effort to make it great again. I wish them luck. However, it cannot ever go back to business as usual, or we will eventually end up exactly where this revamp was required. It has to be renewed, maintained, managed and monetised properly.
As for the Ward Theatre, I truly hope we will one day see its grand return, and that the surrounding communities and businesses will understand the need for deeply rooted change. Things cannot remain as they are socially, economically, physically or culturally if this immortal is to stand tall once again.
We cannot honestly or seriously seek credit for influencing the world in culture, while within our own shores, we have mastered the art of causing culture to decay and be degraded. It is time for the theatre, dance and arts to stop relying on school auditoriums and canteens, church halls and meeting rooms to fully ventilate the creative spirit of Jamaicans.
It is also time for us to do more than just talk, make speeches and launch promises to the moon about preserving and promoting who we are as a people. It is time for us to realise we shouldn’t play with theatre and stop taking it for a joke. I look forward to seeing what is to come.
by Rodney Campbell
