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The
Little Theatre Movement |
 The
Little Theatre Movement (LTM) has the distinction of being
Jamaica's longest surviving theatre company of contemporary
times. It was founded in 1941 by
Henry Fowler and Greta
Bourke (later Fowler) to raise funds for the building
of a Little
Theatre, and to help in the development of drama
in Jamaica.  From
it's inception, the LTM committed itself to a vigorous policy
of serving the wider community.
One of the first LTM undertakings was the launching of the
tradition now known as the National Pantomime. The first production,
in 1941,
"Jack and the Beanstalk,
was in keeping with the tradition of English Theatre from
where it came to Jamaica. In that form, a tale of childhood
was adapted for the stage with elements of music, song, dance,
comedy, drama and colourful costumes and sets.
The Pantomime opened on Boxing Day - December 26 - as was
the custom in England. Time's have changed, but in Jamaica,
Boxing Day remains constant as the opening day for Pantomime.
That is perhaps the only thing from the British Tradition
which has remained unchanged. European folklore has given
way to lusty tales of the Caribbean, with dialogue in patois
and humour reflecting the robust sense of comedy of these
"islands in the sun".
“Jamaicanizing the Pantomime”
 This
indigenization owes much to two legends of Jamaican theatre
-
Louise Bennett -Coverley
and the late Ranny
Williams who were among the pioneers of the LTM
and who did much to mould the annual show into a unique creation,
which features aspects of Jamaican culture, folklore and historical
references. The Pantomime prides itself on its universal appeal
to children and adults alike. In so doing the Pantomime has
utilised some of Jamaica's leading talent in every area of
production, from script writing to music composition, set
and costume design, choreography as well as on-stage performance.
The members of the Pantomime
Company are called upon to learn various skills
in order to bring a new level of excitement for each new show.
Over the years, the LTM National Pantomime has become a prime
source of material for cultural researchers of one kind or
another. Primary school children research Pantomime for exam
questions, Secondary, tertiary and university students exploring
Jamaican-Caribbean folk roots for various dissertations also
check the Pantomime source as a phenomenon of the region.
There is no recorded equivalent of a similar sustained theatre
tradition in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Pantomime
Personalities over the years
The LTM Pantomime cast lists read as a who's who in Jamaican
visual and performing arts. Undoubtedly, the most well known
names are Louise Bennett-Coverley
and Ranny Williams, who both served as authors as well as
performers. The list of famed performers include Oliver Samuels,
Leonie Forbes, Lois Kelly-Miller, Charles Hyatt, Volier Johnson,
Willard White, Rita Marley, Dawn Penn and others.
Creative
Input
Authors
Greta Fowler remarked that "drama is where all arts meet",
and the pantomime has recorded a long list of artists who
gave their time and talent to the process. Hon. Barbara Gloudon
has authored the most pantomimes for the LTM, she is joined
in the list of authors by Louise Bennett, Greta Fowler, Lloyd
Reckord, Pat Cumper, Ted Dwyer, Dennis Scott and others (for
the full list click here)
Directors
Brian Heap has piloted over 10 productions and is joined by
Robert Clarke, Noel Vaz, Lloyd Reckord, Maurice Harty, Bobby
Ghisays and Norman Rae. (for
the full list click here)
Musical talent
The Pantomime has always perfromed with a live band using
a mixture of folk songs and original music. The talents of
Marjorie Whylie, Robert Lightbourne, Grub Cooper, Conroy Cooper,
Peter Ashbourne, Boris Gardner, Carlos Malcolm, Desi Jones,
Noel Dexter, Lloyd Lovindeer among others have enriched the
productions.
Artistic talent
S et designers have included Karl Abrahams, Albert Huie, Colin
Garland, Lorna Goodison, Laura Facey, Denise Forbes, Larry
Watson and Michael Lorde among others.
Choreography
The Jamaican dance tradition is also represented with choreographers
such as Rex Nettleford, Eddy Thomas, L'antoinete Stines, Jackie
Guy, Tony Wilson, Bert Rose, Monica Potts-Lawrence and Joyce
Campbell.
Further information available - info@ltmpantomime.com
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