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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 its inception,
the LTM committed itself to a vigorous policy of serving the
public. (more on the Little Theatre Movement)
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 traditionof 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. Times 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". The LTM also produced other dramatic works often theatrical classics before concentrating solely on the pantomimes in the 1980s. (Click for list)
“Jamaicanizing the Pantomime”
The
indigenization of the form 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which features aspects of Jamaican culture, folklore and historical
references.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.
Over the years, the LTM National Pantomime has become a prime
source of material for cultural researchers of one kind or
another. Students of all levels - primary through to tertiary - conduct research on the Pantomime exploring
this unique take on Jamaican-Caribbean folk roots.
There is no recorded equivalent of a similar sustained theatre
tradition in the English-speaking Caribbean.
More on the Pantomime
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, Trevor Rhone, Pat Cumper, Ted Dwyer, Dennis Scott and others. (For
the full list click here)
Directors
A Pantomime director is required to not only to interpret
the author's words but to pull together all the elements of
the show - set changes, lighting, costuming and musical numbers.
The list of distinguished directors is headed by Brian Heap
who began his involvement with the Pantomime as an actor in
Pirate Princess. He has piloted over 10 productions and is
joined by Robert Clarke another actor who has now directed
more than five shows. Past directors include Noel Vaz, Lloyd
Reckord, Maurice Harty, Bobby Ghisays and Norman Rae. (For
the full list click here)
Musical talent
The Pantomime has always performed with a live band using
a mixture of traditional and 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, Ibo Cooper, Lloyd Lovindeer among others have
enriched the productions.
In an effort to involve up-coming
musicians the LTM band has also included past and present
students of the Edna Manley College, Kingston Drummers and
the Alpha Boys Band.
Artistic talent
Due to the size of the spaces in which theatre is normally performed in Jamaica, theatre goers have become used to the "one room" set. The Pantomime, with the luxury of being performed on a larger stage (the Ward Theatre and the Little Theatre) with adequate backstage space and fly towers has been able to bring to life a variety of locations from rural and urban Jamaica to the moon.
With the creative use of flats, backdrops and platform units the set designers challenge the stage manager and the backstage crew to move seamlessly from one setting to another as a show progresses. Some of the talent who have designed sets for the Pantomime over the years include Karl Abrahams, Albert Huie, Colin Garland, Lorna Goodison and Henry Muttoo. In the more recent years designers for sets and props have included Denise Forbes, Symonne Coombs, Larry Watson and Michael Lorde.
Costumes have become an integral part of the visual element of the Pantomime. The use of clothing to effectively define characters on stage expressing their themes and motives to an audience which includes very young children is vital to the Pantomime. Costume designers for the pantomime have included Patrick Waldemar, Norman Russell, Eddy Thomas, Henry Muttoo, Angela Waterlow and Anya Gloudon.
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. More on
choreography
Further information available - info@ltmpantomime.com