THERE is a buzz around the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive, compound lately. Following the end of the limited-run of "Augus Mawnin," the Pantomime Company got busy with conducting auditions for new members. This is an annual ritual to replace persons, who have moved on to other endeavours - study or job demands, which create changes in scheduling of their available time. From the large number of "hopefuls" who took part in the auditions - having their skills tested in music, dance and speech, seven were selected. These have gone on to training sessions with established practitioners in theatre arts, including Wycliffe Bennett, speech; Pierre LeMaire, mime and Brian Heap, acting techniques. Other experienced members of the Company also assist George Howard assists with movement and Faith Bucknor and Melward Morris with voice training.
A one-day refresher seminar was also held for senior members of the company in preparation for the upcoming pantomime.
This will be the 60th Pantomime to be produced by the Little Theatre Movement. The first was "Jack and the Beanstalk" produced in 1941, beginning what was to become an enduring tradition in Jamaican theatre.
Every year since then, the LTM has put on stage a Pantomime opening December 26. Over the years, it has provided an opportunity for many Jamaicans to participate in the theatre. Most of the persons now hailed as "stars" of local theatre had their start in the Pantomime.
Pantomime 2000 will salute its origins with a version of the "Jack and the Beanstalk" story. However, on this occasion it will be "Jack and the Macca Tree." It will incorporate topical themes and humour, with inviting music, and eye-catching movements, colourful costumes and breathtaking set designs. rehearsals for the pantomime will get into gear soon.
Pantomime's 60th anniversary will be celebrated under the guidance of a broad-based committee, comprising company members and personnel from the management team of the LTM.
Highlights of the anniversary activities will include an exhibition at Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library, November 13-26 and a "Tun-Tanks," - "returning thanks", at the Little Theatre, Sunday November 26.
Come 2001, the company will go to Brooklyn College, New York, where they will give performances of "Augus Mawnin," - a view of the era of slavery.
The diary of the Company also includes the staging of a special concert programme of excerpts from previous pantomimes, titled "Lickle Dis, Lickle Dat," commissioned by the Kiwanis Club of Kingston, as a salute to the elders in Senior Citizens Week, September 23.
