ASHE revamps sex

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

In its 17th season of performance, ASHE Performing Arts Company will be 'edutaining' people about their sexual choices in Safe Stupid or What!, followed by a variety cabaret-style performance for their show called Full Circle.

The two-part show will take place from October 1 to 3 at the Little Theatre in St Andrew.

Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner, executive artistic director for the group, Conroy B. Wilson, said the decision to do a show of this nature was triggered by a previous production Vibes in the World of Sexuality, that was done in 1994.

"It spoke about sex when nobody else was talking about it, when the issue was taboo. We used the performing arts to be able to talk about it and to talk about HIV and AIDS," Wilson told The Sunday Gleaner.

"Almost 20 years later, we thought about it. What is fuelling the epidemic? Have people now got the message? Everybody in Jamaica knows 'pinch, leave an inch and roll' but people are still becoming infected. So that's how Safe, Stupid or What! came about."

What Wilson described as 'brawta' is cabaret which, he said will showcase the type of performance the group is known for. He said it will display African culture, as well as show the group's range in modern and contemporary dance.

In the cast, there are about 30 performers, six band members and 15 persons working behind the scenes. Safe, Stupid or What! was directed and written by Wilson and Michael Holgate. They got help in the variety cabaret show from Tamra Thomas, Oniel Pryce, Michael Harris and Rishille Belicea.

theatre experience

With these two new productions, Wilson said the group is showing how it has evolved over the years.

"You see the evolution in terms of where we are at musically, artistically, in our language and technique and also how we seek to get out the messages. We have used the elements that are current, as we continue to evolve to add to the whole theatre experience to make it more exciting and far-reaching," he said.

And, with the evolution, he said the audience would have quite an experience.

"From Safe, Stupid or What! they can expect fun and laughter but they can also expect their thoughts to be provoked. For the second, they can expect to be wowed broadway style," Wilson said, noting that the productions required a lot of work.

But after the weekend show, ASHE will also be going into schools across the island through collaborations with the ministries of health and education.

"The schools, through the guidance and counselling unit, have been trying to reach the young people and we felt this would be a potent way of doing that," he said.

follow-up visits

Wilson said there have also been discussions with the Ministry of Health to be part of the RE School Tour, where ASHE would be a precursor to the artistes who perform at the event. While there, he said members of the group would have one-on-one conversations with students. Afterwards, he said there would also be follow-up visits to the schools.

He said this type of visit will be effective because students feel more comfortable talking with their peers.

After being around for many years, Wilson said the group has shown maturity and growth, while maintaining some level of continuity. In addition, he said members have gone on to do well for themselves, locally and internationally.

Tifa, Chevaughn, Ding Dong, Marcus Jones, Cherine Anderson, and Roslyn Williams are just some of those that have gone on to make names for themselves.

Even when the group goes on tour, Wilson said its growth is evident as people are still using their educational material, DVDs and training manuals, some of which were made more than 10 years ago.