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Ward Theatre restoration courts gov't support

Published:Thursday | March 6, 2014 | 12:00 AM
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PANTOMIME AUDIENCE: Students and teachers from the St Elizabeth Technical High School are seen at the Ward Theatre where they attended a performance of the Little Theatre Movement's National Pantomime 'Music Boy' in 1972. Many school groups from all over the island visited Kingston to see the show which was about the fortunes and misfortunes of a young man who wanted to become a pop star. The story was written by Jamaican playwright Trevor Rhone.
Opening night of the LTM pantomime, 'The Hon All Purpus and the Dancing Princesses', at the Ward Theatre in 1978. Veteran trouper Ranny Williams as King Wanluv performs just right of centre. File photos
The once-buzzing Ward Theatre still stands tall at North Parade, downtown Kingston. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer
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Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner Writer

Following a recent meeting with the Ward Theatre Foundation and members of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, along with the mayor of Kingston, restoration efforts for the Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston have been re-energised.

What once stood as a spectacle is today a dilapidated cultural artefact, and with its physical condition worsening each day, the Government and the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) have stepped up plans to help with restoration efforts.

According to Jonathan Greenland, executive member of the Ward Theatre Foundation, a meeting with the mayor of Kingston and the Ministry of Youth and Culture has given him hope.

While expressing that raising in excess of US$7 million needed to carry out works on the theatre is near to impossible in the harsh economic climate, Greenland says the Government has thrown its support behind the initiative 100 per cent.

happy with the plans

"We [the foundation] had a meeting with the ministry and the mayor of Kingston just two weeks ago, and I am happy with the plans we have come up with," he said.

"Hopefully, with the Government leading a huge project which involves the Simon Bolivar Museum, the entire area, including the Ward Theatre, will be renovated. We will be working together with the ministry and the KSAC to raise the funds in phases rather than trying to come up with the money all at once."

Greenland said that he could not disclose when these plans would be formally initiated as they are still in discussions with the Government. However, he did reveal that the moneys raised will go towards repairing the physical structure, such as the roof, replacing chairs, as well as restoring the air conditioning.

While saying the theatre may never return to its former glory, Greenland sought to ensure that the physical improvements will allow the theatre to be reopened to the public.

"It will still look damaged but it will be repaired enough to be open to the public. I have never seen a production on that stage so I'm definitely looking forward to that."

When questioned about the moneys already donated to the restoration efforts, Greenland told The Gleaner those funds have been used to ensure the theatre's daily upkeep.

"It is closed to the public, but we still have persons on staff who see to its maintenance and they have to be paid. We also have to pay security and utilities, and we also had to pay the architects to come in and assess the damage and let us know how much the restoration process will cost."

The Gleaner contacted the KSAC who confirmed that they have been in discussion with the Ward Theatre Foundation but disclosed no further details.

December 2014 will mark 102 years since the Ward Theatre was presented to the mayor and council of the City of Kingston by then custos of Kingston, Charles James Ward.