Actor Boy Awards honours unsung heroes, sees event's growth
Published:Thursday | April 17, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner Writer
Staying true to their theme 'Unsung Heroes' the 2014 staging of the Actor Boy Awards (ABA) honoured three individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry, but who are not readily recognisable.
One of those special awards went to set designer Patrick Russell, who was the night's special honouree.
In a video presentation tribute to Russell, his colleagues shared their experiences working alongside a man they described as professional but miserable.
The presentation revealed Russell to be the go-to man whenever there was a problem, many stating confidently that he was capable of remedying any situation and within good timing. The other persons recognised were Karl Hart and Robin Baston.
High praises were in order as patrons declared that, with time, the awards ceremony could only improve.
Co-host Kanhai Condison told The Gleaner he only sees good things on the Actor Boy Awards horizon.
"I am pleased with the turnout of productions this year. Everyone is dressed up and it feels like an awards ceremony. It can only go up from here," Kanhai said.
Veteran actress Leonie Forbes shared similar sentiments.
Having attended many ABAs, Forbes said she was convinced things in the theatre industry were improving.
"Change is necessary. This is the first time it is being held in a venue like this and it is quite spectacular," she said. Forbes went on to say that Jamaica was setting itself up to compete with international standards.
OVERCOME OBSTACLES
Seasoned actor Oliver Samuels said though the production was spectacular, it had to overcome many obstacles.
"I am very proud of the ABA association because I know they've struggled, and it's with true grit and determination that they managed to pull this off this year," Samuels said.
Project manager at the CHASE Fund, Paulette Mitchell, said her company was proud to have been a part of the 2014 ABAs.
She told The Gleaner her company delights in supporting the arts and is looking forward to seeing the industry develop even further.
"At CHASE, we take pride in supporting the arts, so being part of this was almost a no-brainer and we look forward to, hopefully, continuing our sponsorship of this wonderful event."
The 2014 Actor Boy Awards were held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Monday night.