Nicholson directs Judgement for Boxing Day

As a director, Michael Nicholson has been credited with some of the major hits on the local theatre landscape.

A graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts specialising in directing, Nicholson's talent first came to national attention through the various award-winning pieces produced by the Ardenne drama club.

Since then, he has stamped his mark on audience favourites such as: Concubine?, the Jamaica 2 Rahtid series, Serious Business, Bashment Granny 2, Dem Good Ol' Days, Country Duppy, Kiss Mi Neck and Single Entry. Nicholson will now turn his attention to a new Jamaican drama, Judgement, set to open on December 26 at The Pantry Playhouse. Acknowledging that he has to maintain his reputation for producing quality work, Nicholson is excited about his latest project.

"The first thing that intrigued me about the script is how the story immediately grabs your attention and keeps you guessing up to the extremely shocking end. It's my job to transfer that experience to the audience, to guide the actors as they bring the characters to life and to create an image on stage that compels audiences to watch every single second."

Judgement stars veteran actress Deon Silvera, Dahlia Harris and the talented Andre Morris. Under Nicholson's direction, Silvera has earned several Actor Boy award nominations while Harris earned the award for Actress in a Lead Role for Concubine? and a nomination for Jamaica to Rahtid - Pupalick. Well aware of their individual talent, he is anticipating that their pairing will yield even stronger performances.

"Deon and Dahlia had excellent chemistry in Jamaica 2 Rahtid and that will be key as they portray two best friends. It will also be interesting to see them tackling roles that they don't typically portray. This will give them a chance to demonstrate their versatility. Add Andre's powerful stage presence and you have a trio set to deliver consistently. I intend to push them to the limit".

Following its gala premiere, Judgement will run Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8:30pm and Sundays at 6 p.m. Special benefit performances are also available and may be booked at 352-6180.