Minimal work done on Ward Theatre ... Despite numerous fund-raising events, money still lacking

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Despite a government grant and several fund-raising efforts, funds are still needed for the rehabilitation of the Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston.

The Ward Theatre Foundation held a meditation in 2007 with the hopes of raising funds. And, in 2008, the theatre received a well-needed $20-million grant from the Jamaican Government. Since then, there have been concerts like 'Christmas Echoes', and most recently, 'Jazz For The Ward', as well as other concerts, with the hopes of garnering income.

Yet, the foundation has not been able to raise all the money needed for the rehabilitation work.

"We are just waiting now on the architect and quality surveyor to tell us the cost. We are hoping that in a short while we will get it because time is running out for us. We are hoping that it would have been completed by 2012 for a wonderful celebration," said the foundation's chairman, Ruby Martin, who has been volunteering there for 24 years.

The Ward Theatre, established in December 1912, was donated to the city of Kingston by Colonel Charles Ward.

For years, the Ward hosted elaborate theatrical presentations and was also the home of the National Pantomime. A host of outstanding performers have made their presence felt at the Ward including Louise Bennett, Ranny Williams, Madge Sinclair, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the European Community Chamber Orchestra, and the Centro Pro Danza from Cuba.

But now, the theatre is almost in complete ruins as the paint has stripped off the building and the structure itself is crumbling. In addition, vendors, homeless people and taxi operators make the environs of the building their daily location. As a result of Hurricane Dean and Tropical Storm Gustav in 2007 and 2008, respectively, holes were left in the roof, and the stage and seating were destroyed.

Emergency repairs

Martin explained that the stage and roof of the building have since received emergency repairs but work is still left to be done.

"We will have a 21st-century theatre when it is complete. The inside will be totally refurbished, but we have to keep certain things. We are not going to change the outside," Martin told The Sunday Gleaner, noting that the entire room would be modernised.

She explained that while they do need funds, they cannot approach corporate entities without actual figures.

"We cannot go to companies and I say I think it's going to cost this or that. As soon as we have the information we will have a press conference," Martin said.

In terms of the money already raised, she said the figures were not readily available. However, Martin is confident that work on the theatre will be complete in time for the theatre to celebrate its 100th year of existence.

"I am optimistic and of the confidence that the architect and his team know we have a deadline and will be working towards that," Martin added.

While work is scheduled to be done on the theatre, she said changes need to be made to the environs that are currently occupied by illegal vending and taxis, as well as street people.

"These matters will be addressed to them (authorities) once more. We have to clean up our city," she said.

When the rehabilitation work is complete, Martin says the Ward Theatre will regain its former glory.

"It has to be a multi-use theatre where a variety of shows, local and international, will be held. For the opening, we will have a grand gala. It's a lot of work and a lot of planning and I am hoping Corporate Jamaica and individuals will come forward and assist," she said.

Skeleton staff

"We do not get as much assistance and we have to keep a skeleton staff there and security because if we close it, it might get vandalised," Martin said, while describing downtown as "exciting".

Until then, the foundation continues to host fund-raising events. Starting May 1, there will be a concert series called 'May Memories' that will be held at the Institute of Jamaica in downtown Kingston.

And there are also plans to host another event in July. Martin added that it would also be good to have a concert in the St William Grant Park that would also benefit the downtown community.