School's not out just yet
Published:Sunday | October 9, 2011 | 12:00 AM
... Trevor Rhone play to be read in commemoration of playwright's contribution
On October 13 at 6 p.m., the Jamaica Association of Dramatic Artists (JADA) and Bookophilia will host dramatic readings from School's Out - a pivotal work from acclaimed author and playwright Trevor Rhone.
The event is being held in commemoration of Rhone's contribution to Jamaican theatre, and as the introductory event to a series of theatrical offerings by JADA to mark the richness and development of Jamaican theatre.
School's Out premiered at the Barn Theatre on April 3, 1975 under the direction of Yvonne Brewster. Since then it has enjoyed significant reviews and has been depicted in a number of adaptations on the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission festival circuit. The dramatic reading at Bookophilia on October 13 will feature Oliver Samuels, Teddy Price, Bob Kerr with Munair Zacca, Trevor Fearon, Andrew Brodber and Rishille Bellamy-Pelicie.
Trevor Rhone is undeniably one of Jamaica's greatest playwrights. He began his theatre career as a teacher after a three-year stint at Rose Bruford College in England. He was an integral part of the renaissance of Jamaican theatre in the early 1970s, participating in a group called Theatre '77, which established The Barn Theatre in Kingston, to stage local performances. In addition to being a playwright, he was also a theatre director, actor and producer as well as a screenplay writer, where he produced local and international favourite, The Harder They Come. Rhone passed away on September 15, 2009, leaving the theatre community with a legacy of 18 plays.
Promoting dramatic arts
JADA was established in 2002. Its mission is "to promote the improvement of all aspects of dramatic arts in Jamaica and to position Jamaican drama as a formidable product in the international marketplace".
This is Bookophilia's second Theatre Night this year, the first showcased the Jamaican classic Fallen Angel and the Devil Concubine, featured in the book 3 Jamaican Plays, published by Paul Issa Publications. Bookophilia is an independent bookstore specialising in a wide array of content spanning numerous genres. Bookophilia is open seven days a week, with services that include a café, free Wi-Fi and Saturday morning children's storytime.