Sydney Reid takes 'Old Story Time' out west

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:Montego Bay's lukewarm theatre presence will get an injection of authentic Jamaican storytelling when renowned promoter Sydney Reid brings the popular play, Old Story Time, to the Second City on December 9.

Inspired by Trevor Rhone's classic Old Story Time, the stellar cast will showcase their theatrical prowess at the Half Moon Conference Centre in Rose Hall in two shows on the same day. The first performance will be at 4 p.m. for students, and evening performance for the general public scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

"Montegonians have, for a long time, been asking for a play to be brought to the city and we heard you and, come December 9, the crew will give you a spectacular show that they'll always remember," Reid explained.

The Old Story Time cast includes Winston 'Bello' Bell, Dorothy Cunningham, who became famous for her role in the classic television series Lime Tree Lane, Keniesha Bowes, Evone Walters, Patria-Kaye Aarons, Michael Forrest, Devon Yetman and Canute Fagan.

"It is an honour to get the permission to do this production because Trevor Rhone is one of the Caribbean's best storytellers, if not the best. What persons can expect from this play is a lot of fun, humour and educational components that will go down well with everyone who attends. His (Rhone's) work is studied in our schools and I believe that is an excellent platform for students, theatre lovers and the general audience to come and be a part of," Reid added.

Eugene Williams, who is the head of the drama department at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, brings his expertise to direct this experienced cast who, according to Reid, "will take the audience on a timeless journey of Jamaica's past while showing off theatre at its best".

Tickets are available at Fontana, El Paso and at Diamond Pharmacy at Blue Diamond in Montego Bay.

According to theatre practitioner Philip Clarke, who also lecturers at the Montego Bay Community College, more of this type of theatrical production is needed in Montego Bay.

"There is not enough of this kind of production here and more is needed. I definitely encourage and support the effort to bring this iconic play that has been a part of Jamaica's history to western Jamaica. Theatre is an excellent medium for teaching values and culture, so I am sure we'll get some of that, and more, from Old Story Time," Clarke noted.