A command Performance

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

Kingston is indeed a thriving metropolis, made that much more so by its inhabitants - especially those not yet jaded by ennui, but who have an appreciation for the beauty to be found in the arts and other cultural offerings that many take for granted.

It has been said, that 'foreigners' are more inclined to explore and embrace the nation's rich cultural offerings and diversity, than its nationals.

Curiously, however, it has been said and would seem that, once 'foreigners' endorse any national product, then the self-styled arbiters and opinion shapers then rush to embrace and endorse the 'new-found' product, as the very best thing since sliced bread!

Well, my dears, there are those who do not need self-appointed arbiters or would-be culture police to advise them as to what is appropriate and what is not. These distinguished individuals are not necessarily constrained by borders or nationalities. One such individual is French Ambassador Ginette de Matha. Dubbed the petite grand dame by some for her towering intellectual presence and grasp of the issues of the day as well as her ability to articulate the policy prescriptions of her government while promoting mutual respect for the policy frameworks of both her host country, Madam de Matha, is considered a diplomatic gem.

singing her praises

Those who have observed and interacted with the ambassador since her arrival on this here island have done nothing but sing her praises for her efficiency and capacity. And, if ever there were any who doubted, then last Friday's evening cultural soirée hosted at her official residence on Hillcrest Avenue would have solidified her status as one of the island's leading resident envoys in matters of international diplomacy, style and cultural awareness!

Last Friday, she opened up her official residence and hosted a critically hand-picked shortlist of colleagues and friends to what was a command performance by the absolutely talented and social historian, actress, celebrated linguist, and French teacher, Dr Jean Small.

Dears, Dr Small, is a Guyana-born Jamaican who has made our island her home since 1954. Over the years, she has combined her passion for theatre and teaching to create a new model for imparting knowledge by using the theatre as a vehicle for teaching.

Curiously, however, this here scribe, while being aware of Dr Small's reputation as educator and actress, has never seen her in either role. Being mindful, however, of her reputation, I jumped at the opportunity to see both these talents on display.

Well, my dears, on one of the most regal grounds in all of Kingston, boasting some beautiful gardens and lawns, the ambassador and her staff welcomed guests and a number of leading Francophiles, as they gathered for what proved to be a cultural bonanza!

Cocktails

Dears, the evening began with cocktails in the foyer of the residence. We are talking premium French wines here and the very best in cheeses and other goodies, setting the stage for what was a spectacular outing!

After the hostess' official welcome, it was time for the star of the night. And so it was, as guests trooped into the entertainment hall, there was no escaping the air of excitement and sense of anticipatory thrill of those in attendance.

My dears, talk about making an entrance!

Dovecakes, it has been said that that which separates stars from mere mortals is often their sense of timing. And, my dears, if anything, Jean Small, the actress, has mastered the fine art of timing. As soon as everyone was seated and a hush fell on the gathering, she made her appearance in suitably dramatic fashion - dressed, on the face of it, as an itinerant. Her appearance and entrance further silenced her audience as they pondered what exactly would unfold!

Well pumpkins, Jean Small is clearly a cut above the rest as she gave a command performance that was nigh to 40 minutes, and we are talking spell-binding performance art here.

As she got into character, her first piece was 'A Woman of A Certain Number (The number being the age of 78 - and Tired)' examines the need to revisit her accomplishments, self and being, to remain relevant in an ever-changing society whose values and yardsticks keep changing or have changed because of her advancing age.

Dears, the piece has been described as 'largely autobiographical' and, once in character, Small gave up a stellar bilingual performance, in French and English, to a clearly multilingual audience. They lapped up the beauty of her theatricality, artistry, and prose, like only the truly appreciative could, and it made for a most refreshingly beautiful, engaging and conversational 'one-woman play'. The beauty of it all was in its realism - set changes were largely her disrobing various pieces of her elaborate costume, which made for a compact but biting monologue.

It was a beaut of a performance, with Small proving why she has the international accolades and recognition she does, and winning converts to her melodramatic art form with each performance!

In a word, she was flawless! But the belle of the ball was clearly the ambassador, whose initiative brought the wonderful art of Jean Small to a new audience!

Post-performance cocktails were taken on the patio of the residence and this was punctuated by nothing but rave reviews. But dears, it was truly an evening to remember, because of the memorable performance art of Small, accompanied by poet/percussionist Mbala.

And among those out sharing in the cultural soirée were: Ambassador Elinor Felix, director of state protocol; David Fitton, British high commissioner; Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Da Costa e Silva and his wife Sylvia Ruschel de Leoni Ramos; Héléne Hagen Larsen, wife of the Argentinean ambassador; Jesús Orus Baguena, deputy head of mission, Delegation of the European Union; and Michael Dumke, deputy head of mission at the German Embassy. Also in attendance were; William Bush, deputy head of mission, Colombian Embassy; Eric Cajar, deputy head of mission, Embassy of Panama; Alfredo Stefan, deputy head of mission, Embassy of the Dominican Republic; Etienne André, general manager Vinci Construction; Michael Faulkner; Donovan Dobson, of Rubis Energy Jamaica Ltd; Sylvia Collister; Pierre Lemaire; the charming Myrtha Desulme; Nicole Hoo-Fatt; and the charming Salima Amirally, of the French Embassy, plus a number of others!