Run Di Track gets 'Reeemix' - Independent Actors Movement hosts summer production

In the music business there are two reasons to do a remix - to hopefully pump new life into a song that did not live up to initial expectations and projections, or give an already successful project even bigger scope.

This weekend the Independent Actors Movement (IAM) began taking the remix concept into the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts with 'Run Di Track Reeemix'. Director Damion Radcliffe, who also plays the character 'Smooth', said the 'reeemix' is being staged because "we felt that it was a good show and the audience response to it was totally energising. People embraced it; we thought we could bring it back and make it better".

Run Di Track, written by Sabrena McDonald, who also plays 'Kayla' in the duo Track Starz, was staged in August last year, also at the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre. It follows the on-and-off-stage action in a televised singing talent show. It is defined as a 'rhythmical', not a musical where the dialogue is mostly sung, and features original songs along with some well-known Jamaican songs. Melissa and the duo 2 For 1 are also in the runnings for the big prize.

This time around, however, there is even more to the production than the contest, which already gave the audience a substantial look behind the music and bright lights last year. For the 'reeemix', Radcliffe said, "you are seeing a lot more of the contestants' behind the scenes stories".

There is also a deepening of the characters, as while Smooth remains "the ladies man", Radcliffe said, "you are seeing a different side of Smooth. Smooth can get rough. His back story reveals that he has had some rough times.

iam production

Once again, IAM is putting a production about a televised talent contest onstage at the same time Digicel Rising Stars is in its later stages. Radcliffe says the two are not connected.

"We have no bearing with what is on the other media. This is our summer production and so it is during the time of staging that production," Radcliffe said. With the changes and expansion, he said that "five to 10 minutes may have been added - but only to make it better".

He points out, too, that the 'reeemix' is not only in the script, but also audience members will "really feel like you are in a studio". So when there is a commercial break, a commercial will really be shown.

IAM has also had a helping hand with the music from School of Music lecturer Ibo Cooper. So not only have the original songs been "refreshed", Radcliffe said, but "we also did some voice work with him". The multimedia component has also been expanded.

Still, with all the new elements, Radcliffe emphasises "it is the story that is important. You will be coming to fall in love, cheer for, to understand and watch the characters that are in this competition".

'Run Di Track Reeemix' plays 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays.