‘A Calabash to Save the World’

A Calabash to Save the World, a production of Ntukuma, the Storytelling Foundation of Jamaica, takes place at the Little Theatre on Tom Redcam Drive in Kingston, from May 16 - 31.

Founder and Artistic Director, Ntukuma’s Dr Amina Blackwood Meeks, says through catchy Jamaican folk songs, games and storytelling, A Calabash to Save the World honours some pioneering Jamaican scientists and their diverse gifts to the world. The production is designed to appeal to students, teachers, parents, and senior citizens.

Like the original story from West Africa on which it is based, the production holds important lessons about the purpose of the special talent which each individual has.

“The play salutes the accomplishments of Cecily Williams from Westmoreland; Thomas P. Lecky and Manley West from Portland; and Albert Lockhart from St. Vincent; while paying homage to the traditions of herbal medicines anchored in our African heritage and applied to modern maladies and epidemics,” Blackwood Meeks outlined in a release.

Through the accomplishments of these persons, children are reassured that they are part of a tradition which has created scientists and are encouraged to accept that they too could become one of the great minds gifted to pave the way with scientific innovations.

Written by Blackwood Meeks and co-directed with E Wayne McDonald, the play features Blackwood Meeks, celebrated percussionist M’Bala, Jomo Tafari Dixon, Jerry-Neal Richards and the Lightning Drummers, young musicians from primary and secondary schools in Kingston.

Blackwood Meeks says the Ministry of Education has issued a bulletin to all schools encouraging them to include attending the show as part of their celebration of Child Month.