3 months ago
26
The Jamaica Women in Theatre Festival (JWTF) rounds off its four-day celebration with a special tribute on World Theatre Day to its three honorees — Dr. Olive Lewin, Barbara Requa and Barbara Gloudon — this evening at 7 p.m. the Little Theatre in Kingston.
With each staging, the festival recognises three outstanding women, not only for their achievement in theatre, but their outstanding contribution to national development. Louise Bennett Coverley, Lois Kelly-Miller, Patricia Cumper, Sistren Theatre Collective, Sylvia Wynter and Una Marson are all distinguished honorees.
Along with mounted displays providing background information on their life and achievements, there will be major performances of selected pieces of their work. The Jamaican Folk Singers will lead the tribute to Dr Lewin, the Pantomime Company will perform an excerpt of Trash, one of Gloudon’s 29 pantomimes, while the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) has curated a multimedia presentation complemented with a piece choreographed by Requa.
Convenor of the JWTF, Dahlia Harris, explained that this years honorees "distinguished themselves in their representation of our people, dedication to the craft and legacy for future generations".
“As the creative force behind the National Pantomime, Miss G infused our folklore and traditions with laughter and life, ensuring that the stage reflected the spirit of our people. She reminded us that our stories ... our dialect, our struggles, our triumphs ... deserved to be celebrated with pride,” Harris explained.
She was as passionate about Dr Lewin’s impact on our culture.
“Her legacy extends far beyond music. Her work explored the very essence of who we are as a people—our history, our struggles, our resilience, and our joy. Her scholarship and advocacy helped shape policies on cultural preservation, ensuring that future generations would inherit a Jamaica that still sings its own songs.”
For Requa, Harris credits her efforts in establishing a legacy of excellence in Jamaican dance.
“As a founding member of the NDTC, she was instrumental in the ways traditional folk movements were layered through contemporary expression. Requa’s influence in the classroom, guiding and mentoring generations of dancers and educators, has left an indelible mark on the world of performing arts,” Harris stated.
The event is free to the public.
English (US) ·