I unofficially joined Shakespeare In Paradise sometime in February as apart of the dramaturge team that started on The Tempest. There were about 9 of us back then, and about a month later there were four, Dr. Bethel, Dr. Toni Francis, Reva and myself. We finished work on The Tempest sometime around June after a few months of off and on work. Ultimately Reva and I worked on the last two acts of the play ourselves and handed it in. The next week Shakespeare In Paradise held it's first meeting with interested persons which included Dr. Bethel (dux), Phillip Burrows, Reva, myself, David Burrows, Matthew Kelly, Rachel Whitehouse, Margot Bethel, Cookie Allen and some more (can't remember names bro).
Anyway in short that's how I got involved. It just sorta happened by chance. My English 300 professor (Dr. Toni Francis) started the English Honors Society which was asked to help dramaturge The Tempest. For whatever reason only two of us ended up doing it but whatever. =o
Now as for the festival itself. The marketing for this thing has been phenomenal and there is no one that hasn't heard of this thing. It's a monster moving of it's own accord at this point. That is what we call it - a monster with a mind of it's own.
The shows themselves are terrific and diverse. Ken Corsbie (Guyanese American stand up comic) is a master of the West Indian stereotype. He kept his audience with him and when he left we all wished he wouldn't. One White One Black is a play written by Cayman Islands playwright Frank McField and directed by Henry Muttoo (Guyana). All I have to say about this play is...watch it for 'yaself' and prepare to stomach some deep shit. If you weak in mind and spirit, this play will hurt you to your core. A deep look at relationships between men and women. OWOB pulls no punches, paints no rainbows and fluffs no ass. It is direct, humorous, satirical and raw.
I haven't seen Zora, Love In Two Acts or Music of The Bahamas - but each of these have been reviewed by The Tribune and The Nassau Guardian. =D But kudos to Matthew and Kim regardless and hopefully I'll be able to buy my DVD copy of their work. I'll see MOTB on Monday and hopefully I'll see you there.
Now for The Tempest (the heart of the festival). What can I say? I worked on it, but I never imagined that it would be what it is tonight. Yes tonight as I sit backstage and await my turn to jump on stage and chase Caliban (Kennedy) Trinculo (Dion) and Stephano (Skeebo) into exile. MMM, lets start with Craig Pinder (co-director). Originally The Tempest was to be directed by Nicolette Bethel and Patti-Anne Ali, however Craig jumped at the opportunity to be a part of SiP. He was not asked to do this - he heard about it (In London) and called asking for the chance. Now Craig is a seasoned actor and director who has been doing Shakespeare plays for god knows how long. So naturally when I heard he was working with us I had a jolt of excitement shot down my intestines. =D. Meeting Craig was moving, working with Craig is beyond gratifying - it's an honor. He is serious, professional, upright and a splendid role model for any aspiring playwright and actor. On the other side Craig is playful, humorous and humble. He has his moments and I've seen the human behind the resume and I am speechless.
Now, for Patti. Patti, Patti, Patti. The principle director of The Tempest who motivated, inspired, cursed, cussed and kicked all our asses and we (the cast/stage managers) love her for it. Patti is a Trinidadian who has studied theatre in New York and staged numerous productions, television shows and movies. Patti is the heart of this production, she is our mother, sister, best friend and worst enemy.
Craig and Patti are what theatre in The Bahamas need more of and it is an honor to work with these wonderful and dynamic bastards!
Now for the cast of The Tempest. Damn! Dana (Ariel) is the show stealer, but she deserves that. Skeebo, Dion and Kennedy are the drunkards and they kept us warm and smiling throughout the rehearsals and productions. Yeah, they've been cussed a few times, but who hasn't. Gene and Nicole are in love on stage and they barely talk backstage. What I mean is, they are fucking great. Jane, Roger, Mik, David, Jovanna and Sean are professional, fun loving human beings. =p Chrystal, Mary and Stephanie are awesome, did you see them dance? Love that scene. Dylan is my new younger brother and Annee is my new little sister, cause they know they kill my ass with the hugs backstage. =S =)
Our stage managers are working their asses off (Rachel and Reva) and they need kudos brother. Rachel is melancholy if you really look at her - and that's ok because she's an awesome melancholy. (if that makes sense) She's been blinded by stage lights in front of a sold out audience, she's been accosted by drunk men and she's managed to come out of all this with a grim smile. Gotta love it. Reva is my wife, so I don't need to say how hard she works. But then again... She's our glue too!
mmmmm what else?
Oh that's right. My point. My point is that theatre is hard work and SiP is blood sweat and tears poured into a pot and there's nothing more humbling than seeing that work pay off.
Don't fret, SiP still has three more days of shows left, get your tickets before you miss something magical.
