A highlight in March 2018 was the 2nd staging of the “Jamaica Women in Theatre Festival” organized by writer, director and actress Dahlia Harris. The festival ran from March 19 to March 25, showcasing works from talented Jamaican women writers, directors, and actors.
The festival showcased a diverse array of short plays, play extracts, play readings and video installations, but a common theme running throughout was identity and culture. Among the works mounted was an extract from Centerstage’s comedic drama “Right Girl, Wrong Address“, which highlighted actresses Sakina Deer and Sharee Elise.
The last three days of the festival took the form of a panel discussion hosted at the JAMPRO training room. The writer’s workshop boasted a diverse panel of including authors Velma Pollard and Curdella Forbes; playwrights Paul O. Beal, Omaall Wright, Amba Chevannes and Aston Cook; and musician Grub Cooper. Attendees sat in a circle along with the panelists of each day and engaged in lively discussions on how to develop characters, dialogue and lyrics in writing.
The festival in its second year forecasts a promising 3rd annual staging. “Jamaica Women in Theatre Festival” provides edutainment of a fine standard and offers a space for theatre practitioners or any interested individual to learn and network. We look forward to what next year has in store.