Roots theatre stalwarts honoured

Conceptualiser and managing director of the Roots Theatre Awards, Everton Dawkins, is on a mission to keep that aspect of local culture "alive".

"Throughout my entire career in roots theatre, we have been left aside by the mainstream when it comes to recognition, and I felt that we were just as good, if not better, and our community deserves to be recognised for their strides and accomplishments. Roots theatre is a significant part of Jamaican culture, and should be celebrated. This show was created to honour those who keep it alive, giving them the spotlight they deserve but never got for their hard work and dedication," Dawkins told THE STAR.

Last Saturday saw the third staging of the award show at the Anglican Church Hall in Ocho Rios, St Ann. The event was hosted by the Jamaica Roots Theatre Foundation in association with Dynamite Productions. Dawkins highlighted that though he's often faced with grave challenges, he remained motivated.

"Seeing how much the recognition means to the awardees and how the show has inspired new talents - [that's what] keeps me driven," he added. Among the distinguished guests was opposition spokesperson on culture/creative industry, Dr Deborah Hickling-Gordon, who was also the show's guest speaker. She stressed the power of the creative industry and how important it is for roots theatre to be given proper recognition.

"In the world of traditional Jamaican theatre, roots theatre struggles for legitimacy and acceptance. I recognised that this is a sub-genre that is less counted and values much more attention," she said. "This important sub-genre needs to take its place in the [heights] of Jamaican theatre, where it belongs. This group of thespians has produced a body of work that tell Jamaican stories from a lived perspective - do not stop...and hold on to the authenticity that you bring to the Jamaican space."

The award show, which also had performances, saw creatives being awarded for their outstanding contributions to the Jamaican roots theatre industry. After serving the industry for nearly 18 years, actor Rhomy Richards said he was very "elated" to receive his first award.

"I felt like mi did a float - like I was on cloud 25, really a happy moment, trust me. It felt so amazing and I'm so elated. After 18 years I'm finally being recognised and it took one person to say, 'You have done so much for roots theatre' and pushed me forward to receive my first award," an ecstatic Richards told THE STAR. He proposed that creatives "must be recognised and highlighted more for the work that we put out and not only when there is an award ceremony". Another first-time awardee, Margaret 'Cushie' Wilson, was almost brought to tears upon receiving her lifetime achievement award.

"Oh my God...I cannot believe this. I was wondering if I was going to migrate before I get this," she exclaimed as the cheering crowd erupted with laughter. "I've done over 33 plays and I just wanna say thanks to everyone and I really, truly appreciate this. If mi neva get it, mi nuh know wah woulda happen and right now mi feel like mi waah bawl."

Dennis Hall and Leighton Smith received lifetime awards while comedian Garnett 'Apache Chief' Allen received a posthumous award that was received by his son. Maxwell 'Mama Man' Grant, established playwright Luke Ellington and Daphne 'Mae' Grandison were inducted into the hall of fame.

Dawkins said the production of the show was a strong blend of culture, entertainment and recognition.

"We did our best to showcase and highlight what makes roots theatre special and recognised by our community [and] over the years we've always tried enhancing our production and we still strive to do better each year," he said, while expressing gratitude to the key contributors and sponsors who've assisted in making the show a success.

However, Dawkins urged more sponsors and corporate Jamaica to come on board.