A Guide to Theater in Jamaica

When planning a trip to Jamaica, attending a theater performance may not be the first activity that comes to mind. Although many people make annual trips to Jamaica, few are aware of the sophisticated theater scene in this beautiful island nation. Jamaican theatre provides the viewer with a unique cultured production, often accompanied by local music and dance styles, Jamaican theater often revolves around the popular pantomime style.

This theatrical style originated in the 1940's and quickly became the most prevalent form of theater in the country. Jamaican pantomime is not a silent production, as many initially think, but rather a musical drama, rich with comedy, dance, and folklore. Actors perform standard fairy tales such as "Pandora's Box" and "Sleeping Beauty" as well as traditional myths, the most popular of which being Anansi, the spider god. Often, the plays satirize politicians, celebrities and other prominent figures. The most well-renowned Pantomime production is the Little Theatre Movement National Pantomime. Founded in 1941 by Henry Fowler and Greta Bourke, National Pantomime is an annual pantomime performance that takes place between late December and May in the Little Theatre, located in Kingston. Crowds flock from all over the world to see the performance during the Holiday season. The company also tours internationally-throughout the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and United States.

Another prominent theater in Kingston is the Ward Theater. Built in 1912 and declared a national monument in 2000, the Ward Theatre boasts a beautiful and functional structure, able to seat over 800 people. Though the theater has fallen somewhat in popularity in recent years, it still hosts many productions, such as dance performances, pantomimes, and Jamaican Cultural Development Commission performances.
The most popular theaters are located in the capital city, Kingston, but there are a number of companies, such as JamBiz, that perform in high school theaters, restaurants, and other avenues. Created in 1996, JamBiz is located at the Centerstage Theater in New Kingston, which opened in 1998 and presently is considered the most patron-friendly theater in the country. The company also travels around the country and internationally. Currently, JamBiz is performing "Love Games" a play written by Patrick Brown and starring Glen Campbell, a comedic actor well known throughout Jamaica.

Jamaica boasts a rich and diverse theater scene that has attracted large audiences over the years. Next time you plan a trip to Jamaica, consider setting aside an evening to attend one of many spectacular performances and witness the unique Jamaican culture at its finest.