June 21, 2007
The fourth Panmedia Salute goes to ASHE, for its current production of Curfew: the Reggae Musical, now at Center Stage in Kingston. Since 1993, ASHE has used edutainment for community building, drawing influence from Jamaican folk and Afro-Caribbean culture.
Curfew poignantly uncovers the scourge of Jamaica’s garrison communities and celebrates what inhabitants today are doing to change that.
Curfew is the story of how one such community overturns the perverted social order where criminals hijack the functions of the state. Led by a guitar toting, ambitious youth (Othneil Nation) who uses music to bring peace and security for all, the community finally empowers itself and displaces its Don.
Some fine singing, capable acting, energized dancing and a girl next door romance explore ghetto life with rhythmic Reggae.
The multi-talented Michael Holgate wrote the book, lyrics and music, with direction by the experienced Trevor Nairne. Holgate, ASHE’s Artistic Director, also plays a truly believable don, down to the bling and violent outbursts.
Caribbean culture maven Professor Rex Nettleford, said in the Gleaner that the play was “A shot of class.”
Curfew has won five ITI Actor Boy Awards for 2007: Best Musical; Choreography; Original Score; Original Song; and Best Actor in a lead role.
The Panmedia Salute is our way of showing respect to things Jamaican that make us proud.
- Knolly Moses