“Ol’ Time Sinting Come Back Again,” one of the most well-known Jamaican pantomimes will be staged at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on September 30 and October 1.
The showing of the Jamaican theater classic will be presented by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council, in remembrance of Miss Lou and Fr. Easton Lee, and under the patronage of Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair.
“Ol’ Time Sinting Come Back Again,” which was first staged in 2011, was written by Norma Darby and Fr. Easton Lee, former broadcaster, actor, and theatre director, who died in South Florida in 2021.
Read: Outstanding Jamaican Cultural Personality, Rev. Fr. Easton Lee Dies in Miami
The pantomime tells the story of Vicky a talented young lady, who much to the credit of her parents, would be the first person from the humble village of Bruk Foot Piece to have graduated from college.
Her lover Eustacious aka Newsy an aspiring journalist is being courted by Angelina the very generous “lady” of the village who is determined to marry Newsy one day, creating an unbalanced love triangle amid the struggles and aspirations of the village folks as they pursue their rough and tumble lives and the eventual happiness they share when Vicky gets married.
The 2023 production will feature a cast of talented actors including Dennis Titus, Dr. Sue, Sunita Spencer, Malachi Smith, Fr. Horace Ward, Marie Gill, Maxine Osbourne, and other well-known local personalities. Musical accompaniment will be by the Jamaican Folk Revue and the Tallawah Mento Band. As well as traditional folk dances by the Carimer Theater Company.
Keeping pantomimes alive
Jamaican pantomimes have been part of Jamaican culture since the 1940s.
Louise Bennett-Coverley (“Miss Lou”) and Ranny Williams (“Mass Ran) were key pioneers in the Little Theater Movement in Jamaica and did much to mold the annual production, which was presented on Boxing Day (December 26) every year at the Little Theater in Kingston.
Other notable players have included Oliver Samuels, Charles Hyatt, Willard White, Rita Marley, and Dawn Penn.
Ranny Williams died in 1980 and Miss Lou in 2006. The Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council says it wants to keep the legacy of Miss Lou alive, as well as Jamaican pantomime.
“We work to keep the legacy of Louise Bennett Coverley alive, through various educational, creative, and social mediums, stated Dr. Susan Davis, President of the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council.
Read more on Miss Lou:
- Celebrating ‘Miss Lou’: Jamaica honors cultural icon with month-long festivities
- Jamaican Senator Bats for Marley, Miss Lou, Bolt & Jimmy Cliff to Become National Heroes
- Gordon Town Square in Kingston Renamed to Honor Miss Lou
“This Pantomime is one such opportunity to bring nostalgia and awareness to some of the nuances and practices of our rich diverse Jamaican culture. The dynamics of this production are in highlighting the talents and artistry of various community groups and individuals. This is a sure opportunity to create a family experience.”
The presentation of “Ol’ Time Sinting Come Back Again” is supported by the Broward County Cultural Division. Plus, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
Tickets are available at www.lpacfl.com.
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