“No we have not been “converted” into a gospel outfit” said Administrative Director of the company Lenford Salmon when pressed to explain the company’s decision to produce a gospel play. “Most of our plays have leaned towards a celebration of the positive side of the human spirit. So we have always been about spirituality. We have even explored religious themes in our productions in the past, “Ras Noah and the Hawk” is a case in point” he continued.

“Moreover we have developed a reputation for producing productions which are quite wholesome and most times ideal for the entire family. As such a great part of our clientele has been from the Christian community. Several ministers of religion (Christians and otherwise) come out to see our productions on a regular basis. Our benefit show programme, where we allow charitable organizations to use our productions as fundraisers, has several church groups therein. So in a sense, we are merely producing a production which they may find a little more to their liking”, said the Administrative Director of Jambiz.

Salmon was quick to point out though, that Jambiz’s decision to do AMEN CORNER was based primarily on the quality of the script and its ability to provide entertainment.

He went to say that the business of theatre is about entertaining an audience … in whatever shape or form. The bottom line is that people are taking up their hard earned dollars to come to the theatre to be entertained. We have to be able to deliver on that. We believe that a great part of our success over the years of our existence has been our ability to provide entertainment.

The public has developed a confidence in Jambiz, where they know that once they come to a Jambiz production they are going to be thoroughly entertained. Yes, we do make the production more wholesome, and all that, but the bottom line remains ENTERTAINMENT. Point is, entertainment is not only about comedy and laughter, but it does include comedy and laughter, and people have been demanding more and more comedy and laughter. When all is said and done they seem to want to get the comedy and laughter in a production which has been professionally put together, and which meets and sometimes exceeds world standards. Based on the feedback from our audiences over the years, we believe that we are on the right track in meeting and sometimes even exceeding their expectations. 

Director Trevor Nairne, Jambiz’s Artistic Director in residence, has pulled together a cast which shows an interesting mix of people from the “gospel world”, some from popular music, some seasoned actors and a host of young and upcoming actors.

From the pop music genre comes the 2005 rising star winner Christopher Martin. Chris is no seasoned actor but neither is he a stranger to the stage, as he has performed in the Schools’ Drama Festival while a student at his alma mater St. Jago High School. His rendition of the gospel pieces confirms his immense talent. 

The gospel music fraternity has a fair representation. Included in the cast is young Nadene Henney, back up singer for Judy Mowatt, and blessed with a wonderful voice. Also in there is Courtney Sappleton, Earle Brown, Hugh Douse, and Chevaughn Clayton.

The cast is completed by a good mix of seasoned actors as well as a talented troupe coming out of the Centerstage Actors Workshop run by the production company Jambiz. Bertina Macaulay leads the old guard, taking years of acting experience to the leading role – Sister Margaret.

AMEN CORNER aims at providing entertainment from a Christian perspective, but it also explores some very serious themes, most of which are very current in our society at this time. Here a woman is faced with the daunting prospect of choosing between dedication to GOD and her duty to family. 

The production which opens at the Centerstage Theatre in New Kingston on Thursday May 19 at 8pm, will have a very short run, playing Wednesdays to Fridays at 8pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 5pm and 8pm.

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