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COLLEGIATE …Inspiring Creativity…Impacting Lives Volume 4: Issue 2 January – March 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Principal’s Desk ILAWA: A Director’s Reflection Edna observes Black History with Colour Museum The (He)Art of the Matter with Tony Rebel, Ronnie Burke and Justine Henzel A Founders Week Special Berklee Professor Visits School of Music Preparation for Rex Nettleford Arts Conference 2017

Editorial It has been a very busy semester and the campus is constantly abuzz with activities typical of a visual and performing arts institution. This issue of the Collegiate will share some of the major events on campus in the second semester with our usual special highlights of Founders’ Week as we pause to pay tribute to those who paved the way. It is critical that the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts remain vibrant and alive as Kingston celebrates one year of being named a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Visitors to Kingston can visit the campus at anytime to purchase a art at Artstock which carries fine art and gifts made by our own faculty, students and alumni and enjoy a production in dance, music or drama or the CaGE Gallery. The College continues to contribute to the pulse of the Music City of Kingston and we invite you to support the arts wherever you choose to visit and yes if you are in Kingston Town visit the liveliest little spot – The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. If you happen to be struck by a performance or a piece of art, send us your thoughts so we could share it with our audiences.

From The Principal’s Desk The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) celebrates our Founders and 40 years as a tertiary institution of the arts during the 2016/2017 Academic Year. Celebrating 40 years is a tremendous feat for an institution especially one like the EMCVPA whose mission is to: To enrich the aesthetic sensibilities and promote cultural diversity of the Caribbean through the highest quality education and training in the visual and performing arts. Too many times persons question the relevance and validity of the visual and performing arts for developing nations like Jamaica and especially in times of great financial need.

We are reminded that the arts, in the use of the creative imagination, connect us to our creator and strengthen our empathy to be our brother’s keeper. The arts in its various forms contribute to the deconstruction and re-conceptualisation of social and political constructs.

Forty years of building on the groundwork of our Founders—Edna Manley, Henry and Greta Fowler, Sheila Barnett, Bert Rose, Barbara Requa, and Vera Moody—takes strength of purpose and the tenacity of individuals who live and breathe their beliefs. The arts in Jamaica have transitioned yet held steadfast through myriad changes in the I recently attended a conference hosted by political, social, cultural and economic, the National College for Educational national and global environment. Leadership with the tagline “Disrupting Institutions such as Reggae music, the LTM Narratives.” A disruption of any kind National Pantomime, and the National Dance challenges the norms, beliefs, systems and Theatre Company, are significant beacons of structures that are accepted or agreed upon how we remain authentic and inimitable as by a particular individual, group or society. a nation – as an identity. I daresay that the The disruption, regardless of its purpose is EMCVPA—through its Founders; its pioneers impacting—thereby creating ripple effects including Rex Nettleford, Edward Seaga, which may be long or short term. Whether Michael Manley, Dennis Scott, Barrington the results of the disruption are desired or Watson, among others; and all the Faculty, anticipated by the disruptor it is often staff and graduates who have worked and guaranteed to be met with a response by excelled—has played a significant role in those whose lives it has disrupted. The preserving and promoting arts and culture as disruption then can be a catalyst with an integral part of the Jamaican, and apocalyptic results, which changes the way Caribbean, identity. things are understood, explained, handled, managed, framed and unpacked. One great As the College ends her desert years and step thing that is guarateed, however, is that a into the promised land of much fruit, as powerful disruption will bring about Moses led the people of Israel to the transformation—change that may not be promised land, we thank all who have gone embraced by all but nonetheless, is before us; persons who have given of their revolutionary. time, talent and treasure, and those who are here now. The current community of the The EMCVPA, and in its 40th year of EMCVPA has promise of our dedication and existence as the only tertiary arts institution commitment to keep the vision alive and to of its kind in the English-Speaking Caribbean continue to build a better society for tomorin its existence, challenges norms and row. beliefs, and is most times a disruptor of minds. Please remember you can reach me anytime by dropping a line to principal@emc.edu.jm. Sincerely Nicholeen DeGrasse-Johnson Ph.D.

ILAWAH A Director’s Reflection

Mr Gibbons asked me why I was directing his ‘I Lawah’. I thought at the time it was about the never ending explorations into Caribbean vocabulary, and that a play written by a Trinidadian in Jamaica, about Trinidad (being first performed by Jamaicans) was the perfect test piece. The cast would without a doubt embody the themes; they keep repeating themselves throughout the region. But would they embody the form?

Would they be able to understand the notion of “dance and fight”, which is so very much a part of a Carnival consciousness lost to even its inheritors? We see it too in dancehall culture; the resilience, the defiance wrought in ecstatic movement, sensually disarming the masses with its unmistakably ancestral rhythms; black and unapologetic. That ethos is what they needed to access, to understand, to embrace, within a historical context removed from their own.

We do not exoticise our pain; we give it complexity, humanity, we give it compassion. We had to embody the struggle of finding something redeemable within the wretched – “the djab” and “the Lawah” live side by side within us all. And when the time comes for us to be more than our station suggests, more than they say we are, how do we carry on, who/ what do we manifest? Without it being an explicit process in our theatre making, how do we create Gods out of mortals? We strived for a mystical physicality that would immediately arrest the attention of the audience, suggesting not only a potential for violence, but for transcendence. The young student actors gave in to our creative chaos. There was an unrelenting engagement with form and process. Their journeys were humbling to witness, and eventually revealed to me the true nature of our artistic pursuit. It was what exists between men and women- the ones we love- that inspires our becoming. The essence, the impulse for that which we desire, to which we aspire, ironically is borne on the chest of the stick fighter, the most violent being in the yard, the gayelle. It is the fol, symbolizing that connection best described by that word…

black and unapologetic structure. He knows well how We started that journey to make new meaning out through sound and movement. Kalinda and chant of the old, without stripping would give us our grounding. it of its codes, its DNA, its The bodies and voices had to incantatory power. Lawah is immerse themselves in the not an abstraction, it is posongs and dance of Gibbons’ tent myth making with historical circumstance; not an Lawah, which held so faithfully to the ritual of the uncommon trait amongst stick-fight in poetic form and the best of the Caribbean’s artists. play

-Camille Quamina

Edna Observes Black History With Colour Museum On Thursday February 9 in celebration of Black History Month, the college staged Color Museum at the Ampitheatre at the School of Drama. Colour Museum is an event which celebrates the Cultural expression of both students and faculty of the Edna Manley College.

This year the Colour Museum seized the opportunity to depict the ancestral influences on the Arts under the theme Voices… People…Echo.

Colour Museum certainly contributed to the college’s objective of stimulating positive change in the Caribbean society through the provision of high quality learning, research opportunities and service to our communities.

The He(Art) of the Matter with Tony Rebel, Ronnie Burke and Justine Henzel Led by College Orator, Dr.Amina Blackwood Meeks, the second in the series of conversations “He (Art) of the Matter: Talking on Purpose” was held just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 14 themed “Arts and Economic Prosperity – A Love Affair”. Panelist Ronnie Burke, Patrick ‘Tony Rebel” Barrett and Justine Henzell shared their respective experiences of successfully staging Festivals in Jamaica.

Panelists reflected on their history with Sunsplash, Rebel Salute and Calabash with one common thread throughout the conversation – a passion and commitment to the cultural and creative industries. The lecture series aims to broker partnerships that will expose students of the college to meaningful economic enterprises that utilizes their specific skills, talents, training and education.

A FOUNDERS WEEK SPECIAL

A - Musicians perform for the crowd at Vera Moody Hall. B - Dancers perform at the sunday Church Service C - Amina Blackwood Meeks and friends observe proceedings.

D - College Principal Nicholen DeGrasseJohnson gives a speech

E - Drama School lecturers perform at the Gender and Development Lecture. F - Executive Director of the Institute of Jamaica and former member of the Board of Management, Mr Vivian Crawford at Special Apreciation Ceremony. G - Audience sings along to a church hymn at the service.

H - Dr Deborah Hickling Cultural Researcher speaking at Research In The Arts Day. I - Lecturer Katie Dieter poses for a photograph with guest speaker Ian Boxill. J -Professor Ian Boxill giving the keynote address at the Gender and Development Lecture. K - Edna Manley student Celia Speaks at Research In The Arts Day

L - Board Chairman Melanie Subratie speaks at the Special Appreciation Ceremony

M - Drama and Dance School students perform for the audience. N - Guests pose for a photo at the Special apreciation Function. O- Staff relay at sports day.

P - College Principal Nicholen DeGrasseJohnson entertains guests.

Q - Paula Daley stands beside the poster celebrating the 40th anniversary. R- School of Visual Arts Director, Miriam Smith takes a tumble during a sports day race. S - Israel Delmonte’s piece entitled “Equilibrium” displayed in the Enigma Faculty Exhibiton.

T - Paula Daley’s piece entitled “Innocence Lost” displayed in the Enigma Faculty Exhibition.

U - Katie Dieter’s piece entitled “The Remains” displayed in the Enigma Faculty Exhibition. V - Mr Gayle of Dance and Drama school runs in the men’s relay at sports day.

Campus News Celebrated designer Earl ‘Biggy’ Turner inspired and motivated at the Textile and Fibre Arts department Known for his work with popular dancehall acts like Shabba Ranks and Beenie Man, local fashion designer Earl ‘Biggy’ Turner shared his latest collection with the Textile, Fibre Arts and Fashion Department on February 2. His innovative use of denim flowed easily from the extraordinary to avantegarde which were enhanced by his own accessories. Students embraced the opportunity to learn about fashion philosophy and life experiences done with charmed wit. His biggest lesson for the session was his emphasis on the need for and rewards of stick-to-itiveness.

SVA Carnival( ing) with Jamaica Carnival On March 22, 2017 the School of Visual Arts Textiles and Fibre Arts Department hosted an in class presentation on Carnival within the context of the course, Students engaged in the course “Caribbean Dress Studies: Survey of Caribbean Textiles & Fashion Designers”, taught this semester by Ms. Gianna Fakhourie have an opportunity to explore carnival dress in Jamaica through in collaboration with Jamaica Carnival. Ms Julianne Lee representing Jamaica Carnival attended a session with students who brought their creative imagination to designs reflected of imagery that reflective of who we are as a people.

The students were assessed for their work within the context of the course however, the student’s ideas/concepts were also looked at by the Jamaica Carnival team as possibilities /potential designs for their launch of a grand costume competition for Carnival 2018. Presentations were filmed for possible use as promotional footage for the competition. Students presented a range of ideas based on Jamaica folk forms, history and advocacy.

Berklee College of Music shares with School of Music Professor Ben Houge a Sound Installation artist and Professor at Berklee College of Music, Boston USA, and his wife Jutta Freidrichs, Furniture Designer and Professor at Harvard University, visited the college and conducted workshops,shared and consulted with students at the School of Visual Arts and presented to the general college community including Schools of Dance, Music and Arts Management students and faculty on their collaborative and individual work in Sound and Art installations, music for video games, Music and design for Dance, Furniture design, App development and Programming. The School of Music also hosted pianist Matt Jenson, Professor of Piano at Berklee College of Music, Boston USA on February 16 & 17, 2017 in VMCH. The performance featured compositions by Matt Jenson and Maurice Gordon, as well as, Jenson’s arrangements (Afro Cuban, Reggae/ Jazz mix) of Bob Marley’s and Cuban music. The music was exciting and well received, and was a good precursor to the master class conducted the following day.

Students and faculty received handouts of information related to Afro Cuban Music - the Topic of Mr. Jenson’s masterclass. A brief history of the music, principal performers, piano exercises and rhythm patterns, bass rhythms, clave, etc., were included in the handout and enabled the audience to follow along.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Both events were successful, with the educational component of the masterclass reinforcing principles of performance practice, attitude and discipline in our students.

The College is partnering with the Hope Zoo to present a series of students’ performances one night per month during the semester at their new theatre The Serengeti@ Hope Zoo.

EMCVPA Student selected for internship in South Korea The World Bank through the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology launched a Caribbean wide animation competition and received over eight hundred submissions from across the region. From the submissions, two individuals were selected including our own student of the SVA Danielle Parchment. Daniel will be completing a six-month internship in Animation in South Korea later this year.

Loredo Malcom for LIVING DANCE Series The Living Dance series, a structured programme to provide mentorship, apprenticeship, career counseling and guidance in preparation for potential career opportunities engaged alumnae Loredo Malcolm, owner/Director of LOcREaDo Dance Company, based in Australia and also Dance Captain in The Lion King Australia was the guest for Living Dance Series this semester. Loredo engaged students in a masterclass sharing his process and development as an artist. The Seminar ‘Living Dance Series’ targets dance professionals who are ‘living dance’ successfully are invited to have discourses with students and share real world examples and career possibilities to students studying dance.

Collaboration with the Hope Zoo

The School of Dance opened the series with an excerpt from DanceWorks on Tuesday March 14, 2017. The second performance in this collaboration will be a remount of the School of Drama 2017 Children’s production El Numero Uno.

Craft Development Institute (CDI) The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Tourism/TPDCo has embarked on an initiative to transform the craft sector and has invited the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) to collaborate on the establishment of a Craft Development Institute. The objectives of the Craft Development Institute (CDI) would be to transform and professionalize the authentic Jamaican craft industry through professional training. In order to ensure sustainability and quality of the educational offerings, EMVCPA proposes to develop the Institute around the framework of the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) curriculum, which supports matriculation into higher education as well as artist/ Artisan development under the School of Visual Arts. This ensures that participation on the part of trainees in the Institute’s offerings would provide a pathway to immediate opportunities and improvement in the quality of products in the Tourism sector.

At the relaunch of “Spruce Up Jamaica” campaign held at Devon House in January a Memorandum of Understanding for establishing the CDI was signed by the Hon Minister of Tourism, Edmond Bartlett, Representative of the MoEYI Barbara Allen and Principal, Dr. DeGrasse-Johnson. The School of Visual Arts also developed an outline of training modules and equipment costs for the Craft Development Institute (CDI) for the training of local craft Artisans.

EMCVPA Partners with Trench Town Polytechnic College Students at the Trench Town Polytechnic were given the opportunity to gain a certificate in Theatre Arts through a partnership with the College following an expression of interest by their Principal Dr. Dosseth Edwards-Watson and the Ministry of Education. The students admitted to the programme were invited to work as stage crew for the play “I Lawah” as part of their hands-on training. The Certificate in Theatre Arts programme is the first offering in this new partnership between EMCVPA and Trench Town Polytechnic College.

Preparation for Rex Nettleford Arts Conference 2017 4th Staging of Rex Nettleford Arts Conference 2017 The 4th Staging of the Biennial Rex Nettleford Arts Conference is scheduled to take place October 11 – 13, 2017 under the theme for the conference is ‘Arts and Culture for a 21st. Century: Millennial Dis-Engagement – Engagement – Re-Engagement. The Keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Christopher Cozier, acclaimed interdisciplinary artist from Trinidad and Tobago.

Congratulations to Team Edna - Celia and Ryan for your performance in the National Business Model Competition

Photo Credits and Mentions The Vine

Newsletter Design, Special Appreciation Awards Photography, Edna Manley College Annual Sports Day Photography: Khalidah Campbell, 4th Year, Edna Manley College Graphic Design Major. Front Cover, 7x11 Performance Photos: Joni Gordon, 2nd Year, Edna Manley College Photogtaphy Major. Ilawah Photography: Lewis Grainger, Edna Manley College Photography Lecturer. Church Service at Holy Trinity Cathedral Photography, Research In The Arts Day Photography: Akein Rowe, 2nd Year, Edna Manley College Photography Major.

Help us congratulate our College Orator Amina Blackwood Meeks on sucessfully defending her PhD dissertation on The Oral Tradition: Displacement, Adjustment , Replacement Storytelling as a Tool for Holistic Development.

Special Appreciation Awards Ceremony Photograpy: Felicia Duhaney, 2nd Year, Edna Manley College Photography Major. Gender and Development Lecture Photography: Tori Nylands, 2nd Year, Edna Manley College Photography Major. School Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition, Enigma: Darien Robertson, Edna Manley College Photography Lab Technician and Photographer. National Business Model Competition Photography: Ryan Scott.