CYPRIAN THOMAS

I've known Cyprian Thomas for over 40 years in several capacities

From being a dancer in high school to a fledgling art student at Jamaica School of Art, Cyprian always had a sharp eye for possibilities effecting changes These traits he has taken into his professional journey as a stylist, art director in music videos, commercials, print, and in theatre We have remained friends throughout

It was in theatre, and video productions that Cyprian and I have most often collaborated, notably with the L'ACadco dance company, where I would be working on sets, and costume designs, and Cyprian on the costumes readying them their final look as they would appear on stage, and in cohesion with the set In one of our collaborations working on

Sky Vodka Halloween's Dark Skies productions, Cyprian was the costumier and stylist, with I working on the set He was able to source the costumes, accessories from his vast collection, and in instances was able to improvise, pieces and apply theatrical makeup on the talents

I have learnt a few tricks from Cyprian on ageing and distressing costumes and, in particular, to develop an eye for period pieces This was evident on my last assignment as production Designer for a movie pilot, in the late 1970s

And on a final note whilst on working on these productions, I always remember Cyprian’s resourcefulness when in the middle of the night the director for this JTB Shoot wanted a bridal outfit for an early morning shoot with crew call at five Not only was Cyprian able to get the bridal outfit, but to give the director three options Cyprian is a consummate professional!

We are pocomania and pointe shoes, classical ballet and Kumina

Wi cyan butterfly and Urkel, do the tattie and world dance but also Fouette and grand battement, and execute L'Antech, Horton and Graham

Poem by Cyprian Thomas

We Are (1995)

We are Middle Passage, the African Diaspora, British Red, Independent, Brukins, Jonkanoo

We are Jamaica, Caribbean Ashanti, Coromanti, Arawak, Carib Oshun, Shango, Downtown, Uptown

We are L'Acadco

Donald has given his artistry to L'Acadco for the entire 40 years of our existence The very first Season of Dance when I did not know anyone in Jamaica, Donald was introduced to me by Cyprian Thomas He has constructed costumes for Grand Gala and numerous productions in the four decades since I give thanks for his creations which dressed my dancers

at age s with ol She Cathi s Club roupe Manley rtment eurship es and Sales ited been he age th the nd has easurer e has e, Haiti, p every te and mbers, mbers stently ny and h and