Philipsburg – Judah Jubilee Company’s (JJC) first stage play entitled “The Wedding Chronicles” held on June 7th & 9th was hailed by the capacity audiences as a powerful story about relationships, weddings and marriage. In addition to the messages that came out of the play, there were many other statements and messages from the audience that evening.
Both nights saw capacity crowds at the Philipsburg Cultural centre. With the performances sold out on both evenings, Sunday evening saw audience members agreeing to stand in the isles to witness Judah Jubilee Company’s first performance after word spread of how powerful the Friday evening’s sold out performance had been. JJC Board President Rolando Tobias, who functioned as Master of Ceremonies on Sunday evening stated that the capacity crowd was evidence of the fact that the island is appreciative of and hungry for more live stage plays, but most importantly that there is a need for a larger and more sophisticated centre for the performing arts. Having to introduce the second half of the play in the dark, as to keep the audience in suspense and not to reveal the converted stage before the last scene started, Tobias also reiterated the need for a stage curtain; statements which the audience fully agreed with.
The actors put on some very impressive performances for the “The Wedding Chronicles”. This was evident from the audience’s responses during the performance and from their comments as they greeted the cast at the end of both evenings. Writer and Director Jamila Javois-Arrindell said that she was elated as the audience’s responses, which ranged from laughter to suspicion to surprise to anger to sadness to reflection and then to happiness, were just what the play was intending to elicit. “We wanted to take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride and the range of responses indicated that the objective had been met. Along with the emotions, we also wanted to ensure that the dialogue and acting provided powerful messages for all to take away;” Mrs. Javois-Arrindell stated. In introducing the young cast and the Board at the end of the evenings’ performances, she had high praise for the dedication and professionalism of the cast. She thanked the audience for the overwhelming support and also expressed appreciation to the many sponsors, supporting cast and the general public who all made the Judah Jubilee Company’s first stage play a huge success.
Judah Jubilee Company was founded in April 2019 and its objective is to develop local talent in the areas of drama, vocal training & professional development.
