The Cayman Drama Society is raising the curtain on an ambitious new season of productions at the Prospect Playhouse, with the annual programme expanding from four to at least seven productions under new artistic director Haidee Elise.
Elise said that the growth would allow more people to be involved in the theatre and broaden the range of productions to reflect the diverse communities that make up the Cayman Islands, with some productions chosen to align with the school curriculum.
After 15 years of service, the drama society’s theatre manager, Paul de Freitas, is stepping down from his role, but will remain an active part of the group.
Directors’ workshop
To support the development of new creative talent, the Cayman Drama Society is introducing a four-week intensive workshop so that would-be creatives can gain hands-on experience working alongside established directors.
Essentials in Theatre Directing starts 21 April and is designed both for those new to directing and those wishing to refresh and strengthen their skills.
Elise took up her post in November last year, having moved to Cayman after more than 25 years working in theatre in London. She brings her creative experience to the role, as well as her corporate career in management and marketing. She said she couldn’t believe her luck when she was offered the role at the Cayman Drama Society.
“It almost seems to be one of the best-kept secrets on island,” she said, “so we decided that we needed to build up more awareness and more opportunities for the whole community to get involved.”
With that aim in mind, the drama society is increasing the programme to seven productions for this year, and then eight productions for 2028, which, said Elise, “will create a lot more opportunities for everyone to get involved, and also for us to make sure everyone knows about the Prospect Playhouse as well, because it’s a fantastic venue”.
First up is New York-based hit musical ‘In the Heights’, followed by the dramatic two-hander ‘Summer, 1976’, and then ‘Room on the Broom’ for children by Gruffalo creator Julia Donaldson.
Touring show
As well as attracting audiences to the playhouse, Elise also plans to take the theatre into the community, with a collapsible touring set heading for West Bay and North Side, plus Cayman Brac a possibility as well.
Later in the year will be ‘The Kitchen Witches’ comedy, and then ‘Animal Farm,’ ‘Anansi’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, rights permitting, before the big Christmas production, ‘Elf’. The following year is set to be even bigger, with ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and ‘Time Longer Dan Rope’ by Caymanian Frank McField already on the schedule.
As well as the theatrical productions, Elise is also overseeing the many acting classes put on by the drama society, for children aged 7-9, 10-12, 13-18 and adults.
“I don’t see it as just acting skills, but building up life skills, as well such as communication, listening, teamwork and collaboration,” said Elise. “When we’re doing things outside our comfort zone, then that’s when we learn the most.”
Elise is keen for people to come along and get involved, whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes, from producers, stage management, crew, set construction, sound design and lighting design. Anyone who is unable to commit to a whole production can come and get involved by helping out with front of house and the bar during a theatrical run.
Home away from home
De Freitas is stepping down after 15 years as theatre manager, but he has been involved in the Cayman Drama Society for far longer, playing the part of Captain Rackham in ‘The Pirate Princess’ back in 1990, which was the first production presented at the Prospect Playhouse.
“Cayman Drama Society has been my ‘home away from home’ for many years,” says de Freitas, 79, who is currently building the two-storey ‘In the Heights’ set with his colleagues Peter Pasold, 81 and Bill Mervyn, 75, who he affectionately calls the “old GOATS”, an acronym for ‘Group Of Active Theatre Seniors’.
“All of us love going into the theatre every week, and we’re happy to do whatever is needed,” he said.
De Freitas has directed a play every year, barring a year when he had heart surgery, and is delighted to make way for newer directors.
“I don’t want to get in the way of the newer directors,” he said, “but if any of them need help, then I don’t want them to feel like they’re on their own.”
The new theatre manager is Chad Powell, the first Caymanian to take on the position, and who, said Elise, will help grow the drama society further with its goals “to educate, enrich and entertain”.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the Cayman Drama Society can learn about the opportunities at cds.ky/volunteer.
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