How do we indeed, in a world where everything is
judged by its technological significance and the written word reduced to only 140 characters long? How do
we, in an island, where for many survival is the main focus of their daily
lives? This question could probably be asked in many developing countries. I
recall sitting on a panel doing interviews for tertiary scholarships. One of
the panel members, and educator like myself, suggested to one of the
interviewees that while at the University he should take advantage of artistic
activities, like plays, which often offered a reduced price for students. This
sounded like an excellent idea. It warmed my heart. The student replied that he
could not afford even the reduced rate. He would need that for lunch or bus
fare. Reality had given all our artistic ideas a jolt.
The event I was
attending on Oct. 9, was the National Library
of Jamaica Distinguished Lecture 2016, given by Professor Alison Donnell, ‘who
has researched and taught Anglophone Caribbean
Literature for more than twenty years. Her PhD, at the Centre for
Caribbean Studies at the University of
Warwick, focused on an under–researched archive of early Caribbean
women’s writing’.
The lecture highlighted Jamaican activist, broadcaster,
journalist, poet and playwright, Una Marson’s achievements, and suggested that
she had not received the attention she should have because she was a woman. It was a fascinating and stimulating lecture.
Thank you, Professor Donnell. Thank you for highlighting one of our women.
How do I come into this? Una Marson lived both here and in
London. My grandmother, Clarissa Escoffery, acted in two of Una Marson's plays staged
here, London Calling and At What a Price. I had done a blog post some time ago
showing the programme for London Calling with the signatures of the actors,
including Una Marson’s. Professor Donnell had come across this post and asked if
she could use images from it in her lecture. Social media can work positively. Of course, I was honoured to say yes, on behalf of myself and my grandmother.
I am always thrilled when I can trace creativity from my grandmother, amateur
actress, through my mother, amateur painter and professional creator of illuminated addresses
(now done by computer), to myself, writer, and one time amateur artist. I know, totally immodest; but I so love that feeling of continuity.
Another lovely aspect of the event was the pre-launch of Una
Marson's plays, Pocomania and London Calling by Blouse & Skirt Books - Tanya Batson-Savage. You know my cup runneth over when I see a
synchronicity of events like this. The book is a joint publication between Blouse &
Skirt Books and the National Library of Jamaica. So great to see a publisher and
the National Library cooperate for the enlightenment of the country and
preservation of our cultural heritage. I am so impressed with this young publisher.
Quality books and books which inform the publishing landscape.
Yes, I will be passing over my grandmother’s material to the
National Library. We are all encouraged to pass on things which we may have which
would add to the store of cultural knowledge.
Back to the question which was asked at the beginning of the
post. How do we get young people interested in things like this? Of course, in
any population, only a percentage will be interested in the arts, writing,
music, painting, dancing. However, I think we feel that we would like to see
more of our young people exposed and involved, not only because of the great creativity
which exists in our country/the region, but also because we know that the arts
can bring joy to the individual, and go towards creating/recovering a gentler
society. Obvious answers come to mind; exposure in the school curriculum, and
activities at schools, and this is certainly being done; institutions which
cater to the arts, and they exist, and are active. Perhaps what we really want
to ask is how do we touch all lives with artistic endeavour and appreciation
for artistic achievement? How do we expose all lives to the sensitivity which comes
from exposure to the arts, and by so doing, create a gentler society? I don’t have an answer. I write this in the
hope that you who read this will have ideas and share them, and that together
we can achieve this.
I do recall when I was working with Olive Senior (yes, the Olive Senior) at the Institute of Jamaica Publications, us having a poetry reading by Lorna Goodison at the Institute of Jamaica with 5th and 6th forms from as many schools as we could. The auditorium was almost full. The students were enthusiastic, and this had nothing to do with school set books; it had to do with poetry. Afterwards the students crowded around the stage like Lorna Goodison was a rock star, (which she is, come to think of it) asking questions, just wanting to share with her their joy at having experienced the event. (If anyone who was there reads this and can tell me that my memory of this event needs some clarification/correction, please feel free to do so). This occasion is right up there with important memories in my life. I was overwhelmed that the students were overwhelmed.
I do recall when I was working with Olive Senior (yes, the Olive Senior) at the Institute of Jamaica Publications, us having a poetry reading by Lorna Goodison at the Institute of Jamaica with 5th and 6th forms from as many schools as we could. The auditorium was almost full. The students were enthusiastic, and this had nothing to do with school set books; it had to do with poetry. Afterwards the students crowded around the stage like Lorna Goodison was a rock star, (which she is, come to think of it) asking questions, just wanting to share with her their joy at having experienced the event. (If anyone who was there reads this and can tell me that my memory of this event needs some clarification/correction, please feel free to do so). This occasion is right up there with important memories in my life. I was overwhelmed that the students were overwhelmed.
What has all this got to do with children’s writing and
children’s books, you ask? It has everything to do with it. Early exposure! “Train
up the child in the way he should go . .
. .”
