By Samantha Simon
In a bid to address the issue of idle youth and promote meaningful engagement, Project Jaguar, an online learning platform, is set to revolutionise the landscape of theatre arts in the Caribbean.
The innovative approach involves the adaptation of a live performance titled “Princess Whatshername” —a whimsical fantasy adventure aimed at captivating young audiences acted by a full student cast.
The story follows a young girl who wakes up with no memory, embarking on a quest to uncover her true identity. Along the way, she encounters a colourful cast of fairytale characters, blending humour, mystery, and adventure.
Based on a popular drama, the production promises to transport viewers into a mystical world while imparting valuable life lessons whilst training youth interested in theatre arts and providing opportunities to expand their skills.
Spearheaded by a collaboration with local Theatre Arts teachers and Caribbean Cinemas, Project Jaguar aims to provide young people with opportunities to participate cinema grade productions through a licensing deal with Native Caribbean Foundation to reproduce the show.
The deal allows Project Jaguar to recreate productions of the story with young actors engaged in the program, allowing them to act in live showings the production of cinema grade features that will be shown at Caribbean Cinemas as part of the agreement.
The initiative seeks to fill the void left by the absence of theatre arts programs in schools by offering engaging and transformative experiences to students.
The project has already seen success in Trinidad and Tobago, with a previous run receiving overwhelming support from audiences.
Showings at Caribbean Cinemas were met with sold out tickets and rave reviews, prompting additional screenings to accommodate public demand.
The film is set to be featured to students in Antigua and Barbuda from April 21st to April 27th at the Caribbean Cinemas, while viewings for the general public are set to be available shortly thereafter.
Speaking about the project, Head of Operations at Project Jaguar, Trevaun Solomon, emphasised the importance of providing accessible avenues for students to explore their creativity and develop essential life skills.
Through theatre arts, participants are encouraged to express themselves, build confidence, and foster a sense of community.
“This project aims to show the children’s the role they can play in theatre so that they can see more what can actually happen while they put their best foot forward,” Solomon said.
As curtains rise and spotlights illuminate the stage, Project Jaguar is poised to expand its reach and impact by partnering with local schools and cultural centers to host live productions and screenings of more features that tell Caribbean stories youth can proudly call their own.