A community group recently met with Government officials to discuss plans for a unique open-air play telling the story of Jesus’ life from His birth to His baptism. The staging of the Biblical story is expected to be held in mid-November 2015, in George Town, and will feature over 100 local actors, musicians and singers, according to the play’s award winning actor and artistic director James Burke-Dunsmore. Based overseas and with plans to be on island at the end of August to lead acting workshops and rehearsals, Mr. Burke-Dunsmore will also star as Jesus Christ.

Local actors and musicians are being encouraged to take part in what is likely to be one of the largest productions of its kind held in Cayman. Cayman residents are also being invited to help to put the production together – roles being advertised range from costume making and stage building to fundraising and event management. A local support system is in place to empower both cast and crew thanks to playwright and director Colin Wilson, actor Michael McLaughlin and film producer Badir Awe who will be assisting Mr. Burke Dunsmore.

Drawn from the Bible, the production, titled the “Cayman Immanuel”, tells of the miraculous births of both Jesus and John the Baptist, the challenges their families overcame and the dangers they faced that threatened the greatest ministry the world has ever known. It’s the story as told in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and in this retelling, the narrative ends not at the crib, but at the River Jordan. “The nativity production brings new life and vitality to the uplifting story, rejuvenating our desires to celebrate the birth of Christ,” said Mr Burke-Dunsmore, who has played Jesus Christ in more than 50 productions on the stage, in film and on BBC television and radio.

The Cayman setting of the play, proposed by Ms. Christina Rowlandson, will integrate various demographics of Cayman’s population and everyone is being invited to give financially to ensure that the production is as far reaching and great as it can be. Ms Rowlandson who has previously presented artistic and cultural exhibitions said that she is looking forward to momentum building as a result of interest from churches and voluntary associations, and individuals such as Rotarian Betty Baraud who is a major supporter. Ms Rowlandson said: “I am pleased to be one of the persons involved in bringing this unique artistic endeavour to the Caribbean. This theatre by sharing a message of hope, unity and forgiveness will hopefully be a positive experience for many.”

Several members of the group met recently with the Ministry of Culture’s Councillor Roy McTaggart and his colleagues, to familiarize them with the plans for the production. Councillor McTaggart noted: “This production is of value for the Ministry of Culture to support not just for its artistic merit in the promulgation of theatre but also given that the cultural heritage of our country is solidly rooted in Christianity.”

Mr Burke-Dunsmore, who lives in London, visited Cayman in late 2014 and met with local stakeholders and supporters. “I experienced my first Cayman Pirates Week Festival and became familiar with the culture and many of the organisations with whom we hope to collaborate,” he said. “I was left with a very strong sense of an island and a country with a great passion for Jesus and His message. I am very much looking forward to returning at the end of August as we get into the final planning stages for the event.” He added: “I experienced people’s heartfelt and varied hopes and concerns about the future of life in Grand Cayman and these will play an important part in fuelling the production.” While here Mr. Burke-Dunsmore was able to minister at the HM Northward and Fairbank prisons with Ms. Kathy Gomez, Prison Chaplain and has plans to continue this ministry when he comes in August.

Mr Burke-Dunsmore has worked on over 100 productions in seven countries, over 80 of which have been based on the Bible. A specialist in large-scale outdoor theatre, he has been involved with the internationally renowned Wintershall plays for 17 years, each year performing as Jesus in Trafalgar Square in London in front of 20,000 people and live-streamed around the world to many millions. In 2013 he made headlines in Cape Town, South Africa by bringing together a multi-race cast to perform a scripture-based Bible-based play in four languages. He is a trustee of both The Passion Trust UK and Renard Opera Productions, and is involved with projects with the Council of Christians and Jews and with the Bible Society. In 2011 he was a joint recipient of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, awarded to The Wintershall Players.

A recording of the 2015 passion play in Trafalgar Square London in which he was involved is available at http://www.passionofjesus-trafalgar.co.uk and there are a couple of BBC Radio interviews on Mr. Burke-Dunsmore’s facebook page, plus a recent appearance on BBC television, which are worth listening to.

For more information and to register your interest in either taking part or adding a financial gift please contact Liz Smith, the production administrator, as soon as possible at [email protected].

IMAGES:
Photo caption (from left to right): Mr. Roy McTaggart MLA, Ms. Christina Rowlandson, Ms. Betty Baraud, Ms. Liz Smith, Mrs. Nancy Barnard, Ms. Jennifer Ahearn and the Rev Dr Dave Hazle.
James Burke-Dunsmore
L-R James Burke-Dunsmore, Michael McLaughlin, Colin Wilson