Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer

Paul Metheun kisses Jane Crichton after presenting her with a special award at the Fairfield Theatre last Saturday.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Theatre director and actor Douglas Prout won the most awards for his productions at the inaugural Metheun Awards for Excellence, held at the Fairfield Theatre, last Saturday evening, in Montego Bay.

Among Prout's awards were Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the play Redemption, Best Director, Best Actor in a leading role, Best Production and Best Drama.

It was his award for Best Original Song, though, the theme song for Redemption, More Than You Ever Know, with Karen Smith vocals, for which Prout expressed most happiness.

"I am elated," he said. "Writing this (song) is pretty easy but it is her talent and gift of her voice (Karen Smith's) which lifted it off the paper and made it into something enjoyable," he said.

Actor David Tulloch won the awards for Best Lighting Design and Best Costume Design for his productions Should I Kill Him? and The Narrative, respectively. He also copped the award for Best Original Script for The Narrative.

Tony Rodney who co-starred in Redemption copped the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, while Tashyanna Jarrett nabbed the Best Actress in a supporting role for her role in Should I Kill Him? Actress Makeda Solomon was also awarded the Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Redemption.

Also in the mix was Jane Crichton who, along with Mr Prout, was presented with a Special Metheun Award for her contribution to the development of theatre in the Second City. Metamorphosis Entertainment's Should I Kill Him? took home the award for Best Comedy.

The awards are named in honour of Paul Metheun, veteran actor, director, chairman of the Fairfield Theatre and founder of the Montego Bay Little Theatre Movement in 1975.

Metheun also received a Special Lifetime Award for his contribution to the development of theatre in Montego Bay. He was lauded as having laid the foundation for a culture of theatre in the city, a living legend in the annals of Jamaican theatre and a consummate professional.

"I have had a wonderful time here and I want to thank so many people for turning out," Metheun said after making several of his characteristic witty remarks.

"I thought the show tonight was simply super. It is very important that you support it because we do it on a shoestring and it is a big struggle, so try to keep on coming. I don't have anything else to say, except I love you all," he said before exiting the stage.

(From left) Douglas Prout, Tony Rodney and Phillip Clarke accept the Best Production award for 'Redemption', at the Fairfield Theatre, last Saturday evening, in Montego Bay. - photos by Claudia Gardner