Rise of the Phoenix
PLAYWRIGHT and theatre producer David Tulloch is a busy man.
In addition to writing and producing for the Stages Theatre Group and mounting productions for his own company, Probemaster Entertainment, he is also undertaking his most ambitious project to date.
Tulloch has taken over the reins of the Phoenix Theatre on Haining Road in New Kingston, formerly the Theatre Place.
“Despite the chronic shortage of theatre space, I really did not go after it once it became available. Instead, the owners came to me and said they wanted to reopen not as a theatre, but what did I think. I told them that the theatre community is short of space and I really think what they needed was a theatre manager who they can trust, will keep the bookings up and maintain the integrity of the space,” Tulloch explained. “Some time later I was told that the theatre would be renamed the Phoenix Theatre and the logo for my own company is a Phoenix, and I really thought this was a sign and something I should do, so I just went after it.”
Tulloch has lofty ideas for the space but right now is concentrating on preparing for the Ash Wednesday opening of Dahlia Harris’
Same Difference starring Volier Johnson, Deon Silvera, Shantol Jackson, Maria Walters and Desmond Davis.
“We are presently giving the place a facelift, both front and back of the house. We are upgrading the bathrooms, the foyer, the concession area and the theatre area itself. As we speak, the pest control team are at the venue taking care of those unwanted guests,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
As it relates to parking, he is also working out arrangements with adjoining properties — allowing them to use his parking space during the daytime. In return, his patrons can use their lots at night.
As part of his business plan, Tulloch is also exploring use of the conference facilities which adjoin the theatre, as well as making use of the theatre space during daytime for various events.
“The most challenging part of this undertaking is all the legal aspects which have to be in order. Writing and staging a play is my comfort zone. Getting the paperwork in order, getting the requisite licences from The KSAC (Kingston and St Andrew Corporation) and NEPA (National Environment and Planning Agency) is a little outside of my usual scope but it just has to be done and will get done for Dahlia’s opening night,” said Tulloch.
Meanwhile, he is getting set to launch another production in February.
Not My Child, a drama starring Leonie Forbes, Donald ‘Iceman’ Anderson, Rosie Murray and Belinda Reid, was written by Tulloch. It opens at the Green Gables Theatre on February 10.
The play is based on the true story of the pregnant Jamaican teen who was hacked to death by her 37-year-old lover who was charged with murder.
“As a playwright, I believe it is my duty to hold a mirror up to society and inform the public that this is happening. In the same way, I could do a play on human trafficking or domestic abuse. This is happening in our society and it is too tragic… our young girls, many in first or second form, are having relationships with much older men.”