Dear Editor,

As we flourish in the season of monetary compensation, it would be remiss of me not to highlight the plight of those who struggle to make a living from the arts.

The worth of the arts is within the cultural framework and context of its people. The purpose and importance parallel legislative norms, education, historical influence, economic value, and tradition. The skills, talent, and vocational input required have not been provided the appropriate funding to maximise its potential. Personnel in the arts industry continue to silently struggle with humility for compensation for their work.

Theatre in Jamaica uses different economic and operational models, such as producer finance and offer-driven, community-based, celebrity input, and charity to provide salaries for practitioners and stakeholders. Additionally, the Government, through the Chase Fund and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), provides financial assistance for the entertainment sector and recently launched a health insurance scheme for theatre practitioners. This should be commended. The Minister of Culture Olivia Grange has had first-hand experience of how theatre and other sections in the entertainment industry function as a business. She recognises that we have come a long way and have further objectives to attain.

Many theatre practitioners at some point in their careers have experienced a poorly designed dressing room; late payment; low rates; no payments; inadequate rehearsal space; no refreshment; and the grand proposal, “Just perform, sing, dance, or MC a likkle ting man.” We forget that the talent requested is a skill designed for appropriate compensation. Society assumes it is easy to put together some dance moves for free or write a short skit for some laughs. But let us not forget that “Money mek di arts gallop.”

Unfortunately passion for the arts continues to outweigh the monetary compensation; hence, performers may need a second job to support themselves. This is not foreign to Jamaica or the Caribbean. People in the arts have been underpaid for years. Further research is needed to encourage appropriate theatre business education and additional government funding that will eventually sustain theatre entrepreneurship and participation.

Jamaican theatre practitioners are valued, dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced experts with affordable rates. They possess a conglomerate of talent that endures time. Therefore, when you see a performer on or behind the stage, remember, it’s an exotic brand that moves to the waves of passion but floats on monetary compensation for sustained survival.

Dr Oniel Tobias

onieltobias@gmail.com