Evening of Eastern splendour

Chester Francis-Jackson,  Gleaner Writer

When the history of the Ward Theatre has been documented, it would have revealed that the continued survival of the historic downtown Kingston landmark was due largely to the indefatigable socialite, social activist and philanthropist, Ruby Martin. For decades, she fought to not only preserve the theatre but also to maintain it as a cultural showpiece to be treasured and bequeathed to succeeding generations. It is the only theatre of its kind in Jamaica and the region.

Referred to lovingly as the Grand Old Lady of Parade, the Ward Theatre, is an imposing structure. It is said to be unmatched in its architectural elegance and near-perfect acoustics; and boasts the distinction of being front and centre of Jamaica's contemporary history. It was at the Ward Theatre that the People's National Party (PNP) was launched in 1938; and, in 1943, it was also there that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was launched.

A gift of philanthropy donated to the citizens of Kingston in 1912 by the late Colonel C.J. Ward, the theatre has hosted several national and international musical stars, leading actors and actresses. Among the many acts featured there are the London Festival Orchestra and the European Union Chamber Orchestra. The Ward Theatre is now in need of some goodwill and generosity as, buffeted by the travails of times and hurricanes, it is struggling to maintain its dignity.

Enter the Ward Theatre Foundation, under the dynamic leadership of Ruby Martin who has, for the near last 30 years, been at the centre of sensitising the nation to the importance and role of the theatre and the need for its preservation.

feast

Well, preserving or restoring the edifice to its opulence is now the primary role of the foundation and to this end, Friends of the Ward Theatre, under the patronage of His Excellency High Commissioner Mohinder Grover, of India, and Mrs Grover, hosted "An Evening of Eastern Splendour", at India House, East Kings House Road, on Saturday, September 26. It was a cultural and culinary feast!

Slated for the lush poolside and eastern lawns of the imposing official residence, the inclement weather forced a slight change of venue to the western lawns; and instead of sitting idly under the night sky, a marquee was used to house the guests in the event of a downpour!

Well, there was a downpour all right, but it was not rain from the skies, but downpour of beauty, talent, culinary delights and an august turnout. The affair lived up

to its billing, as not only did event stylist Maureen Capleton
decorate the marquee to capture the essence of the theme, there was beauty and
elegance everywhere, and in everything!

We are talking a downright charming and cosy atmosphere here, as
friends and colleagues exchanged pleasantries in muted tones; with hugs and
kisses everywhere, enhancing the feeling of camaraderie and conviviality.

With chairperson of Friends of The Ward Theatre Foundation,
Gillian Rowlands, as compere and 'hostess-in-chief', guests were guided through
a beautiful evening that saw the very best of Indian talent, culture and
culinary offering on offer, and a brief thank you from the patron and
chairperson of the foundation. Both were on point and stuck to the message; and
my dears, the very appreciative audience loved it all.

memorable fare

There were classical Indian dancers; auction of beautiful
jewellery and a fare that was simply memorable. And then there was songbird
Maria Myrie - simply marvellous, and then some. And when she was joined by
Harold Davis on piano for their duet, the music took flight and made for a
'dee-vine' entertainment!

It was also a night of Indian high fashion as the women were
dressed to the nines in some simply flawless saris, and fabulously so!

Le grande dame of media, R. Christene King, was not sporting a
sari, but looking as elegant as ever, she was honoured for her support of the
Ward Theatre over the years. A number of spot prizes and surprises added to the
charm of it all, with the best part being fab and high society was out in
support of a very worthy cause!

Among those out were MP Dr Wykeham McNeill and his wife the
lovely Sheila Benjamin-McNeill; the Most Honourable Glynne Manley;
the Custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller and wife Sonia; Ambassador
Madge Barrett and husband Tunty; Deputy Head of Mission, Mexican
Embassy, Abraham Montes de Oca; Earl Levy and wife Beverly
Junor Levy; social 'empress' Ruby Martin; the venerable
Pokar and Gitu Chandiram; Kenny Benjamin and his companion,
the lovely Aloima Suarez.

Also out were the esteemed Ian Levy and his lovely
sister Nyla D'Andrea; Dr Ralph Thompson and his elegant wife,
Doreen; Dr James Monteith and wife Elsie Monteith; Dr
Hazel Bennett; Dr Sashi and Dr Prerana Nallipati; Dr
Jonathan Greenaland and wife Dr Rebecca Tortello Greenland;
Nicola Crosswell-Mair; Ian Rowlands; the charming Frances
Hadeed-Awn; Peter and Margaret Jarvis; Horace and
Josephine Bogues; businessman Gordon Tewani and his beautiful wife
Diane; Tulsi Chandiram; Cedric and Kamla McDonald;
the charmingly elegant Joy Douglas; Alwyn Scott and his fab wife
Donna Duncan-Scott; Aubyn and Tamara Hill; businessman
Mark Jones and his lovely wife Julie Jones; Tony Patel;
Marie Hamilton; Gavin and Sanya Goffe; Michael
Subratie and his beautiful wife Melanie Subratie; the gorgeous
Nagina Newman; Ram Venuprasad, of the Commonwealth Secretariat,
visiting from London; the lovely Damaris Mayne; Janelle Brown; and
the charming Sucheta Sujanani, who took the catering honours with such
distinction, plus a number of others!