Unfortunate references probably stem from misunderstanding

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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.

See the article in its original context from January 1988.

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I was pleased to read the letter from Ms. Esther McLean and Ms. Merta Day published in your 5 January edition. I was pleased that they felt sufficiently strongly about theatre in Cayman to express their views.

A theatrical home for the Drama Society is a small matter: the Society has used a variety of premises in the past and will continue in a similar way if necessary.

Ms. McLean and Ms. Day's references to colonialists, imposition, exploitation and selfishness, however, are unfortunate and probably stem from an incomplete understanding of either of the two theatre groups. Both always have open auditions which any aspirant can attend. Both encourage and welcome new talent. Both present plays and musical shows that they think will be liked by audiences in Cayman.

I think Ms. McLean and Ms. Day probably are right when they say they have witnessed a decline in Caymanians committed to theatre but I believe this trend is due to competing interests rather than to shortcomings in local amateur theatre.

We all agree that the future of theatre in Cayman lies with the youngsters of today. This is why the Drama Society has formed its scholarship fund and why it call upon all people interested in Cayman theatre to join with us in providing the means for interested kids to study and develop their talent to international standards. Cayman International Trust Company Limited, the trustee, would like to hear from you all.