The Tribune

By CARA BETHEL cbrennen@tribunemedia.net THEATRE can be an excellent way to channel the energies of young people into something positive. Bahamian actor Craig Pinder, who will take to the stage tonight as the title character in Othello or the Tragedy of Conchy Joe, told The Tribune that it could be one way to steer young people away from crime. "There is a lot of crime and suicide in young people and it's not just something that is happening in the Bahamas, but if you can channel their interests, so that even if they don't want to act, they can build sets, apply make-up, or be involved behind the scenes, it can be positive." He said that theatre encourages a sense of pride as it allows persons to "show-off" - a feeling which could carry into other aspects of their lives. Mr Pinder, who is a renowned actor on the English stage, said it has always been his dream to contribute to the theatre scene in the Bahamas. He is joined in this desire by the play's director, Bahamian Robin Belfield, who adapted Shakespeare's original version to make the lead role that of a white "Conchy Joe" Bahamian and place the story on a modern Bahamian fishing boat. Mr Belfield said he wanted to introduce Shakespeare to a new generation that may have previously frowned upon it. He said that one of the highlights of the performances here will be the student matinee on Wednesday. "I want them to think 'wow, I didn't know Shakespeare was that good'. I want them to see it can be different and exciting." Mr Pinder added that the theatre scene in the Bahamas has suffered from a lack of funding, like so many other countries, which makes producing a large amount of material difficult. "Some people feel that you don't get your investment back, and that is not valuable, but it is definitely worthwhile and adds to the country's cultural fibre," he said. "There is definitely an abundance of talent in the Bahamas. You have to be willing to be fairly free. Acting is about being willing to change completely into another person." There will be six performances of Othello at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts - tonight, Saturday, March 3 at 8pm; an 11am matinee on Wednesday for schoolchildren; and performances at 8pm on Thursday, March 8, Friday, March 9, which is the gala performance; and Saturday, March 10. Tickets are $25 and $50 for the gala.