The Little Theatre Movement (ltm) says it plans to build a museum on its property at Tom Redcam Avenue in Kingston to preserve its history as the oldest theatre organisation in the island.

The museum plan is also in response to demands from scholars, researchers, students and others to have access to information on the history of the National Pantomime, which has been a fixture in Caribbean theatre since 1941, the LTM said in a news release.

LTM Chairperson Barbara Gloudon (right) reads the message on a commemorative card presented to Hugh Williams (left) son of the late Ranny Williams (portrait at far right). At centre is Faith Bucknor, lead singer of the Pantomime Company, who made the presentation to Williams.

Playwright and journalist Barbara Gloudon, who chairs the LTM, told of the plan on August 11 at a stage presentation at the Little-Little Theatre marking the 25th anniversary of the passing of Randolph "Ranny" Williams, a pioneer in Jamaican theatre and a founding member of the LTM.

Gloudon said that there was much curiosity about the Pantomime, which had its origin in British-style theatre and has grown into a uniquely Jamaican tradition, utilising the folklore, music, speech and dance of our heritage.

"Since drama is now a subject in the Caribbean Examinations Council exams and in other aspects of Caribbean studies, the LTM has to respond frequently to requests for information, interviews, etc on the Pantomime's place in Jamaican theatre," the company said.

The Pantomime Company members celebrating the memory of Ranny Williams in one of their spirited folk numbers.

Most of the scripts from the past 64 years are stored in the National Library of Jamaica, while the LTM also maintains its own archives at its headquarters.

"However, there is urgent need to preserve and file other scripts, musical scores, costumes, props and memorabilia in more appropriate surroundings, properly catalogued and accessible," said the LTM, which established a website: www.ltmpantomime.com two years ago.

The August 11 presentation, titled 'Remembering Ranny', brought back pleasant memories of the man who partnered Louise Bennett on stage for more than four decades and in many LTM pantomimes as well.

The duo became popularly known as "Miss Lou and Maas Ran".
The Ranny Williams Performing Centre and the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre adjacent to Jamaica House today bear their names.

The LTM said it staged the August 11 event because more was known about "Miss Lou", who is still alive, than "Maas Ran".
The life and work of Ranny Williams was recalled by several notable theatre figures, including Wycliffe Bennett; Roman Catholic priest Monsignor Kenneth Mock Yen, who, as a youngster learnt his own lessons of Jamaican culture from Maas Ran; musicologist Marjorie Whylie; radio personality Alma Mock Yen; and Dr Keith Amiel who also trod the Ward Theatre stage with Ranny.

Veteran actress Lois Kelly-Miller read a message from "Miss Lou"; a selection of songs was performed by members of the Pantomime Company; video and audio clips of Ranny engaged in story-telling and interviews were also presented.

A souvenir poster commemorating the event was presented by Pantomime Company senior member Faith Bucknor to Norman Williams, Ranny's son, who, along with other members of the Williams family, attended.

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