THE local creative community and supporters of the arts turned out in their numbers last Wednesday for a cultural tribute to the late stage director Trevor Nairne.

The Little Theatre in St Andrew was abuzz as persons queued ahead of the opening of the doors for the event, eagerly anticipating the tributes and performances which would pay homage to Nairne who had become known to the wider public due to his work with local theatre outfit Jambiz International.

They were not to be disappointed as the friends, blood relatives and his arts community saluted the man and his work in music, dance, drama and the spoken word — guided by the evening’s hosts, stage favourites and radio personalities Dahlia Harris and Christopher “Johnny” Daley who, having both worked with Nairne over the years, were able to share their own anecdotes of the man.

Speaker after speaker noted Nairne’s selfless nature — always giving, always sharing his knowledge. Among those who offered pre-recorded reflections were comedy king Oliver Samuels; noted choreographer L’Antoinette Stines, retired lecturers from the School of Drama Pierre LeMaire, Eugene Williams and Marvin George; playwright, director and choreographer Michael Holgate; and production and event specialist Ricky Chin.

In his tribute, theatre producer Basil Dawkins heaped praises on Nairne, whom he said will definitely be missed.

“Trevor was the producer’s director, an audience’s director, the actor’s director, and a director’s director. His calm and deliberate demeanour highlighted an understanding of the industry. We have not yet felt that loss that Trevor Nairne will be to the creative industry,” said Dawkins.

The reflections were interspersed with performances . Actresses Fae Ellington, Ruth Ho Shing and Grace McGhie Brown opened with poetry — Una Marson’s Confession. Drama was not far off, and the works of Quilt Performing Arts Company and the School of Drama at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts were entertaining.

Nairne’s love of dance was evident as The Wolmer’s Dance Troupe, Dance Theatre Xaymaca, the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC), Tivoli Dance Troupe and L’Acadco all paid tribute.

Musical tributes came from Keisha Patterson, saxophonist Dean Fraser, Nairne’s son Trevin and brother Alan, as well as a trio of singers in the persons of Alaine, Sherida Sharpe and Sharee Elise who harmonised beautifully in the rendition of He’s a Legend. The Ashe Performing Arts company would bring the house down with their arrangement of The Holy City.

Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange also shared reflections of her personal, 30-year association with Nairne; and Debbie Salmon of Jambiz International also shared on behalf of business partners Lenford Salmon and Patrick Brown.

Nairne, who died on May 6, was interred at Dovecot Memorial Park and Crematory last Friday following a thanksgiving service at the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew. He was 73 years old.