Creator Dave Martins returns to Rundown
The cast rehearsing for this year’s show
(CNS Local Life): Rundown, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s (CNCF) annual comedy revue, returns to the Harquail Theatre for its 26th season from Thursday, 26 April through Sunday, 13 May, with the first week featuring an appearance by creator Dave Martins who has written a special song for the show.
Martins left the island a few years ago to return to his homeland of Guyana after making his mark on Cayman’s culture for 30-plus years.
Described as “The Post-election Edition”, Rundown 2018 has been written and compiled by CNCF artistic director Henry Muttoo with contributions from Dave Martins and Matt Brown, stated a CNCF press release. This year’s show features the “Institutionalised Rundown Idiots” – Matt Brown, Leroy “Ital” Holness (who has performed in every Rundown thus far), Jevaughnie Ebanks, Rita Estevanovich, Lesley-Ann Bernard, Giselle Webb, Troy Rodgers, Rachel Geopolla, newcomer Eldon Chisholm, and Aiden Watler, the youngest member of the cast.
The musical arrangements were provided by George Jones and Martins.
Martins created Rundown in 1991 and the show is now embedded in the cultural psyche of the Cayman public, said the press release. When the show originally premiered, Muttoo described it as “one step closer to defining Caymanian theatre”.
Now after 25 years, Muttoo said the show’s staying power is “a testament to the incredible hard work of all those who have been involved with the production since day one, as well as the impact the show has had on Cayman’s culture throughout the years. With so many entertainment options readily available these days, to have the show stand the test of time and be so successful is quite special. We must be doing something right.”
The show is a mixture of comedy, satire and song presented through a collection of skits, monologues and music about life in Cayman. Rundown depicts people from many different countries “shooting the breeze” alongside “born and bred” Caymanians. The show touches on many of the issues and news stories the islands have experienced over the last year, the press release said.
“It’s all about seeing the funny side of life using parody and prod. In this way the events are recognisable but not real,” Muttoo added. “We have seen many talented actors, young and old, come and go over the years, all honing their skills through their performances in Rundown. I’m looking forward to welcoming back some of these familiar faces from previous seasons this year as well as some new characters. We have some very talented young people in whom I have every confidence for the continuity of the show.”
After its Thursday night opening, the show will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 6pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors and are available for purchase from the CNCF office, Funky Tangs, Healthcare Pharmacy (Grand Harbour) and Foster’s Food Fair (Airport, Savannah Countryside and The Strand).
To reserve tickets, or for more information on Rundown, cncf@artscayman.org email CNCF, call 949-5477 or go to the foundation’s Facebook page
Category: Comedy, Performing Arts
Will there be a show in Cayman Brac ?