An autobiographical television pilot that first debuted after making the rounds as the novel Yardie has now evolved to prominently showcase a retitled, free, must-see called “From Yard.”
Adapted from the popular memoir written by David G. Heron, the first of a series has transformed from a self-introspective tome to a top-rated entertainment viewership in Jamaica. It premiered before making the festival circuits and now features on Tubi.
Not to be confused with the British crime drama penned by Jamaica-born Victor Headley, which starred Idris Elba (who also made his directorial debut in 2018 with the hit film of the same name, “Yardie”), this version delivers authentic Caribbean thespians to provide a real-life story of redemption.
Ironically, another perspective on perceptions of island influence emerged the same year. This is Heron’s interpretation of Yardie.
Featuring a stellar cast of mostly Jamaican actors, it depicts one man’s reality from youth to adolescence and from the Yard to the land of Homeland Security in the United States.
Heron portrays his father in this outing, and his life story offers an edifying opportunity to immigrants and ambitious viewers who, despite adversity, find reprieve in reform.
The autobiographical engagement resonates with the author transplanted to New York City.
His journey from his birthplace in Jamaica provides enlightenment with engagement and commitment.
Heron has dedicated a career to the stage.
Although billed in starring and feature productions throughout the years, he seems bound to present his biopic.
This is it, the tale of a persevering Yardie.
Along for the telling of the one-hour presentation, Shevrado Oliver leads a cast featuring Glen “Titus” Campbell, Joe Herrera, Darron Donaldson, Miranda Melhado, Adam Christian, and David Heron in a topsy-turvy tale of redemption directed and produced by Leland Benford.
“We’re proud of our cast, whose continued success strengthens the visibility of From Yard.”
Offered for free, streaming on Tubi, the inspiring story is available at the portal https://bit.ly/fromyard.
Documentary captures the “Rhythm of Jamaican Art”
Social media influencers and well-wishers gathered around the Regal Theater in Union Square, Manhattan, last week to witness the alluring 90-minute documentary “Rhythm of Jamaican Art.”
Introduced by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, the film celebrates Jamaican artists’ history, present, and future on the island and throughout the diaspora.
Along with Ralph, a cast of eloquent artisans offers insight into some of Jamaica’s emerging and notable contributors to creativity.
In addition to providing fodder, they demonstrate the intricacies of the five types of rhythm in art: regular, flowing, progressive, alternating, and random.
Apparently, ‘each of these types can be used to create unique visual impact in artwork and can convey different emotions, moods, or messages to the viewer.’
Needless to say, patrons to the election eve screening proudly exhibited pride in their heritage.
Catch the Rhythm at www.rhythmoftheart.com
Jamaicans remember Miss Lou on her 106th birthdate
Less than a week after Jamaicans returned the Jamaica Labour Party to a third-term leadership of the Caribbean nation, poets there are regaling the storied legacy left by Louise Bennett Coverley, the beloved patois advocate who proudly boasted the once-maligned language of the people of her nation.
On a sultry Sunday in September in Jamaica, on the anniversary of her birth, dub poet Mutabaruka led vociferous benefactors to her craft in a chorus of the labbrish (talk) she promoted.
Across the pond, Linton Kwesi Johnson chatted words adapted to African-Caribbean pronunciations in England.
The two were not alone in touting the significance of her role as a cultural ambassador.
Ordinary citizens on the island and throughout the diaspora also echoed platitudes with the entertainment value Miss Lou imprinted.
Theatrical troupes donned the plaid fabric she sported in Canada to celebrate the heritage advantage she bequeathed her birth island.
Miss Lou was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on Sept. 7, 1919.
The honorable poet, folklorist, actress, writer, educator, and matriarch died on July 26, 2006, in Toronto, Canada.
She was 97 years old when she transitioned there.
Along with validating the national vernacular of her homeland, the affectionately known Miss Lou is acclaimed for coining the phrase “walk good,” an endearing farewell commentary that translates to well wishes.
Some of the commendations she received on the island include: Order of Merit (OM), 2001; the Order of Jamaica (OJ), 1974, and a Member of the British Empire (MBE), 1960.
Catch You On The Inside!
