This summer, a powerful initiative is sweeping across the northeastern United States—not in the form of a press conference or donation drive, but on the stage.
A group of Jamaican actors, producers, and cultural advocates are using theatre as a catalyst for change, taking a six-city performance tour across New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. The mission: to raise funds and mobilize resources for schools in Jamaica still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl.
Unlike typical charity events, this effort fuses entertainment with urgency. At the heart of the campaign is a theatrical production that brings familiar island humor and reflection to audiences in the diaspora. But beyond the applause, the production carries a deeper aim—channeling proceeds to equip affected classrooms with digital devices, furniture, and learning tools. Shipping costs and academic scholarships are also being covered through this drive.
“The goal isn’t just to perform,” said producer Donny McTaggart. “It’s to restore what was lost. To bridge the gap between Jamaicans abroad and those rebuilding back home.”
Actor Glen Campbell, who is part of the traveling cast, views the initiative as a natural extension of his duty as an artist. “The stage is our platform, yes—but it’s also our pulpit, our loudspeaker, our megaphone. If our voices can reach those who want to help, then we’ve already done half the job.”
The venues—mostly high schools and community centers—were chosen deliberately. They reflect the focus of the mission: education. The tour brings cultural storytelling into spaces designed for learning, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between art and academic growth.
Tour Locations:
- June 13 – Jamaica, Queens, NY
- June 14 – Bridgeport, CT
- June 15 – The Bronx, NY
- June 27 – Hartford, CT
- June 28 – Brooklyn, NY
- June 29 – Orange, NJ
For the Caribbean diaspora, this isn’t just another show—it’s a call to action wrapped in humor and memory. It’s about rallying behind the next generation, ensuring that in the wake of natural disaster, the doors of opportunity remain wide open.
