A reason to celebrate and to learn

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The country received some much-needed good news yesterday after it was made public that local actor and acting teacher Michael Cherrie has made his way to the widely watched Netflix network starring in the highly anticipated movie Shirley.

The news is not only a major accomplishment for Cherrie himself but also for the local theatre and arts community.

For those who may not be aware of Cherrie’s professional thespian has been a staple in theatre and television.

A Cacique Award winner, he also graced the stage of the Trinidad Theatre Workshop and worked with the likes of Caribbean writing greats Sir Derek Walcott, Tony Hall and Rawle Gibbons.

Cherrie also caught the attention of primetime viewers locally and abroad, appearing in the acclaimed local soap opera Westwood Park. His talent also made its way to Canadian and British audiences.

However, his efforts for greater international recognition ­­— which many local actors and actresses strive towards — were impeded by immigration issues as he was denied work permits in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

These tribulations have no doubt made his Netflix deal even sweeter and now serve as a source of inspiration to the acting community, particularly those still young in the business.

It is no secret that many in the theatre industry are often forced to work full-time elsewhere to pay bills, while their passion is often viewed as a hobby and fails to garner the respect and recognition it truly deserves.

Spaces such as the Beryl Mc Burnie founded Little Carib Theatre, which doubled as a hub for dancers and actors with several plays by the Walcott run Theatre Workshop taking place there, need greater appreciation. Such spaces are an avenue for cultural and artistic expressions to flourish and it is high time they receive the support — both financial and otherwise — to keep them afloat and around for generations to come.

As we celebrate Cherrie’s well-deserved starring role on the Netflix film alongside the likes of popular US actors Regina King and Terrence Howard, we must also ensure the path is well paved for local actors to hone their skills; support their works and make it easier for them to take their talents to the global stage.