The Dutchmen
By Shyko Amos-Zwambila
Island
Vibes is pleased to announce the Off Broadway Production
of The Dutchmen at the 45th St Theatre, New
York City, from the 13th – 17th of May 2009.
It is set to showcase young, fresh, Caribbean talent,
with the male lead being played by Guyanese/Antiguan
actor Rotimi Paul. When you see The Dutchman you will
be right in thinking you have seen Rotimi before;
at present he is none other than the face of JC Penny.
Rotimi Paul certainly has an
interesting resume. As well as carving out a successful
modeling career he simultaneously graduated from Syracuse
University with a degree in Sports Medicine. Not content
with brains and beauty, Rotimi decided to move to
Manhattan to pursue a long standing secret passion
for Acting. He was immediately accepted into William
Esper Studios, (hailed as the No.1 acting Studio in
New York) and last year graduated from its 2 year
Acting Program. In less than a year he is about to
make his Off Broadway debut as the black, middle class
and socially conscious lead role of ‘Clay’.
Rotimi is as cool as a cucumber, a trait which he
confesses he gets from his father.
When asked what he hopes to
achieve he eloquently says, “I want the opportunity
to tell stories that matter. I am inspired by the
work that was done by those that I idolize like Sidney
Poitier, Ossie Davis and Harry Belafonte—their
work helped change American culture.” He reflects
constantly on those careers for the blueprint by which
he plans to map out his own career. “Davis is
seen as an actor who added a very human element to
each and every character he portrayed. I am anxious
for such an opportunity—to speak to my generation.
As an actor I long for the opportunity to develop
characters that run the gamut of our society”.
The revival production of The Dutchmen written
by black playwright Leroi Jones (also known as Amiri
Imamu Baraka) is a must see event. Set in the 70’s,
it explores the big issues that are still present
today; race, gender and the American machine.
While speaking to Rotimi one
cannot help being impressed with his work ethic, he
stirs such pride in me as I realize the sheer amount
of blood, sweat and tears he has endured in creating
this wonderful production. Born in the states, to
an Antiguan mother and Guyanese father, he spent all
of his pre teen years in Guyana and Antigua. Under
tragic circumstances Rotimi had to move to America,
but none the less the States became his adopted home
as it is for so many West Indians. When I think about
it, Rotimi Paul is really a reflection of the drive
and spirit to succeed that Caribbean people all over
the world possess. This Antiguan/Guyanese is flying
his flags and he is without a doubt tipped for the
top. The Dutchmen promises to be a night of
gripping drama and entertainment and although he may
well scold me for pointing this out; ladies this young
man is definitely easy on the eyes. Go with family
and friends to see The Dutchmen, playing at
the 45th St Theatre, New York City, from 13th –
17th May. Island Vibes says it is not to be missed.
(Shyko Amos-Zwambila is
a contributor to Island Vibes Magazine
and writes about Caribbean culture and entertainment.
For comments, please feel free to contact her at shyko@islandvibesmag.com.))
