THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MARCH 12 - APRIL 11, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 NEW YORK, NY: HEROD AND Pilate will be presented as women of power deciding the fate of Christ in Broadway World Award winner David Heron’s Gala Easter Sunday production of Easton Lee’s The Rope and The Cross. The one night only Staged Reading Concert event takes place at The Jamaica Performing Arts Centre in Jamaica, Queens, on Easter Sunday, April 5, at 7 p.m. and will be preceded by a complimentary Caribbean Cuisine Easter Reception courtesy of The Door Restaurant, from 5:30 p.m. Gabrielle C Archer as Herod and Laura Salem Harding as Pilate are joined by veteran Off Broadway actor Rudolph Shaw, international model and actor Hector Lincoln, Michelle London and Jelani Reid as the final performers announced for the production. These thespians join the previously announced ensemble of Actor Boy Award winner Oliver Samuels (The Shepherd), CBS TV host Zay Harding (High Priest Annas), Shevrado Oliver (Jesus), Jerry Benzwick (Judas), Dianne Dixon (Mother of Judas), and Jamaican theatre veteran Fleurette Harris (Mary). BOLD NEW VISION Set in rural Jamaica and ancient Jerusalem, The Rope and The Cross examines the conflict that arises when Jesus and Judas –re-imagined by playwright Lee as young, rebellious, but well-meaning Jamaican men – are brutally confronted by the autocratic rulers of their society, who are determined to keep them silent and subjugated by any means necessary. The idea of casting women in the pivotal roles of Herod and Pilate first came to producer-director Heron as he prepared to mount the 40th Anniversary New York presentation of the play in 2019. “The Harvey Weinstein revelations and the ‘Me Too’ movement were rapidly coming to the fore at that time,” he recalled, “And I thought to myself how interesting it might be to have these characters presented as women of power, literally deciding the fate of Jesus ... to see two no-nonsense women ruling that world. Since Easton had already created immensely strong relationships between Jesus and Judas and both their mothers in the play, I felt that having another pair of remarkable women as a counterpoint to that, could really enhance the drama. Besides, Cleopatra had already been running Egypt decades before, so why not?” With the full support of playwright Lee, Heron proceeded with his bold new vision and in his own words, “The result completely blew the audience away. So here we are again, and let’s see what, if anything, has changed in the past seven years.” Gabrielle C Archer comes to the role of Herod, the Rome-appointed ruler of Judea, having last been seen on stage in the 2025 Silver Anniversary production of Heron’s Love and Marriage and New York City at JPAC. Her additional theatre credits include, Off Broadway productions of The Store at The Castillo Theatre and Black Women and the Ballot at The National Black Theatre. Her screen credits include the films Beguiled, God’s First Name and Black Two Sugars. London-based Laura Salem Harding returns to the New York stage to portray Pilate, Roman governor of Judea, following her last appearance several years ago in the Off Broadway production of Happy Hour. Her screen appearances include F Gary Gray’s A Man Apart starring Vin Diesel, as well as the web series The Royal Standard, in which she appeared as The Lady of the Lake. Guyana-born Rudolph Shaw will play the role of The Blind One – a prophetic follower of Jesus whose life is forever changed when their paths finally cross. Shaw was last seen as Steve Biko in the musical Biko Rising at the University of Cape Town and at the Biko Theatre in King Williams Town, South Africa. His credits also include Errol John’s classic Caribbean drama, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl at the late Woodie King Jr’s New Federal Theatre, as well as screen appearances in Law and Order and the 1979 cult feature Warriors. He is a 2015 recipient of the Pioneer in Theatre Audelco Award. Jamaica-born Hector Lincoln will portray high priest Caiphas, a staunch, religious adversary of Jesus. One of the most successful male models to emerge from the world-renowned Pulse Model Agency in St Andrew, Lincoln is also a former host on MTV’s Caribbean channel TEMPO. His onscreen roles include Law and Order SVU, Orange Is The New Black and the upcoming feature film, Joseph. Onstage, he was in the Audelco Award nominated cast of Heron’s Love and Marriage and New York City and most recently, Karl O’Brian Williams’ The Black That I Am Off Broadway at HERE Arts Centre. In her New York stage acting début, Jamaica-born Michelle London appears as Sarah, fiancée to Judas. London has appeared onstage in Jamaica in such productions as Lifesave and Welcome To Jamrock. Her screen credits include the television production, Mi and Mi Kru, as well as the feature film Kingston Paradise, currently streaming on TUBI. Rounding out the cast is Jelani Reid as Jesus’ young disciple, John. Reid returns to the stage for his professional acting début following his childhood appearance in a New Jersey production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The Rope and the Cross is presented in association with The Jamaica Tourist Board, Mesidor PLLC, Results Promo and Marketing, The Door Restaurant and IMC Media. The Jamaica Performing Arts Centre is located at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica NY, 11432. Herod and Pilate presented as women of power in Broadway play Gabrielle Archer Laura Harding David Heron’s production of Easton Lee’s The Rope and The Cross scheduled for Easter Sunday THE CRISP Atlanta air at Browns Mill Golf Course, Atlanta, GA, US set the stage for an unforgettable display of focus, discipline, and excellence. Dr. D. Terrence Foster claimed the number one title at the JOLLYWOOD Jamaica and Mr. R. Kanhai Condison Hall of Fame Golf Invitational Series Putt Putt Edition, earning not only the championship trophy but the cover of JOLLYWOOD Magazine. From his first swing to the final putt, he embodied composure under pressure and determination in motion. Spearheaded by R. Kanhai Condison, founder and CEO of JOLLYWOOD Jamaica, the Invitational Series merges sport, culture, and media into one platform celebrating Caribbean excellence on an international stage. Dr. Foster’s influence extends far beyond the green. Through the Dr. D. Terrence Foster Foundation, he advances initiatives in health, education, and community empowerment. His presence at this event reflected the same commitment and leadership that define his broader work. Christine Marzouca PR and Media was honoured to sponsor the championship trophy and capture the defining moments of this remarkable day, with special acknowledgement to correspondent Will Hart for documenting the energy and pride of the event. Recognition is also extended to the outstanding competitors who placed among the top ranks: Dijon Plummer, Wayne Hall, and Garfield “Add Value” Rowe. Their sportsmanship and performance elevated the event and reinforced the high standard this series represents. This was not simply a tournament. It was excellence on display. It was Jamaican pride represented with strength and dignity in Atlanta. This is how champions rise. Greatness on the green: a hall of fame moment in Atlanta CHAMPION PUTTER. R. Kanhai Condison (right), founder/CEO of JOLLYWOOD Jamaica, presents the first Hall of Fame Invitational Golf Series (Putt Putt Edition) trophy to winner Dr. D. Terrence Foster at the end of competition at the Browns Mill Golf Course, Atlanta, GA, recently. CONTRIBUTED
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