The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE life and work of Egbert “Bert” Williams will take centre stage next week, as film and culture enthusiasts are set to commemorate the legacy of the Bahamian-born entertainer’s most significant effort, Lime Kiln Club Field Day (1913).

In a collaborative effort Monday, officials from the National Museum of The Bahamas and the Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation (AMMC), announced plans to, in conjunction with the American Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), host a special presentation of Mr Williams’ self produced, social commentary project that was shelved due to the widespread belief that it was too “taboo” for white audiences at the time.

Mr Williams, born in Nassau in the fall of 1874, was the first black actor in film and Broadway and is considered the pioneer during the vaudeville and renaissance era of black entertainment throughout the Americas.

Lime Kiln Club Field Day (1913), a silent film, starred Mr Williams who commanded an all black cast.

Seven reels of film were produced before the project was officially abandoned.

In 1938, the Museum of Modern Art secured the negatives of the film from Biography Company in bankruptcy proceedings.

Subsequently in 1976, an archivist rediscovered the reels and began the process of restoration of this film - then considered the only surviving film of its kind.

After being mastered and rendered, the film was finally presented by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2014.

At that initial screening, several local officials participated and as a result, the idea of commemorating the life, work and success of Mr Williams was commenced.

AMMC chairman Courtney Strachan, during Monday’s press conference, said his organisation is “proud” to spearhead the endeavour, adding that the three-day event scheduled for next week is aimed toward making Bahamians more aware of the legacy of Mr Williams.

Galleria Cinemas, another associated sponsor, will host the event starting on Monday, February 20.

Over the course of the exhibition, daily student screening sessions will run from 10am at a cost of $5 per student.

The fee will cover the film, exhibition and several short presentations that will follow.

On Wednesday, February 22, the final night of the exhibition, the public will have an opportunity to partake in the event with an open screening of the film starting at 7pm.

This event will include the screening of the film, exhibition, lecture by Ron Magliozzi, film curator at the Museum of Modern Art, and a presentation by Lavado Stubbs, a Bahamian filmmaker.

The cost of this event is $30.

Mr Strachan said all funds derived from the event will go towards the establishment of museum of film and photography in The Bahamas.

Bert Williams died in 1922 from pneumonia. He remained a performer until the time of his death.