The National Cultural Foundation is profoundly saddened to learn of the recent passing of Milton McCollin, a dedicated theatre activist who played a pivotal role in shaping Barbadian theatre during the post-colonial era. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our cultural identity during a transformative period when Barbados sought to redefine itself beyond colonial influences.
Milton’s journey in the arts began shortly after completing his secondary school education at The Combermere School. He first appeared at Black Night, a performing arts group that met at a bar and restaurant in Milk Market, the City, before joining the Barbados National Theatre Workshop, established in 1968 by the visionary cultural activist Elombe Mottley. Through this platform, Milton honed his acting and directing skills, contributing to significant productions like “Medea”, “Raisin in the Sun”, “The Lesson”, and “Henri Christophe”.
His passion for theatre led him to collaborate with the Barbados Writers’ Workshop, Green Room Players, School and Community Groups, The Festival Choir, Sing Out Barbados, Barbados Dance Theatre, and Yoruba Yard. He showcased his versatility as an actor, dancer, and director in notable works such as “Hello out There”, “One More River”, “The Rape of Fair Helen”, “The Minister”, and “Jewels of the Shrine”. Milton’s talent took him beyond our shores, as he toured with these productions to Jamaica, Antigua, and Guyana, representing Barbadian creativity regionally.
Milton’s story is intertwined with other theatre visionaries of the 60s and 70s, including Daphne Joseph Hackett, Elombe Mottley, and Elliot Parris, Victor Clifford, Earl Warner, Andrea Gollop, Clairmonte Taitt, Bodger Gittens (Kofi Akobi), Lucille Edwards (Icil Phillips), Robert Bobby Morris, Anthony Hinkson, Tony Thompson, Margaret Gill, Nancy Fergusson (now Jacobs), Cynthia Wilson among others, who collectively forged the foundation of a Barbadian theatre tradition. He was also remembered for his role in the Barbadian film “Black Snake” in 1972 and, along with Warner and Clifford, for reviving Ad Hoc Theatre, which focused on producing works by Barbadian writers. During this time, Milton was instrumental in bringing to life productions like “Talk Yuh Talk” and “Vest and BVD” by Bruce St. John and the unscripted improvisational piece, “Snap Out”.
In the late 70s and 80s, Milton’s journey took him to Austria, where he worked with the Nigerian Embassy and continued to thrive in the arts with an English Theatre repertory group, performing in acclaimed productions such as “Taste of Honey”, “Dutchman”, and “Happy Days”.
Upon his return to Barbados, Milton continued to make invaluable contributions to the arts and culture, working with Stage One and other theatre outfits until his health declined.
In the early 2000s, he served as a judge and mentor for the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), nurturing the next generation of Barbadian artists under the guidance of the then theatre arts officer, the late Kofi Akobi.
The Board of Management and Staff of the National Cultural Foundation extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the theatre community of Barbados. Milton McCollin’s creative spirit, passion for storytelling, and commitment to building our national theatre legacy will not be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of artists in Barbados and beyond. Rest in peace, Milton.
