The youngest cast member in Derek Walcott's play "Remembrance'' will have a chance to spread his wings during tonight's opening performance.

Nineteen-year-old Roddy Nesbitt plays the artistic son of a Caribbean schoolteacher haunted by images of his colonial past.

In an interview with The Royal Gazette , the multi-talented young man -- who balances his studies toward an insurance career with his aspirations as a rapper -- explained the relevance of art within the context of the play and local society.

Mr. Nesbitt spoke about his character, Frederick, as a misfit attempting to escape from underneath his older brother's shadow.

When Frederick's brother is killed during a period of civil unrest, Mr.

Nesbitt said his character is transformed through his attempt to come to terms with his own identity.

"He's a 30-year-old man living in his parent's house and doesn't have a real relationship with his mother or father,'' said Mr. Nesbitt.

"The way he deals with his brother is basically through his art -- his retreat to the mountains gives him time to deal with his loss, and when he comes back he's a stronger, more confident individual.

"The play is called `Remembrance', but it deals a lot with regret -- the play could teach Bermudians not to be afraid to live life as an individual and not to be afraid of crossing certain gaps,'' he added.

Although this is not Mr. Nesbitt's onstage debut -- he performed previously in "Imitating Walter Lee'' and "Fences'' -- he said he enjoyed the experience tremendously.

But he noted that the performing arts had not traditionally been given the attention it deserved in local circles.

"I think there's the stereotype that art is for the `elite' wealthy people -- that's the mentality of Bermudians,'' he said.

"The performing arts are not emphasised, so a lot of Bermudians don't grow to appreciate the arts.

"Literature is huge in the Caribbean -- they put more heart into things -- but at least there's a whole new breed of `Generation X' college kids who are about getting deep, that's why you have things like Flow Sunday,'' he added.

"Remembrance'' will be at the City Hall Theatre from today to November 7 and tickets are $30.

Roddy Nesbitt