ew to Bermuda's theatrical circles is Jargan Theatre Enterprises. During September they are performing weekly at Tucker House Museum in St. George's and other places around the Island.

Shelley McKinnon-Burgess, the artistic director of Jargan Theatre Enterprises, believes that "theatre is more than entertainment" and says theatre is the looking glass for a society, a culture for humanity.

Educational theatre can be used to explore the depths and heights of the human condition, believes Ms McKinnon-Burgess.

"This does not necessarily mean that fun is precluded. To the contrary, to love what you do while you are learning it makes life long learners and devotees."

As such the slogan of Jargan Theatre: "Creating dramatic opportunities is meant for both the student of drama and the professional alike."

Jargan is a daring venture that involves risk but is founded on the energetic confidence and initiative of its artistic director.

Her goal is to become a viable financial institution grounded in educational theatre concepts and foundations for its youth programme, professional dinner theatre programme and a professional experimental theatre troupe utilising the global skills and unique talents of Bermudians.

When asked about the birth of Jargan, the director explained she has always wanted to establish a professional theatre presence in Bermuda. March of this year it happened. "We (Ellen Hollis, Jamal Burgess and I) established JARGAN to try and fill the niche for those interested in acting. The theatre company is just one aspect of what we do.

"We also run theatre camps during the summer and during the school year when the children are on breaks. As well, starting in October we will begin the drama school programme for both children and adults."

Ms McKinnon-Burgess' role in the theatre focuses on responsibility for the content and curriculum of the youth programmes. She also chooses the plays they produce. She is the link to all the projects that they participate in whether it is representing actors in commercial work, hosting auditions for movies or creating original works for various companies.

If anyone is hopeful of expressing a stage interest in her historical productions they are always looking for new talent of all ages.

"People can either audition for our general company which means we have already seen you and have you on file as ready to work. Or they can audition just for a specific programme when we advertise a production. We list all upcoming auditions on our website at ."

Sharing her enthusiasm for St. George's and the Bermuda National Trust, she feels positive regarding the many summer re-enactments. "We began rehearsing in June and opened the play in July. The Tucker House dramatic mystery is an interactive play where the audience has to figure out who was the mastermind behind the infamous gunpowder theft. Included in the ticket price ($20) is a glass of wine and the best sleuth wins a prize at the end of the evening. The play will run every Tuesday evening until the end of September."

They have a second production in the works for St.George's to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at the Globe Hotel.

"People won't want to miss the arrest of that rapscallion ? the infamous Governor Samuel Day. This play is quite short and will begin running in September through to the end of October.

"We also have running right now a third play for the Bermuda National Trust ? "Verdmont Tea Time". It is a lively romp through 1791 as John and Mary Greene host a garden tea."

This is an interactive play where the audience actually gets the opportunity to react and be a part of the cast. Light refreshments are included in the ticket price ($25) and the play runs every Saturday at 2 p.m. until the end of September. All tickets can be booked directly through the Bermuda National Trust at 236-6483.

Jargan provides you with excellent entertainment so give them a whirl and enjoy the world they so well portray.