On July 2 at 8pm sharp, Junior Premier Players (formerly The Berkeley Players) will be presenting ‘That Was Then’ at the Leopards Club on Cedar Avenue, Hamilton.The play was written in 1998 by Patrice Frith Hayward and adapted by the Junior Premier Players in 2011 to create ‘That Was Then ... Small Island … Big Problem’.The play is set in 2011 in Bermuda; an elderly couple have their faith tested after their adult daughter separates from her husband and comes back home to live with them bringing her 17-year-old son with her.The grandson is adamant that he will live by his own rules, but his grandfather is equally adamant that everybody will live by his house rules. Old day Bermuda is reconnected throughout the play as Grandpa has difficulty accepting that times have changed. Nana-the typical “my Grandson does no wrong” Bermudian grandmother- and her sister- who never seems to go home- enjoy reminiscing with the old-timer, even though they don’t always agree.We soon learn that, although times have changed, many of our morals have not. And it is with hope, that together, we can fix this small island and her big problem! The main characters in the performance are Papa Henry, played by Delijah Symonds and Nana Loretta and Aunt Agnes, acted by Deesa Booth and Patience Lowe, respectively.Aisha Hendrickson takes on the role of Darlene, while Kioshi Burgess, Zeon Robinson and Oral Barnett are cast in the roles of Tari, Tyrone and Terry. The Junior Premier Players was established in February 1st, 2010, by Ms Shalane Dill.The group has a membership of 20 young men and women ranging in ages from 14 to 18 years. “The aim of the group is to motivate and encourage young people to get involved in positive activities by creating new opportunities and experiences, to reinforce the value of community and team spirit and to promote the pursuit of excellence.They are currently in the process of organising tours and performances overseas to participate in and to also attend seminars and workshops to expose young members to the world of The Arts. To keep a close-knit programme among the members, Junior Premier Players has a affectionate way of ending each of their sessions, with Director Shalane Dill shouting ‘JPP’ followed by the members shouting ‘more than just entertainment’.Reflecting on her JPP experience so far, Delijah Symonds commented, “It is an honour and an outstanding privilege to play Papa Henry in JPP’s “That Was Then” play as it portrays real life experiences of many families in our little island home.“As Papa Henry I help and guide the youth of today to a better Bermuda and create a superior future for themselves. I cannot wait until July 2 to show Bermuda the talent among us young people and there is still hope for a enhanced future.”Kioshi Burgess also shared his experience on how the program has assisted him.“Words cannot describe my experience in JPP. This production company is one like no other. From the director to the players, we all share one common goal, to enjoy theatre and help change Bermuda through it. “I love this production company because it has brought youth together in a positive way, and we have developed a family from it. We hope to share our positive bond with the island, in hopes it will develop.“I strongly encourage everyone to come out and support us because this play, will definitely open the eyes of Bermuda.“I am extremely humble and privileged to be playing Tarriq, a young man who, like most, seems to take like for granted, but through the guidance of his family, learns how life was then, and the importance of life now.”In September the Junior Premier Players will be expanding its membership to include to both male and female youngsters age 7 and up. The programme is geared towards those interested in performing arts or even those who just want to build up their self-confidence.Tickets available froms Shalane Dill, at sdill[AT]berkeley.bm.