Jamaican Plays

Written and produced by Basil Dawkins
Directed by Douglas Prout
Playing at the Little Little Theatre (4 Tom Redcam Avenue, Cross Roads)

This is a story of a couple (Marcia and Alfred) married for approximately seven years, with two daughters. They are experiencing severe financial difficulties due to the fact that Alfred, an engineer, has been unemployed for three years. It appears that he is not concerned about his situation, and has taken on the role of house-husband with much zeal. Marcia is unimpressed by the fact that Alfred is not seeking employment, and she is bored due to their lack of involvement in social activities.

On her 29th birthday, she informs him that she is leaving him. This she does, taking their daughters with her. They move in with Marcia’s wealthy employer, Mrs. Shields, who provides for them comfortably. Mrs. Shields has been widowed for several years and expects “companionship” from Marcia.

In the meantime, Alfred has rented one of the rooms in the matrimonial home to Patience, a grief counsellor. The relationship between Alfred and Patience provides much hilarity and interest. Patience helps in improving Alfred’s outlook on life, and he eventually secures employment. Certain occurrences in the life of the country combine with the aid of Patience to bring about the reunion of Alfred and Marcia.

You have to go see the play in order to find out what Patience does next; and also about the fate of Mrs. Shields.

‘Marcia’ is played by Sakina Deer; ‘Alfred’, by Jerry Benzwick / Christopher “Johnny” Daley; ‘Mrs. Shields’, by Ruth Ho Shing; and ‘Patience’ by Terri Salmon.