In a society where the idea of a single parent is not strange, Basil Dawkins created an intriguing story, A Gift for Mom. While the source of his inspiration is common to the Jamaican society, the playwright’s characters are not your average Jane or Joe … more here

A State of Affairs centres on the life of a couple, both of whom are in their second marriage. The husband has cheated on his wife, and is now in the proverbial ‘dog house’. He is deeply concerned about his increasing and compulsive urges to cheat on his wife, so, in an attempt to save his marriage and protect his wife from inevitable pain, he seeks counselling from the church.

I found A State of Affairs’ storyline and dialogue to be quite weak and unbelievable. Jerry Benzwick, who plays the husband, did not do a good job, as his acting seemed too unnatural and staged; just about all his punch lines and jokes flopped.

Sakina Deer plays the role of Benzwick’s wife in A State of Affairs. I had seen her in 2009 in Patrick Brown’s “Diana”, and was quite impressed by her deaf-mute role in that play. Knowing what she is capable of, given this previous role, I was utterly disappointed at her performance in A State of Affairs, as she failed to sparkle.

When veteran actress, Ruth HoShing, was finally introduced to the proceedings, she literally saved the day and woke up the patrons. She injected life and humor into an otherwise weak production, and did an excellent job in her roll as a ‘Senior Counsellor’.

Despite this however, I still did not feel as though I got value for my time and money, and would not recommend this play to anyone. If I were to rate it, I would give it 3 out of 10.

Reviewed by S.P.

Basil Dawkins’ “A State Of Affairs” opens on Monday, December 27 at the Little Little Theatre, with two performances. A State of Affairs centres on the life of a couple, both of whom are in their second marriage. The husband — who is a very good-natured and charming young man — has become deeply concerned about his increasing and compulsive urges to cheat on his wife. So, in an attempt to save his marriage and protect his wife from inevitable pain, the husband seeks counselling from the church … more here [Jamaica Observer]

The cast will include outstanding actors Jerry Benzwick as the husband; Sakinal, his wife; Rishille Bellamy-Pelicie, the young counsellor; and Actor Boy Lead Actress awardee Ruth HoShing – senior counsellor and director at the church facility. The 2009 Actor Boy Best Director awardee Douglas Prout is the director …. more here [Jamaica Gleaner]

1. Christine Ann Bell in Josephine’s Night Out (by Basil Dawkins, directed by Eugene Williams)
2. Rishille Bellamy Pelicie and Keiran King in Ms. Burton Gets A Promotion (by Amba Chevannes, directed by Nadean Rawlins)

When? Friday, October 15 to Sunday, October 17. More details in the flyer below.

Brown has put together an excellent ensemble cast to fully execute the story of FEMININE JUSTICE. The cast includes Brown herself, who has been busy as a bee in Toronto’s Caribbean theatre scene since she arrived from Jamaica in 1989. It would be fair to say that Brown has certainly made a household name for herself in the community from the consistent and tireless work she has put in ranging from her comedic stints at local community and church events to the memorable and electrifying stage plays such as “Country Duppy”, “Children Children”, “Wipe That Smile”, “Single Entry”, “Rosetta” and “Common-Law”.

The FEMININE JUSTICE cast is rounded off by comic actor and man about the stages, Naggo Morris (who it seems is a resident actor in plays produced Marcia Brown Productions), Letna Allen-Rowe and newcomer to the Toronto stage, Clive Forrester.

Commandeered by her mother into marrying Wilton Chambers (Clive Forrester), a psychologist with power, wealth, status and fame, Vilma (Marcia Brown) thought it might be the best thing that could have happened to her. Wilton however turned out to be an abusive husband, and she is manipulated by both to keep this “little matter” under-cover … after-all, Wilton is a psychologist who is well recognized by his peers as an astute professional in the medical fraternity, he is respected by the Bishop in his church as a honourable man and faithful in his giving, so his reputation would be damaged if this came to light, not to mention his bruised ego.

Fate however would not have this going on forever, so after sustaining a serious life-threatening motor vehicle accident, he is confronted with the consequences of his actions by divine order. What does he do when he discovers his destiny, lies in the hands of a woman!!!

His wife on the other hand, must come to terms and accept responsibilities for her own limitations. Will she lower her pride and receive fact-facing truths from a simple, uneducated and seemingly underprivileged gardener (Naggo Morris)!

Dawkins’ characters are profoundly and intensely layered in ways that are engaging and compelling, and under Canute Lawrence’s outstanding direction, the members of this peerless ensemble have worked to ensure that the portrayal of their characters will leave audience members with unwavering conviction.

FEMININE JUSTICE is thought provoking and evokes much emotion. The subject matter is not for laughs – but with the witty lines penned by Dawkins, it certainly has it’s ample share of belly-full-of laughs through the play.

FEMININE JUSTICE received awards for Best Drama, Best New Jamaican Play and the most coveted, Best Production, from the International Theatre Institute (Jamaica Chapter) in 1999.

Below are the performance dates:

Brampton
Saturday June 19 @ 8PM
Chinguacousy Secondary School
1370 Williams Parkway East

North York
Father’s Day – Sunday June 20 @ 6PM
Jamaican Canadian Centre
995 Arrow Road

“Directed by Douglas Prout, For Better or Worse is a kaleidoscope of clean humour, excellent costumes and some fine acting, wrapped in a shroud of topical and controversial boldness. A variety of reasons have been presented when couples fail to honour their marriage vows. But certainly not the reasons” presented in this production … more

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.

It stars Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, Jerry Benzwick, Terri Salmon, Sakina and Ruth Ho Shing.

“For Better Or Worse” plays Tuesdays to Fridays at 8:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

For tickets, bookings and more information, please call 906-0003 or 805-4847.