The Cayman Drama Society is bringing carnival to life with the staging of ‘J’Ouvert’ by Yasmin Joseph at the Prospect Playhouse over three weekends starting Thursday, 29 Aug.
Featuring an all-women cast, CDS will take audiences back to the 2017 Notting Hill Carnival, according to production notes of the play. “Among the feathers, dancing, and cultural celebration, lies a fight to be seen, to be heard, to be understood. As the DJ drops the beat, Nadine and Jade take to the streets to claim them, and their bodies, as their own.
“Joined by Jade’s new politically charged friend Nisha, the girls move from place to place encountering all kinds of people throughout the day,” the notes said.
‘J’Ouvert’ won the James Tait Black Prize for Drama 2020 for writer Joseph, who is with Theatre503.
“The latest production, ‘J’Ouvert’, is quite a shift from this year’s earlier performances of ‘The Moustrap,’ and ‘The Gruffalo’,” Judith Nicholls, the play’s director, told the Cayman Compass. “Variety is a key component to what CDS does.”
The cast includes Wendee Miller-McKenzie, Ashley Crowe, Kayla Manderson and Sheron Campbell. The role of Jade will be alternately played by Manderson and Crowe.
A celebration of Carnival
“I’m absolutely ecstatic and excited about being a part of this production,” Miller-Mckenzie, who plays lead role of Nadine, told the Compass.
“As being an actress and taking part in the arts for over 20 years, every production is different, but I can say that I have learned so much on this production. This has been a piece that has stretched me far beyond what I have experiences, but I am one for a good challenge. This dynamic piece has pushed me to a higher and deeper level, and for this, I am grateful. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Miller-McKenzie added it has been a “wonderful and amazing experience” working in the production.
“The cast and crew have been so supportive, caring, and it has been so much teamwork shared amongst everyone … to be able to share the stage with like-minded actresses who are super talented and bringing the storyline to life has been a wonderful journey.
“Working with our director, Judith Nicholls, has been an honour because she too has such a wonderful vision with this piece, and it has made every step from the auditioning process to getting ready for performance a delightful and wonderful experience. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of this production,” she added.
As for what the audience will get out of the production, Miller-McKenzie said, “Expect to dance, sing songs you know, learn the history of what J’Ouvert and Carnival is about, expect to laugh, cry and hold on to your seats for the rollercoaster ride of the journey of 2 best friends who share their experiences taking part in Notting Hill’s Carnival.
“It is a piece that everyone can relate to in some way, shape, or form. It is definitely something that you would not want to miss.”
‘Fantastic learning journey’
Manderson told the Compass, she is “incredibly pleased” to be a part of this production.
“I was willing to be a part of it in any capacity if not cast. It was very touching to be offered a chance at a lead part portrayal, as that was not what I originally had in mind when I auditioned.”
She said she had never heard of ‘J’Ouvert’ or the Notting Hill Carnival, but “the flyer advertising auditions had so much colour! Then the synopsis mentioned ‘Soca’ and that was it for me! I knew from that wording that it would be a project with the focus of Caribbean women and there really is a dire need for their voices to be heard. It is amazing that a project like this has been selected and brought forward and it is a privilege to get to participate in it.”
She continued, “Being a part of this production has been a fantastic learning journey. Many hours have gone into learning lines, understanding the story and building an authentic camaraderie with cast and crew. Transitioning into several other characters was a first-time challenge and much thought-provoking questions have been considered when it comes to the best approach to embodying them justly.”
The production runs one hour and 50 minutes, with no intermission.
As the play contains adult themes and language, including some violence and references of a sexual nature, discretion is advised. It also will involve flashing lights.
Doors open at 6:30pm, with curtain call at 7:30pm.
General tickets are $30, and for students are $15 from the CDS website. For more information, call the CDS box office at 938-1998.
Next up on the CDS calendar will be its annual treat, ‘A Playhouse Family Christmas’.
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