Tuesday, January 22, 2008
By: Rose-ann Jones

A bottomless comedy

It is quite truthful for any man to acknowledge the fact that, in order for a good theatrical production to be at its best, the playwright and director must indeed have great talent.

Back in 2007, we saw a tremendous numbers of plays such as Uptown Bangarang and its second instalment, Concubine? and the well-loved and popular Shebada Come to Town, which had not only us (TEENs), but the entire Jamaica bursting with laughter.

However, there's one play that has been a cut above the rest and is causing quite a stir not just locally, but also internationally. This is River Bottom, arguably the best that audiences have witnessed in the last five years. Directors Trevor Nairne and Patrick Brown have indeed utilised their God-given talent and have turned this play into a superb and very exciting comedic piece.

This play appeals to people from all walks of life and also presents an array of characters from the fictitious River Bottom community who must deal with multiple issues as they try to make a living. River Bottom is a dirt-poor, isolated fishing and farming coastal community located in deep, deep rural Jamaica. There is no running water and rural electrification has not yet ventured here.

Cappo (Oliver Samuels), is the only one in the district with financial and other resources, and reigns supreme over everything in the community. He plays the spiritual leader, faith healer, prophet, Member of Parliament, obeahman, storm 'whisperer' and everything else that works in his favour.

The people there are poor, illiterate and ignorant of what happens outside the geographical area of their community of River Bottom. Now Quatty, (Glen Campbell), who managed to get himself an education, decides to return to his home district to help to emancipate his people, only to come face to face with a defiant Cappo.

Trust me on this one, it will have you filled with non-stop laughter just enough to make you cry and not to mention fall off your seat! Both Oliver Samuels and Glen Campbell made a very good impression on the characters in which they performed, as they brought about much humour and excitement making it worthwhile not just for adults, but also for TEENS at large and the entire family to enjoy.

Contact: Rosemarie Williams/Lenford Salmon – 929-1280/383-1033; lenfords@gmail.com