Alleluia pork chops DR38

Minimalist Kubrick on St Lawrence? The Gap Theatre Launches with Innovative Play At The Reggae Lounge

Minimalist Kubrick on St Lawrence? The Gap Theatre Launches with Innovative Play At The Reggae Lounge

Alleluia pork chops DR38
This play within a play is not meant for sitting in one spot, theatregoers are expected to follow the actors as they plumb the whole area of the expanded Reggae Lounge {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}
This play within a play is not meant for sitting in one spot, theatregoers are expected to follow the actors as they plumb the whole area of the expanded Reggae Lounge {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}

I was amazed at the expansion of the Reggae Lounge and enjoyed Three Dimensional theatre with many Barbadians and visitors who experienced a unique and exciting theatrical experience when The Gap Theatre held its first production, “Alleluia Pork Chops” at the Reggae Lounge, St Lawrence Gap.

Clever use of a red scarf as allegory for pig entrails, this play is not for the squeamish - there is strong language and some sexual violence {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}
Clever use of a red scarf as allegory for pig entrails, this play is not for the squeamish – there is strong language and some sexual violence {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}

The Gap Theatre is a new company led by internationally renowned actress Alison Sealy-Smith, choreographer, Rosemary Neilands and well known businessman and actor, David Neilands.

This is a new attempt to revive theatre in Barbados in non conventional space.” said Neilands at the media launch for the Gap Theatre and its inaugural production which is believed to be the first local play to be staged in a nightclub.

We have recognized that with the move towards film and lack of offering in theatre, new more radical attempts need to be implemented to preserve and legitimize the art form.” He added.

The literary excerpts were lovingly crafted into a near-seamless comedy-drama, with powerful references to Anansi the Spider God & Father of Tall Tales  {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}
The literary excerpts were lovingly crafted into a near-seamless comedy-drama, with powerful references to Anansi the Spider God & Father of Tall Tales {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}

Producer, Alison Sealy-Smith described “Alleluia Pork Chops” as “An insightful journey into our culture and identity ,expressed through the words of noted Barbadian writers.” She revealed that the show which is based on the writings of four Barbadian literary icons – Tom Clarke, Kamau Bratwaite, Timothy Callender and John Wickham, and is directed by Amanda Cumberbatch with choreography by Rosemary Neilands.

Alleluia Pork Chops” boasts an accomplished cast of actors including Sealy- Smith and Neilands , Tony Thompson, Dyrstra Browne, NalaThe $2 Philosopher“, Michael Cheddi Taitt, Ayesha Gibson-Gill, Levi “Levitance” King and Carolyn Brathwaite.

Here's what one patron said;- "The new and really improved Reggae Lounge in The Gap is indeed a good place for theatre productions and as David Neilands said at the end of it all...it is about trying to bridge 'the gap' between tourism and our ting, our culture. Good thinking. So congratulations to the cast, they all gave of their best...such talent... the production will be on next Thursday and Friday. Go get your tickets NOW and let us show our visitors that we support our own. The reading and skit around Austin Clarke's Pig Tails 'N Breadfruit was my favourite. Lawd, I love this man's book. Have read it hundreds of times. We need more productions like this...to show those who need to be shown, that creatives can make a difference in what is offered not just the good old boring, sand, sea and sun. Time to wake up and show the creativity as a way of bringing back our tourists...and at the same time educating our own people." {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}
Here’s what one patron said;- “The new and really improved Reggae Lounge in The Gap is indeed a good place for theatre productions and as David Neilands said at the end of it all…it is about trying to bridge ‘the gap’ between tourism and our ting, our culture. Good thinking. So congratulations to the cast, they all gave of their best…such talent… the production will be on next Thursday and Friday. Go get your tickets NOW and let us show our visitors that we support our own. The reading and skit around Austin Clarke’s Pig Tails ‘N Breadfruit was my favourite. Lawd, I love this man’s book. Have read it hundreds of times. We need more productions like this…to show those who need to be shown, that creatives can make a difference in what is offered not just the good old boring, sand, sea and sun. Time to wake up and show the creativity as a way of bringing back our tourists…and at the same time educating our own people.” {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}

Performance Dates are March 13th, 14th,20th, 21st,27th, 28th, April 3rd and 4th at the Reggae Lounge, St Lawrence Gap, Ch. Ch. Patrons of the show will be able to stay on at the venue for the regular entertainment at the nightclub.

There will a special outreach to the tourism sector with patrons of the show getting 10% discount on meals from participating restaurants in The Gap.

How the play had different arenas while unfolding reminded me of the camerawork in Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining & Clockwork Orange {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}
How the play had different arenas while unfolding reminded me of the camerawork in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining & Clockwork Orange {PHOTOS COURTESY: Alwyn Kirk Studios}

Tickets will be available from Ticketpal Box Offices and Ticketpal online from next week. Patrons of the show will be treated to a complimentary drink and a “Proper Pork” snack from sponsors Mount Gay Rum and A1 Supermarkets.

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One response to “Minimalist Kubrick on St Lawrence? The Gap Theatre Launches with Innovative Play At The Reggae Lounge”

  1. margaret d. gill Avatar
    margaret d. gill

    Dear Ian:

    I am going to go and see this theatre, but I take issue with its statement that it is an attempt to “revive theatre in Barbados”. What do the producers think Bajan Bus-stop, Pampalam, the longest running review, perhaps in the Caribbean, or church theatre in Barbados is? Scratch grain? I would have liked to attach here a critical essay I did here that questions this kind of problematic reductionism of theatre to something only some people do. However, I don’t know how to attach to something like this comment box, so I will send it under separate cover.
    Guidance,
    Margaret D. Gill

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