Duppy Whisperer reaps laughter and message

When Adassa Jonas (Camille Davis) and her neighbours, Sky McGuiness (Sakina Deer) and her husband Coby Smith (Courtney Wilson), along with their helper, Gerda (Sharee Elise) engineered a plan to help her out of her unhappy marriage to Dr Sefus Jonas (Glen Campbell), there are dire consequences. And the turmoil that is produced by their actions results in earth-shaking laughter, or fear, depending on one's point of view.

There is a message behind Patrick Brown's madness of a play, Duppy Whisperer. It is the message of love "thick as a forest". The route to this message, however, was fraught with inconsistency. While the story is powered by many laughlines and some directing, there is also the uncharacteristic use of lights and some inconsistent acting.

Duppy Whisperer is set in an upscale neighbourhood and its non-realistic linear-structure plot begins at the heart of the conflict: Adassa's discontent with Sefus' "fake trade" and her perceived imprisonment. The situation, unfortunately, produces an exchange of insults between the couple that lasts a bit too long. And so, there was some relief when the playwright changed course, with the arrival of Coby and Sky bearing an unlikely gift. And from then on, it was a steady dose of suspense and humour from the Jamaican playwright. His use of obeah to teach a valuable history lesson on cultural identity and love was icing on the cake. The actors, too, played their role in bringing the message to the fore.

STRONG PERFORMANCE

Individually, Campbell, except in the cantankerous opening scene, was strong in his role as Sefus. From giving instructions to his wife, to depicting a terrified Sefus, he was purposeful in his role. So it was for Davis and Elise, although Elise's character was somewhat baffling. Davis, who also doubled as the ancestor, was commendable in her attempt at the non-Jamaican accent.

But her counterpart of the past, David Crossgill, was not so consistent with his accent. However, in playing his primary role as Undercover-Detective Sheg-up, Crossgill was better. He managed to capture the buffoonery of the character in his characterisation. But alas, his acting was limited by a role that did not require much growth. The costume designer may want to also tone down his excessively decorated costume, which not only made him look physically larger, but made the small stage look overcrowded.

It was a better performance from Deer, who for once, was not cast in a downtrodden role. She was able to produce a captivating Broadway actress with some degree of conviction. And while Wilson seemed to have understood his role as the everlasting wit of a lawyer, his character was a bit too similar to his last role in Baby Scam. To this extent, he was not very strong, especially in voicing and showing his character's love moments.

The Jambiz directorial team of Brown and Trevor Nairne was responsible for guiding the experienced cast at the company's home, Centerstage Theatre, Dominica Drive, in New Kingston. For the most part, they did well - from lowering a character from the ceiling and fine use of the stairwell to the general movement of the actors in a number of scenes. Most of the entrances and exits were clear. However, the drastic breaking down of the fourth wall for Gerda's dramatic entrance and exit, as well as the use of the door upstage left required explanation.

Overall, Duppy Whisperer's strengths outweighed its weaknesses and, for that reason, the play is recommended. But be warned, the title tells the story. The play is not for the faint of heart, and parental discretion is advised.