By Tamara King Staff Reporter
Grace (Grace Jarvis) is consoled by the women from the ghetto in a scene from 'Amazing Grace'. - Contributed
AS WITH any great work of literature, full appreciation requires that you suspend your belief. Such works tend to offer a suspenseful and entertaining plot, which, when unravelled, is satisfying to say the least.
This is the case with Father Ho Lung and Friends' 30th anniversary production Amazing Grace.
There are a few scenes and instances in Amazing Grace that called for this suspension of belief. However, they do not detract from the story that drives this musical drama.
It is one that every Jamaican can identify with. Once again, Father Ho Lung's sharp insight and ability to grasp the deep social issues constant in our lives are evident. His knack for weaving these realities into a drama that is both entertaining and educational is also evident.
This musical drama used as its inspiration a real life heroine, Grace Christie. Grace bore the pain and suffering of the loss of her son to gunmen with incredible grace. She reacts by begging the nation and the police not to kill her son's murderer but instead to show forgiveness and love.
Using poetic license, Fr. Ho Lung created a story that stands emphatically on its own with the loud, apt and clear message that it sends. On the second night of the production, Saturday night, Grace Jarvis played the role. She does well in the role.
In addition, we are asked to accept Grace's character as the strong matriarchal type that is a force in many families. She is able to forgive the death of an only son and embrace his killer as part of her family. She is also able to reconcile her husband's cheating among other troubles and tribulations.
Couched in the humour, the eccentricity of the characters, and the beautiful music, is a serious message for anyone willing to find it. It is one that echoes our problems with the drug trade, absence of fathers in our homes and other social ills. Also, it explores and seeks to reconcile the many dualities of life. For example, the issue of justice and mercy and whether one is superior to the other, is also explored.
The way in which Father Ho Lung crafted the play is very commendable. Many members of the cast were also outstanding. Choreographer Paula Shaw did an excellent job. All the movements and dance came together and helped the production to shine.
Director Alwin Bully also deserves kudos for bringing together all the elements of this magnificent drama.
