The band of friends interact in Double Six.
Winston Sill photoShermaine Desnoes
, Contributor
ON FRIDAY, October 31, the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, featured David Tulloch's latest production Double Six, which ran for only one night. Double Six featured a broad display of young talent, who showed great enthusiasm and much theatrical promise.
The play is set in a contemporary, upper-middle class studio deemed as the 'hangout spot' for a group of close friends. The studio is owned by the central character, Rudy, who entertains his friends daily in a home he earned from his parents by passing his A' Levels. Rudy's younger sister, Katrina, played by Lindsay Taylor, visits him frequently, but apparently lives with her parents who obviously have a lot of money, as both children even have their own cars. Double Six depicts the lives of university students and as I watched, I got a feeling of nostalgia and also guilt, as I thought to myself "if my mother ever knew that those were the things that actually happen at university."
However, for those who have never had that 'on campus' experience this play allows you a little peek. Don't be misled, though, for there are students who do actually spend their time studying and not always occupied with playing dominoes as most of these characters do. With its intimate setting the play comes as close to reality as the stage allows; the characters are believable and we can easily empathise with them when they fall into crisis. Double Six has many hilarious moments, which are propelled by the antics of the troublesome Gary, played by Marlon Kerr, and the unexpected interjections of advice from the wise housekeeper Mindy, played by Tasheney Francis.
Both characters were obvious crowd favourites, although there were moments when Kerr struggled with voice projection. However, all is not fun and games; the youngsters come across some life-changing and life-threatening issues, which include pregnancy, poor academic performance and AIDS. Do not roll your eyes and think 'oh boy it's one of those'; the play addresses these serious issues but distances itself from cliché plays that brainwash its audience with sexual precautions and remind them of the consequences of neglecting their education.
Each issue is addressed with severity and the audience is only allowed an insight into the lives of these young people. Rudy is a bright young man from the upper-middle class, played by Christopher Taylor, with a healthy family background and his sensitivity is demonstrated in the way he relates with his sister Katrina. He is also very caring toward his friends and volunteers his home to facilitate the socialising time. The game of dominoes is the common denominator among them; it is the thing that apparently keeps them together and, like the domino effect, a problem for one becomes a problem for all.
Trevor, one of the more interesting characters, played by Richard McGhee, is the stereotypical player who is in high demand by the ladies. His character makes the saying 'good girls love bad boys' true as he mesmerises the curious Alicia, played by Teca Foster, with his mysterious style. However, it is also true that 'if you play with fire you must get burn' and many of the characters are forced to learn the hard way.
The script is commendable and David Tulloch is evidently growing as a producer and director.The cast members were obviously amateurs who still need more experience and this was evident in moments of voice projection problems and the dragging of some scenes. However, improvement takes time this cannot be accomplished with a one night run.
The play is now open for benefit sponsorship and with international AIDS day on December 1, a repeat showing would be timely. Double Six is as didactic as it is entertaining and is definitely a play that the entire family can appreciate and enjoy.
