Jewel (Makeda Solomon) is held by friends Gracie (Maxine Salmon) and Troy (Andrew Clarke), while Laura (Davina Pinto) parades in nothing but a towel.
-Contributed photo
Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
NOT EVEN a late start could sap the sting of David Heron's Ecstasy, as it opened in gala style at the Chatwick Gardens Conference Centre in Montego Bay, St. James recently.
A raunchy play meant only for adult viewers, Ecstasy mixes the themes of love and class prejudice to produce a provocative yet comedic depiction of the life of an uptown advertising executive, Richard Foster (Tony Rodney), who tries to negotiate between his personal desires and the restrictions of his social class.
The play opens with Richard being dismissed by his socially correct 'high colour', 'browning' girlfriend, university graduate Laura (Davina Pinto), who was not ready to accommodate his sexual advances.
The plot is further complicated when he is introduced to and starts a relationship with a molasses coloured, wig wearing, table top dancing prostitute from Club Ecstasy who, while she satisfies all his sexual needs, aggravates every problem in his life.
A brilliantly constructed dramatic piece, Ecstasy had the audience riveted from the very first scene, as they remained focused on the heated scenes that unfolded over the next two and a half hours.
Makeda Solomon, a nominee for 'Best Actress in a Lead Role' in the 2004 International Theatre Institute (ITI) Actor Boy awards, stole the show with her dazzling depiction of 'Jewel', a ghetto prostitute. Clad in low rider pants, a showy cream blouse, a shoulder-length blonde wig and knee-high black leather stilettos with silver studs Makeda, walked on the stage flaunting her wares. She had the lingo and body language so well covered that the over a hundred patrons showered her with continuous applause.
Also worthy of mention is Jewel's friend and confidante Gracie (Maxine Salmon), who with her head to toe colour co-ordination, high cut skirts and ghetto drawl not only added a comedic flavour to the show, but also portrayed a kind of friendship that class prejudice could not break.
Not to be left out are Pinto in her role as the uppity Laura, Tony Rodney who depicted an often confused and frustrated Richard and his well meaning but often time hypocritical friend, Troy, who all gave scintillating performances.
Ecstasy, now in its 10th year since its conception and production in 1994, not only catapulted playwright David Heron's career onto the national theatre scene but also copped three International Theatre Institute (ITI) Actor Boy Awards, including the prestigious best production award. The play can be seen at the Fairfield Theatre in Montego Bay.
