A scene from 'Curfew'. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Kerry-Ann Bercher, Go-Local Jamaica Writer

The air was still emotionally charged, as patrons left Centre Stage following ASHE Caribbean Performing Arts Foundation's, recent staging of Curfew: The Reggae Musical Of Our Times.

The award-winning musical cleverly incorporates and reflects the harsh realities and the true spirit of inner-city life.

The story follows the lives of residents in Barracks, an inner-city garrison, in the midst of a curfew, implemented to control the frequent outbreaks of violence.

Amid long-standing disorder in the community, the members try to create peace in every way possible. There is fall-out between the don, Satta, and Trevor, an aspiring musician, as Satta tries to influence one young community member, Gungu, to become a gunman. Trevor, realising what is happening, encourages Gungu to stand strong and this angers Satta, who begins a series of reprisals against Trevor.

The community is drawn in by their allegiance to Satta and their camaraderie with Trevor. Eventually, the truth of Satta's actions are revealed, Satta is arrested, and peace is restored to Barracks.

The set creates the real-life ambience of a garrison, with the community standpipe, bullet holes, zinc fences, graffiti and shoes hung over a wire.

Ghetto scene

'Cass cass, passa passa, mix-up, blenda', Curfew begins on a typical 'ghetto morning': wash your face, drink your tea, throw ona jersey, jump into a skirt, go on the road. The ghetto girls get their hair done, while the boys on the corner can be seen 'holding a meditation': the typical ghetto scene.

The drama is played out with a series of original songs and dances that elicit strong emotions and reinforce the message of unity for peace.

Artistic director of ASHE, Michael Holgate, who also played the notorious Don 'Satta', and the rest of the Curfew cast, took the audience through a kaleidoscope of emotions. One actress in particular, 'Caroline', played by Latoya Moulton, was exceptional in bringing her character to life, engaging the audience with her brilliant performance.

Curfew is a must-see. A series of positive messages are sent as the play brings to life the issues of the inner city. Issues of extortion, crime, police corruption, and manipulation are explored.

According to one enthusiastic patron, Vanessa Foote, "It was very good, very interesting, all the elements of drama were present and a very good ending. It would be a good idea for ASHE to do this in schools and communities." Curfew is a true interpretation of what unity can do to realise the dreams and aspirations of those in the inner city, as expressed by Othniel Nation aka 'Trevor', "I want to go back to a time in Jamaica when every youth want to hold a guitar or a tune, not a gun."

A reality

The production is sponsored and promoted in association with USAID, who played an integral part in making Curfew a reality. Also present was Ann-Marie Campbell, representative of Jamaica's Solution To Youth Lifestyles and Empowerment and director of the play, whose project was responsible for the commissioning of the script and the theatrical production over all.

ASHE is the recipient of numerous commendations in the recently staged Actor Boy Awards, including the Actor Boy Awards for Best Musical, Best Choreography, Best Actor In A Lead Role, Best Original Score and Best Original Song.