New Jamaican inspired play opens May
When Death Come Run
(but not till Martin’s play is
over)
By Stephen Weir for the Caribbean Camera
Rehearsals are well underway for a new play
which the playwright describes as a mash up of old time Jamaica and British
theatrical farce. When Death Come Run by Torontonian Yvette Martin,
opens the evening (8pm) of Friday May 4th at the downtown Al
Green Theatre.
“The play owes a lot to Agatha Christie written from a
Jamaican perspective,” Martin explains. “Despite the part-patois title of the
play, When Death Come Run is aimed
at a general English-speaking audience”,
The two-act play is set in the rainy
Parish of Portland, Jamaica in the early 1970’s. The play, a comedic mystery
focuses on two brothers in their late 60’s, Joshua Jenkins, the local tailor
(John Phillips) and his brother Jerimiah Jenkins, the local grave digger and
part time medicine man (David Smith). Along with their extended dysfunctional
family they all try to come to terms with their own demons as the small village
is faced with a rash of unexplained deaths.
The Jenkins family is well respected
in the small village of Ranch Hill, but
when an alcoholic niece comes to visit, that status might change. As the deaths
continue, the extended family members and friends take refuge at the Jenkins’
house which makes for a funny gathering
of truth, lies and secrets.
 |
| Yvette Martin |
“I left back Jamaica some 40 years ago,
but, you never forget,” said Ms. Martin “ This isn’t a story about me but I do
remember so well what Jamaica was like back in the 70s. It was so perfect!”
Yvette is the writer, director and has a
small role in the play as the alcoholic niece. Cast members include Kevin
Sinclair, Jason Crooks ,Delores Weber and Luther Hansraj
This is Martin’s fifth play. Her writing credits include critically
acclaimed stage plays Ova Mi Dead Body (Toronto), Trading Places (Toronto) Queen
For A Day (Vancouver).
She has directed
for stage, television and radio for over
20 years. Yvette has worked extensively as a stage manager for theatre, festivals
(including Caribana) and concerts across
the country.
The play has a short run but can be extended. The Al Green Theatre is at
750 Spadina Ave at Bloor Street. Tickets are available on line EVENTBRITE.COM.
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