Anancy Chaptaz verges on the 'Winners' Circle'

By Marcia Rowe, Gleaner WriterOver a period of time, the African slaves in the Caribbean altered aspects of their culture. One was the stories of their folk-tale hero, Anancy. Instead of being the ever-hungry character being bullied by fiercer creatures of the forest, according to the African versions, in the Caribbean, he became the lazy, overfed trickster.
Well, that was before director Damion Radcliffe and playwright Sabrina McDonald got into the act. Both thespians, in their latest venture, Anancy Chaptaz: Winners' Circle, staged at the Dennis Scott Studio at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, have sanitised the beloved folk-tale hero.
After a very attention-grabbing opening, Anancy, played by Melissa Haliman (yes, a female), enters. Anancy walks around the forest, finds a chain and then exits. As the story progresses, it is revealed that the chain belongs to another creature.
It is also a special time for the creatures of Story Land. This is the season of their annual games. The competitors are from four clans - the Bird, Fur, Cat and Mixed clans. Anancy is from the Mixed Clan, loser in the previous years' games.
This time around, the annual competition gets a burst of life with the involvement and attendance of Missa Mongrel Dawg (Kyle Burke). In light of this, Anancy, who wants to 'buss' as a recording artiste, encourages his teammates to spend extra time training. Surprisingly, she is committed.
'Mad Moo' - The Highlight
But there is some substance in the McDonald-penned story. It comes in the Mad Moo (Tesfa Edwards) subplot. It is a compelling tale of a former hero who lost his love, his sanity and reputation. Suffice it to say, Anancy had nothing to do with it, but along with Tella (McDonald), and through some powers, narrates the tale to the audience.
Another plus for the playwright and director was the use of Jamaican proverbs and ring games. Both were well-placed and well-executed throughout. The use of songs, in most instances, to further advance the story was also effective.
Generally, the production was of a fairly high standard. There must be commendations to Radcliffe and his cast of young actors, who were remarkable with their physicalisation of the various creatures. However, highest commendations go to Aaliyah Smith (Royal Rat), Annakay Hudson (Big Head Rat) and Edwards. With the aid of a mask, Edwards played the feared Mad Moo terribly well. But humour and style arrived with entrances of Hudson and Smith or the 'Royal Bighead' duo.
On the flip side, McDonald's character Tella was more of a redundancy - or perhaps she would have been better being seen only at the beginning and end, as the story was easy to follow through dialogue and songs.
APPROPRIATE COSTUMEAND SET DESIGN
Natasha Griffiths' costumes and Radcliffe's set were quite simple, yet practical. Griffiths opted for mainly unitards made from fabric patterned to reflect the particular creature. Radcliffe kept set changes minimal with a design that was complete with a four-lane track and torch. There was also great choreography from Paula Shaw and Christina Pinkney.
The singing was also of good quality. However, musical director Hugh Douse and director Radcliffe may want to review the use of the lengthy closing song for pre-show and intermission.
The production is worth supporting by all age groups. Anancy Chaptaz: Winner's Circle plays at the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, 1 Arthur Wint Drive, on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 and 6 p.m.