GEMS Theatre Productions and the newly formed Transformation Theatre have teamed up to stage Crack Jokes, at the National Cultural Centre from February 20 to 23.
According to a GEMS Theatre Productions press release, the play is written and directed by reigning “Uncensored” Comedy Queen Odessa Primus and stars Nuriyyih Gerrard and Kwasi ‘Ace’ Edmondson along with Michael Ignatius, Mark Luke-Edwards, Johann David, Nelan Benjamin, Nathaya Whaul, Melika Edmonds, Abigail Brower, Kescia Branche and Primus. It is set in the ghetto and hilariously illustrates the real struggles of the poor class. The quarrelsome Davidson family is at the centre of this comedy. They argue over “farren prags”, throw bad past experiences in each other’s faces and complain about the “neighbour food smelling too high.” Nothing is a secret, at least not for very long.
The main story line is centred on drugs, money and how greed could make or break family ties and friendships. Everything is not always as it seems. Underneath the varying comical personalities of the cast lie secrets, hidden agendas and the desire to get rich. A number of conflicts between the Davidsons and their friends takes this comedy to new dimensions. This play will leave its audience laughing endlessly.
Crack Jokes was an entrant in the National Drama Festival 2015 with 11 nominations. It won best performing cast, best actor (Edmondson), best actress (Gerrard) and 2nd best Guyanese play, along with 2nd best production.
Veteran producer and theatre personality Gem Madhoo-Nascimento is at the helm of the production to give her solid support.
Transformation Theatre was founded by Odessa Primus to create marketable productions to meet the demands of the Guyanese population. The group is also geared at promoting both new and old actors in the arts.
Tickets for Crack Jokes cost $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000, and are on sale at Nigel’s Supermarket, Ashmin’s Trading, Giftland Mall and the National Cultural Centre. Patrons are asked to be on time and observe the National Cultural Centre’s dress code.
