Students who are writing English B at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination are expected to get a better understanding of the play Ti-Jean and His Brothers through the efforts of the National Drama Company and students of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama.
Students will have a deeper understanding of the play by seeing it unfold on stage. The play will be staged at the National Cultural Centre on April 3, 4 and 8 from 1 pm, while on April 6, it will be on at 2 pm and again at 8 pm.
According to a press release, the main theme of the play is the triumph of good over evil.
The play, written by Derek Walcott, alludes to there being a man in the moon – Ti Jean – and that God put him there to give light and guidance to the world because he defeated the Devil. This is the use of the folk tale to present the theme. Ti Jean is a folk hero who represents good and heroism. The white planter is an exploiter linked to slavery and Ti Jean defeated him. Animals are also used to help Ti Jean and they are illustrated as good characters who fight against Papa Bois because he is the devil in disguise.
Some of the performers in the play are Mark-Luke Edwards, Nicholas Singh, Nicola Moonsammy, Kemo Cort, Ackeem Joseph, Keon Heywood, Esther Hamer, Nirmala Narine, Sonia Yarde, Oneilka Bacchus, Tikoma Austin, Ayanna Waddell, Kimberly Fernandes and Akbar Singh. Musicians Kimberly Samuels, Lisa Adams and Ricardo Primo Stanton are also in the play.
Organisers said that they have incorporated not only drama but also dance and live music (recorder, flute, drum) into the play.
The play is being directed by lecturers of the University of Guyana and the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama.
Tickets for the play cost $500 for secondary students and $1,000 for others and can be purchased at the National Cultural Centre and the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama.
