New play explores the Dread Act era

The period leading to the passing and implementation of the Prohibited and Unlawful Societies and Associations Act, popularly known as the Dread Act, in 1974 has been described by some as one of the worst chapters in the history of Dominica.

But now a new play, penned by Alex Bruno and called ‘The Dread Act’, is attempting to explore and put into perspective some of the issues of that time period.

“This play serves as a vehicle that navigates through the social turbulence of the precious 70’s and the ensuing misconceptions, conflicts and even tragedy which were created along the way,” Bruno said in explaining the purpose of the play.

Bruno described implementation of the Dread Act as a ‘reality check.’ “According to the popular saying, ‘the youths are the future’, however, the youth must know the truth and must be guided by it. That same truth should be passed on to the next generation, so they too could be influenced by the same,” he explained. “The Dread Act is therefore a reality check. We were brought to an elevated state of mind when the region experienced a social upheaval, following flourishing consciousness amidst the social resistance of the 1970’s.”

Alex Bruno

According to Bruno the play, which he describes as an ‘action drama’, is as real as it can get. “The action is real, the issues are huge, the message is strong and the implications are endless. In fact, nothing is taken off and nothing is added to the Dread Act era. We look at the Act in its entirety and dramatize the contents with honest fervor,” he said.

He pointed out the play will take audiences back in time in order to understand present realities, which said is the best way to present that era of Dominica’s history. “It revisits the Afro, Bebop and Bell Bottom era, because we believe that those expressions are more than just what one sees. In fact, they are manifestation of rebellion, interwoven with sophisticated style,” Bruno pointed out. “We also believe that the Afro, Bebop & Bell Bottom days (being a metaphor for rebellion or revolution) will be revisited; the trends are very evident.”

The play is presented by Teyat Pawol.

‘The Dread Act’ will opens in Dominica at Azile’s Country Club at Bourne on December 7 & 8, from 8:00pm and runs at the Arawak on December 9 at 8:00pm and December 10 from 3:00pm.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

47 Comments

  1. November 27, 2012

    Alex Bruno attempting to explore the Dread era is not new. The topic was touched upon by playwrights, Alwin Bully and Clement Richards in productions called ‘Speak Brother Speak’ written in 1971 by Daniel Caudeiron and ‘Streak’ which was a social commentary of life in Dominica in the 70’s written by Bully.

    However, like a short story, a play should throw strong light on one or two aspects of a topic. Having aid this, there are a number of strands that run through the Dread era.http://da-academy.org/datheatre.html

    Any discussion of the Dread Act would be amiss if a mention of Desmond Trotter, Patrick John or Eugenia Charles would not be mentioned. Besides the atrocities that were committed, one must also remember the cultural impact Dread had on society’s outlook on things like manner of speech and ‘back to the land’

    As one who lived during those years in Dominica, the memories are still clear despite happening 40 years ago, and it would be interesting to see how Bruno interprets an era that many would rather forget.

    My own book Dread, Rastafari and Ethiopia explores such topics in depth, based on much research and interviews with main players of the era. so I will hope that I will have the privilege of seeing the play even if it is on before I give my verdict.

  2. peace nd love
    November 25, 2012

    Tickets Information??

  3. bongonyah
    November 24, 2012

    No one had the guts to do it cuz they afraid mr director(aka alex bruno) did it we need to remember our past to make de future better remember it wasn’t de dreads who started it

  4. bongonyah empress i
    November 24, 2012

    I’m young and I wanna know bout the past rastafari as I know is humble ppl some wasn’t because they were only fighting for their survival. Babylon force, the youth them boss.churches fighting against churches y they never made an Act about dat free up de dreads alex that’s a good thing u doing keep up the good work

  5. bongonyah i
    November 24, 2012

    To justice and truth. U just don’t like rastaman ur a hater but doh matter wat u say one day the past will have to be reveal we rasta need to get the respect wat u wud give to someone who don’t hav dreads we are humans u choose ur path we choose ours jah made u choose ur own destiny so y try control someone else own big respect to mr alex for makin the young one know the truth bout our past meny are called but few were chosen one love jah guide

  6. peace nd love
    November 22, 2012

    from the title I saw this would be a play worth to watch, never been to one but i support them 100% but this one, it shall NOT be missed.

  7. 123
    November 22, 2012

    Something not right?? Alex grow locks in Da after all dem years write a play about “Dread Act era” and come lunching de play sporting a Bebop. Alex what’s up with that eh ??? If action speaks louder dan words are you now telling us that Babylon was right all along??? Alex tell us something about why you cut before the play????? Remember an ‘act’ like in cutting your hair after years of resistance = action ( making the conscious decision of getting it done) which in itself can also cause a reaction eh Alex. But there is an in-betweeness of the act and the reaction where the truth awaits in silence to be reveal. Tell Alex us before we come to the wrong conclusion since it is only the truth that shall set us free

    • Alex
      November 22, 2012

      Dear 123,

      Greetings:

      I fail to see the connection with my decision to erase the outward expression of my consciousness for deeper inner growth and a play that I have honestly written.

      It is so very interesting reading your views; amusing even, in certain cases. I understand the responsibility that comes with my status and work and I have nothing to hide. I guarantee you that I have not and shall never compromise TRUTH and JUSTICE and the story of the ACT will not be compromised. Come and see the play and judge for yourself whether the cutting of my hair had blunted my vision.

      Thanks for your concern and interest in my hair. Link me personally if you need a deeper insight.

      Peace

      • Anonymous
        November 23, 2012

        Alex, this is not personal eh but the story of hair that have been mythologically embedded within the Dominica psyche is the one of Samson eh. This was also one of the main arguments that is used by de I & I Dem. “Eventually Samson tells Delilah that he will lose his strength with the loss of his hair” (Wikipedia). The reason that I bring this up is that a story about an act which by the way is different from a Law cannot be centered on the physical aspect of subjectivity. It must tell us where those ideas come from, who are the one that uphold and resisted such ideology and last but not lease why the state choice to suppress them ideas with an act? But you don know already that we will be there up front and center. BTW how many set changes neh?? I seeing at least 4 ..Oh, Oh! how can one link up with you since you on to something…whats you email ?? continued blessing and as your caption picture depict we are praying for you too our Brother.

  8. November 22, 2012

    wake up sleeping sons of jacob desendants of ham shim and japhet we need the love keep it up no matter wat u believe in we are the children of ancient hebrews we new not government we had the laws of yah

    • Justice and Truth
      November 23, 2012

      What type of non-government are you referring to? People like you reject God and revere a man whom God created. Do not look to him for salvation for he is not in Heaven. He was one who rejected God and who crowned himself. He was not crowned by the people. He placed himself on a self-acclaimed and proclaimed pedestal as he governed the people and oppressed them. He called himself a god.
      There is the Law of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, all Three In One – The Blessed Trinity.
      There is the Law of the land. It has always been in biblical days. It is history. This is where the new world and of this era knew about government and commenced electing a government. Those who do not want a government are radicals. How can you expect a country to function without a government? Can you visualize the chaos which will ensue without a government? Common sense should inform you about that.
      It is obvious you do not know what is contained in Holy Scripture. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and render unto God the things that are God’s.”
      St. Paul spoke of government and obedience to government. People as you rejected the Holy Bible. I urge you to read also the writings of St. Paul in the New Testament.

  9. Wesley Empress
    November 22, 2012

    I’m so proudof u cous. In fact, the entire family is proud of you. keep up the good work. Looking forward to enjoying that play. We know u can do it!! Love u :-D

  10. Derek
    November 22, 2012

    :) Although i left Dominica in 1972 i have returned many times and have seen the progress that Rasta has made but we must be aware of our character and or livity while living in a progressing society.

  11. Reflection
    November 21, 2012

    Should be very interesting.

  12. Justice and Truth
    November 21, 2012

    There may be nothing wrong in seeing the play but be careful you do not get carried away by this so-called fact. I do not know how it will benefit those who view it. It is history but not a good one which needs to be re-visited and for what. I for one would not be interested to see it.
    May it not cause the youth to rebel. It is my feeling that this may be the intention of this play. The last thing Dominica wants with such crimes and murders is to have an uprising as it were in those days which is the reason why the Dread Act was introduced and passed.
    Let us remember those innocent ‘white’ victims who were minding their business and who lost their lives during that time. One of which is Mr. Ted Honeychurch. The poor man. He was a nice, friendly, soft spoken and quiet man. R.I.P. He did not deserve this humiliation and murder.
    I knew him and his wife. His wife was the Head of the Nursing Council (or at one time) in Dominica. She assisted Dominicans who wished to go to the U.K. to take up nursing. She was a nice lady. And of course, their son Lennox Honeychurch, their son who is today a nice person and a patriotic Dominican. Visualize all the family’s humiliation and hurt. The Dreads as they call themselves were out to get ‘white blood’.
    Do you know the meaning of ‘Dread’? Check it out. This will tell you much about who they were/are and their plans.
    This was indeed a sad era in Dominica’s time. No play and such books will ever erase the atrocities and hurt inflicted by those Dreads.
    View it if you wish but ensure they give you a reason why Mr. Ted Honeychurch was murdered. Why they took him away into the woods, terrorized him and murdered him in such a manner. Was this warranted? This caused a lot of sadness and grief among Dominican residents and those who were abroad who heard and read about it. Lest we forget.
    Ask, what did he do to them to deserve such a demise at their hands. His blood is still crying to Heaven for vengeance. Those who murdered him, if they are not yet dead, will pay for it for all eternity. Those who are dead have already received God’s just recompense as they deserve.

    • Alex
      November 22, 2012

      Greetings:

      May the spirits be pleased with my deliberations.

      Dear Justice and Truth,

      I understand your skepticism about the play and its contents, but I assure you that you worst fears shall NOT be realized. Those who know of me and my work can attest that I am a middle of the road person and that is what you can expect from us in this play; TRUTH, HONESTY and balance.

      If there is a story to tell, I shall tell it. If
      Our play, as the story says, is totally opposite to the fear mongering that your are spewing. Ours is a responsible and truth treatment of the issues in the name of education. By the mercies and grace of the almighty, the public shall see and judge for themselves; it would be better if you chance it to see the play and be pleased a, than not see it and regret that you probably should.

      The issues of the PROHIBITED AND UNLAWFUL AND SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATION ACT aka The Dread Act was gazetted on November 21, 1974 and Ted Honychurch met his unfortunate demise in 1981. So, how could this brutal and thoughtless action have triggered an act which predated the event by a decade, almost? Let us be honest with and about history.

      If there is a public to educate,I shall assist in doing so (while educating myself in the process). If there is a nation to build, I shall help build it. If there are young minds to mold, we must all contribute.

      Please read our story as published by DNO, and come see it for your self, then you can cast judgement. But let us not “kill it before it grows”. That is not the way to educate a people. Truth cannot remain hidden much longer and the revolution of which you speak is already on; you have just not recognized it.

      Let us have a personal chat if you wish. You know me, just give me a ring or send me an email. May the spirits of peace and unity prevail.

      Peace

      • Alex
        November 22, 2012

        PROHIBITED AND UNLAWFUL SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATION ACT (ACT 32). Sorry, I have one AND too many.

      • Justice and Truth
        November 23, 2012

        As I stated, just tell it like it is and leave no stone unturned. Some people love to water down the truth.
        Answer my question. What did Mr. Ted Honeychurch do to the so-called Dreads that he was tortured and murdered? Let this also be in your story.

        What truth? Those young men had a good life; they lived a good life. All of a sudden they were brainwashed by outsiders to commence an uprising. Uprising against whom? What did Dominicans do to deserve this? Frankly, I do not see the sense in showing this play and how it will benefit anyone.
        I do think you are trying to drum up empathy and have the Dread Act abolished. I am hoping that it never will be abolished. Any government in power should be wary of succumbing to pleas of abolishing it. God help and bless Dominica and law-abiding nationals.

  13. Reporter
    November 21, 2012

    I remember the Act though very young at the time. I think is after the Act that Chubby and the Roots made that song “Loi Ka Affecte Nou” and “Sa C’est Yo”

    • leelee hot spot
      November 21, 2012

      i think that people should buy there tickets very early, because this show is going to be sold out so hurry come down to get your tickets.

  14. 100 % Dominican
    November 21, 2012

    Yes brother Alex Bruno, I think that this is a wonderful thing that you are doing bro!!! Dominicans need to be informed of their past history and I believe that the 1970s was full of all sorts of incidents and attitudes which need to be tackled. I think that those who are fully aware of the facts have a responsibility to put pen to paper and inform us as a nation so that the history can be accessed!!! I have a longing within me to read a book on the 60s, 70s and 80s in particular in our gorgeous country, Dominica……..I share the hope by others that this play will be put on sale as I also live overseas and would love to be able to see the play but am unable to travel home at this time. I therefore would ask that you try to get it recorded. thanks again bro, keep up the good work!!!!!!! Peace and love to my countrymen!! God bless you all and God bless Dominica!!

    • 100% Dominican 2
      November 22, 2012

      Remember the play the “DPSU” well written and well documented done by another group. It looks like alot of ground work was done with this play.

      I hope we eh writing quick plays for writing sake or just to say we can write tooooo or in it to.Hem………by the way how long its takes to write a play I want to write on on “Politics in DA”

  15. Really n Turly
    November 21, 2012

    Alex! nuth respect to you brother to attempt this;a lot of people would like this to go away,but no way,tell it like it is,the other groups are comprised they would never touch this.
    i applaud you,JAH GUIDE and PROTECTION.

    • Justice and Truth
      November 21, 2012

      They cannot make it go away since it occurred. Nothing can erase history. You should know that history repeats itself and/or could repeat itself. This is why the Dread Act should remain in place. Consider that in those days Dominica was a quiet and peaceful place to live and such a thing occurred. Today, Dominica is not what it has been in bygone years. As the years progress, I am wondering as some people become more godless in our beautiful island and immorality increases, if the worst is not yet to come.
      May God protect Dominica and the law-abiding nationals from any such atrocities. Too much have already been done in these past few years to the present. This is a cry and a prayer to our Heavenly Father.

  16. country bookie
    November 21, 2012

    i remember the police had cut one guy dread locks with a dull cutlas,,,, he is still alive,, they call him zeer,,,,,,, lol ask him he will tell u the name of the police,,,,, today even police retire have locks,,, yah mamo charls and the police were brutal,, and they all die free,,,well maybe,,,

    • concerned
      November 22, 2012

      The police is a talk show host.A real ballhead rasta

  17. kenya
    November 21, 2012

    I am not sure if Alex has the skills to effectively pack 40 years of history into one play but I am open to finding out.

    • Anonymous
      November 21, 2012

      I back u up one hundred percent

      • Alex
        November 21, 2012

        May the good spirits continue to guide us along this journey. Thanks for the support and even the doubts. It is things like these that help make us strong. Come to the play, you may actually enjoy it.

        Thanks for the story and the opportunity DNO

        Peace

      • Really n Turly
        November 21, 2012

        doe dig man ALEX,is so we stay,they think is only certain people that can be good playwright in Dominica.Tell them to tackle it nor;they won’t,they want to drink de Dominica’s milk and eat the cheez.you’ve been growing and you will only get better,so Hold Tight and Work hard.
        Good Luck my man.

    • Self Praise
      November 21, 2012

      Kenya, what do you mean by saying “I am not sure if Alex has the skills to effectively pack 40 years of history into one play?”

      I believe if you had been following his work, you would have been left with no doubt in your mind as to his skills. As you said, you are “open to finding out:, and that is good.

    • leelee hot spot
      November 21, 2012

      i am so proud of you alex bruno good job

    • lee
      November 21, 2012

      yes he has the skills

    • Mango-Bab
      November 22, 2012

      Kenya, I see you were doubting Alex’s competence in crystalizing the 40yeas into one play. I wonder if it was some playwright form overseas who was coming to present such a play whether you would doubt the person’s competence. Alex, GO FOR IT MY BRO. I mused at the invitation that you gave to Kenya to come see and support the production

  18. Anonymous
    November 21, 2012

    heyyy thats a good ting…i done see some yardy fellas representing…bigg up yoco

  19. travel agent
    November 21, 2012

    am in my late twentys and i had no idea of that part of history in dominica. although i dont live here now but i did as a child but i never really got the basis of this story.. heard my mom and grandfather mentioned tomba’s name a few time but i never knew the essence of it.. i would really love to see the play, however i live aboard… hoping that alex may tap it and sell copies so that i may get a good understanding om my history..

    • LG
      November 21, 2012

      Alex, for those of us not in Dominica hope plans made to pay view on internet. Thanks from NYC.

      • Alex
        November 21, 2012

        Hmmmm, that’s a good idea which we shall explore.

  20. Concern citizen
    November 21, 2012

    Alex thanks for bringing this point up, I never knew there was such Act passed regarding dreadlocks in Dominica. I supposed I was to young at the time to know about this. I do think that this Act should be abolished in this modern society. I do hope people of Dominica should encouraged and ensure their parliament representatives bring this up in parliament to ensure that this Act abolished.

    • Justice and Truth
      November 21, 2012

      @ concerned citizen

      Do not be deceived. Let us face the fact and tell it like it is. Know the truth of this mater and research the truth.
      Just as it is said, war is hell so are uprisings among the people to the point of rebelliousness and murders. These caused division and placed fear among law-abiding Dominicans in those days.
      This act was passed due to the uprising and rebelliousness of the so-called dreads. It should remain forever; never to be abolished. We cannot foresee the future. Who knows what will occur in the future if it is abolished?
      The dreads would like it to be abolished. May this never occur.

      • Concern citizen
        November 22, 2012

        Justice and truth, thanks for your comments, i am a Dominican living abroad, I will do some research into this Act. I would say in this modern days people would have better views and understanding with regards dreadlocks and not brand them as a group of people that are ready to comment crimes and are law-breakers. I would not say maybe there are still those who would taken such opportunity to do so. But i must say that their are people who do not have dreadlocks and do more crimes and breaks the law all the time.
        I understand the rebellious and uprising was in your time but I haven’t heard of thing like this whilst growing in Dominica. So therefore, I would think those who was causing such problems has either become aged or has passed away. I think that there should be a national debate regarding this because I still think it should be abolished. There are so much people who has locks these days. I do not think they are in such uprising and rebellious intentions.

      • Justice and Truth
        November 23, 2012

        :oops: ‘matter’

  21. Rastaman
    November 21, 2012

    wish i could see this show there was so much victimisation all those wearing dreadlocks now should go and see this show to see what we went through so they can wear dreadlocks with no form of persecution REMEMBER FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE SOMEONE PAID THE PRICE FOR YOUR FREEDOM JAH RASTAFARI

    • Justice and Truth
      November 23, 2012

      There is nothing wrong wearing one’s hair as he/she wishes. What is wrong is to turn a country upside down with rebelliousness and think that you are correct and others are wrong that, they should support you and follow you.
      From the beginning no one bothered you but you bothered them and expected them to be like you. This was downright self-centeredness and selfishness, thinking only of oneself. This type of attitude would bring Dominica down to the gutter and worst.
      Radicalism is wrong and is bad for a country and its people. When will you comprehend that? The truth will reveal itself to you when you die. May it not be too late for you to believe the truth.

  22. Soul Sistah
    November 21, 2012

    It was about time someone brought an awareness even rebirth to this savage period in Dominicas’ history. Alex take you time with this one, give it dues as I know you will. Ironically just Monday night my brother and myself were telling my niece about this period in Dominicas history.

    • Justice and Truth
      November 23, 2012

      I lived in Dominica. I was quite happy and peaceful in Dominica. So were many people. When the Dreads surfaced, all Hell broke loose in Dominica. This is an evil cult as they projected. Due to their mentality and actions, they made Dominica into something that it was not. I would never support them. I love peace and tranquility and to live a law-abiding life. All nationals with no exception owe this to their country. It is an obligation.

  23. dread i
    November 21, 2012

    i will be at this showing for sure , way to go alex

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available