Desired Will is a tricky bag of promises that could lead you down several directions. The play Desired Will proved to be a staging that chose one direction though. Laced with old faithful faces and burgeoning new ones, this play offered laughs, good old Caribbean gossip but safe predictabilities.
The premise of the play is centered around the suspicious will of a deceased patriarch Mr. Harrigan. The will indicates that the beneficiary would be his only son, much to the surprise and disappointment of his daughters as this was not in keeping with their father’s personality. The beginning, the middle and the end! Granted, there were fillers such as screams, cries and twenty aborted pseudo fights, but they all led down the same road–did daddy write this will?
This comedy offered many hilarious one liners, and made excellent use of the dramatic technique of repetition. The audience was quick to catch on to amusing phrases such as “Another Mountain, Another Shoe” and looked forward to joining in the dialogue. The audience was also able to tap into the behavior of certain characters which is also good as characters need to become familiar and hence clearly distinguished from each other so the spectators can feel invested in the characters.
But predictability should only go so far. The play offered no twist, no surprises, and no cathartic release by the end. This was especially disappointing as there were so many signs that said “Sub Plot turn Right” that were left untravelled. The patrons were teased into an obeah possibility based on whispers of unusual funeral attendances and relatives who saw the dead. But nothing came out of this. Likewise, there was the hope of scheming family members who could each have had their own agenda propelling their desire for the will. Realistic but not realized. There was even the probability of resurrecting a dead love relationship as a ploy to gain the Desired Will, but alas the play remained a one dimensional comedy with type characters sticking to type roles, interspersed with didactic moral teachings for the audience.
To be fair, this was intended to be a comedy, not a drama, and the major responsibility of a comedy is to offer a happy ending. Desired Will did that. To be fair, perhaps complexities were not the intention. There is beauty in simplicity. If so, Desired Will accomplished that as well. Hyacinth is certainly in the top tier of playwrights on island, and he certainly knows how to replicate the Dominican spirit of interaction, thought, attitude and demeanor. He is skilled in weaving provocative socio-political issues into the tapestry of the humor. His actors showed themselves adept at improvisation and his stage was appropriately set. Despite or because of its simplicity, is a play to see, to be amused by, with a new crop of actors to encourage and the longstanding ones to appreciate.
From some of the comments I am confused. Based on the reviews people enjoyed the play. Maybe the storyline touched a nerve of some people. I want to see it when next it comes to Roseau. I think Ms. Blackmoore plays her oles perfectly whereever she is cast.
I believe all the theatrical writers in Dominica write very good plays. Everyone has their personal style of writing so I don’t think they can be compared. Mr. Hyacinth mainly focuses on plays which are humorous and most times, well every times has some “daybah” in it. All his plays are spotlights/plot is built around Ms. Blackmoore. He does a very good job and I usually enjoy his plays; however he need to cast different people as the main charter.
Mr. Bruno on the other hand focuses on more serious issues with a sprinkle of humor to bring it out. However we Dominicans like plays full of humor, we like to laugh our buttocks out when we go to a play, therefore it will be difficult for most of us to accept and full understand where Mr. Bruno is taking his plays. To me it looks like he attacks timelines, important things which has happened or is happening and put it into writing thus creating plays. Lately, I realized he is trying to give the Dominican public what they want with the series of lies.
Everyone has their unique way of writing and focuses on different issues. In the end, be it humorous or serious they have a positive message in the end. I always enjoy going to theatrical play, no matter which group it performing. I support local stuff.
You are tired of saying that about Ms. Blackmoore, you and three others always say that about the lady. Mr. Hyacinth last play you did not see it “Rum Puncj and Prejudice” Ms. Blackmoore was in a different role and she was very composed and well atticulated. Why don’t you focus on other things which you are suppose to fousing on and comend the young lady. Donille is the best actress. why don’t you come in and join the theatre. Everybody knows the writer you said on Monday during a discussion. Leave Ms Blackmoore
Certainly, Ms. Blackmoore needs to be commended for her fabulous work which she displays in the theatrical world. No questions asked, she is a really good actress however believe that Mr. Hyacinth needs to give another person, preferable a young person the opportunity/challenge of playing the lead role in his plays too. How will we fill up the gap, when that are gone if the opportunity is not given to us now.
Clearly you have not seen all productions of the new dimension theatre. The group is over 30 year and your statement about “Mr. Hyacinth mainly focuses on plays which are humorous and most times, well every times has some “daybah” in it.” it not factual. Alot of societal issues are discussed in the new dimension theatre plays. Have you seen Drum Voices? Mama? Rum Punch and Prejudice?
Another very well written piece! Ma’am I hope you are an English teacher. So many could learn from you.
I disagree with this review….It is disappointing that someone with such knowledge could missed the underlining themes in such a production. I believe the theatre should be considered one of the ways for writers to relay social commentary. It is said “drama is a representation of Life”. The play Desired will staged this weekend by the New Dimension Theatre emphasizes the point that not only should drama entertain but as a social commentary it should also teach and inform. The dominant conflict of the play Desired Will surrounds a major family dispute in which the writer skillfully unravels as the play progressed. However the reason for such a family conflict to occur the writer combines family and social issues, psychological and childhood experiences, parental guidance and morals into the meaty plot.
In short the play shows a family in the midst of a battle over a WILL left by their deceased father. The Will seemed not to reflect the character of the deceased father. Leaving all the wealth to his only son without any provision to share with his three other daughters. As the plot continues it becomes more evident that some influenced may have cause the changing of the Will..
To be fair to the New Dimension Theartre i feel compelled to write a much better review
Ok Steve!
Its Jason Baby …..
Jason:
I am not sure if you meant you are going to submit your own polished review of the play or what you wrote above is your intent at a “much better review.” If the latter is the case, then your review is not better, it is simply a different perspective. In other words, you are looking at it from another angle. I would add though that your post is not much different from some of what Ms Riviere wrote; her review seems more thorough than yours (hers submitted as a final piece, yours a comment).
I appreciate her analytical angle. Reviews such as these assist me in making up my mind whether or not to see a play/movie.
Dear Lily
I will Be writing my own review. I have found that theatre in Dominica has become a competition and that should not be SO! It is imperative that Dominicans understand what they should look for when they go to a production. The writer of this piece wrote an article on the plot of the play, without proper character analysis, thematic analysis and therefore does not qualify to me as a proper review. How integral was the use of “Another mountain, another Shoes”? it was not just a repetition of a line!!!!!! NO that was a juxtapose of the characters liking for funerals and psychological dispossession with her shoe fetish!…..
We are awaiting Steve in the North at Azille’s.
Good try of a review. Who are you? I do not understand your comments. The play was of a high standard and must say the Writer knows how to mask issues – he is good . Great pay and acting. I love Donille Andra and Jerry.
Good work. Those who missed it try and see it when next it come to your area. I was relived after the play my money did not beat me at all. It was worth it.
although Steve makes good plays…………Alex Bruno plays are more comedic, better structured and full of drama. And in the end that is what we Dominicans want to see.
I think Alex Bruno writes good plays as well, but they are too sexual. Im not bein gnegative but that my own opinion
Who are who? You seing the wrong play man. Steve is a professional and prolific writer – something wrong. Do not compare the man with Alex. I know who is saying that.
Kevin I think you meant to write your comment like this
“although Alex makes good plays…………Mr. Hyacinth plays are more comedic, better structured and full of drama. And in the end that is what we Dominicans want to see.”
Wow I cant believe you. you want to compare Alex play with Steve. what an insult. Alex need to ask Steve to give him some assistance and he would do much better in my opinion. it is not just comedy but we need positive messages.
I missed the play I hope soon there will be a one night Saturday showing.
This is nice Nadine. I much prefer that style to yur calypso reviews.
Keep up the good work.