Jahaaji goes to Freeport

Written, produced and directed by Walid Baksh who is the head of ACT, and who is also celebrating 50 years in theatre, Jahaaji is based on indentureship and is entertaining as well as educational. Veteran actors Hubert Ramlal and Adesh Deonarine deliver excellent acting and comic antics.

The play centres around two indentured families as they await the end of their contracts and the eventual end of indentureship.

It focuses on their trials and tribulations of life on the estate and their hopes and ambitions for the future.

Hamid (Ramlal) and his neighbour Samad (Deonarine) came on the same ship and were settled in the same barrack.

They experienced the same hardships on the journey as well as on the plantation. However, Samad seeks to conspire to deprive Hamid of lands to be acquired at the end of their contracts.

This leads to episodes of conflict, distrust and confrontation between the two families.

Willard Gopaul is excellent as the tyrant overseer Rodriguez, and is very menacing in his portrayal. Juliana Mohammed adds her melodious voice to the production singing oldies such as Sohani Raat and Mana do lay. Ramlal and Deonarine feature in some very dramatic scenes that move many to tears.

Other performances come from Candice Mathura, Padmini Dhanooksingh, Sean Mohan and Celine Banseelal. Music before the show and during intermission will be provided by the Dil Ki Awaaz Orchestra.

The ACT is celebrating 20 years in the business and is presenting the play in observance of the centenary of the end of indentureship. Jahaaji is being presented courtesy the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts.

Jahaaji will be staged at the Three Roads Development Centre, Mission Road, Freeport tonight at 7pm and admission is free.