The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

DOMESTIC violence is the theme of the latest Starlight Productions Group production which hopes to offer thought-provoking entertainment to Bahamian audiences.

The musical and stage play “The Darkest Hour” will be staged this Friday and Saturday at the College of the Bahamas’ Performing Arts Centre. Doors open at 7 pm, show time is at 8pm.

The Starlight Productions Group (SLPG) is no stranger to Bahamian theatre, having previously produced the heart-breaking comedy “It Beats Me” and the visually arresting drama “Behind Her Shades.”

Jonathan Miller, SLPG chief executive officer and writer, regards theatre as the greatest of all art forms. He said they are honoured to present Bahamians with quality, engaging and stimulating entertainment.

“We believe that this show is critically important for our country, due to the nature of what’s included within the script. For far too long have these blanketed issues gone unnoticed or been downplayed by the mainstream media,” he said.

Mr Miller’s career in acting expands over five years. He spent the last three years writing projects for both the screen and stage. “The Darkest Hour” is his third project.

“It’s amazing, especially when you have fun roles, but roles that are dark, demented or emotional, it often times becomes a tad bit too much. But regardless of all of that, I love it. Call me crazy – no, just call me gifted,” he said.

“The Darkest Hour”, Mr Miller said, depicts a battered wife and mother attempting to escape from her irrational and violent husband, whose homicidal rages intensify and culminate in him holding her hostage. Another story is about a young man who is confused about his sexuality. He confronted by a tyrant who misunderstands his own feelings and later develops an unusual bond with the younger man, one which they are both only vaguely aware of, until one day they get into an aggressive argument.

The play also tells the story of woman who is a virgin who gives advice to couples, yet remains completely powerless when it comes to addressing the issues surrounding her own troubled three-year relationship. When a friend catches the eye of her boyfriend, she faces her biggest personal challenge to date.

Caught in a trap woven of their own emotions, entangled in a web of depression, disappointment, disgust and darkness, the characters seek to end the very thing that is most precious to them, life and love.

“What really inspired this was the things I noticed on social media – domestic violence, abuse, bullying, whether it’s cyber or physical assaults and peer pressure, based on conversations I’ve heard or been a part of. So I found it real interesting to create a project that reflects what happens in our community. And further, reports from the Department of Statistics is what got me really into producing the project. The amount of suicides in our country from 2007 to 2014 was mind-blowing and depressing at the same time, more than 100 plus; I was devastated,” Mr Miller said.

The playwright said he hopes his new show will help audience members become more aware of these issues.

He said the Starlight Productions Group also plans to launch an anti-violence and anti-bullying movement. They will be using the following hashtags: #StopBullying, #StopDomesticViolence, #SayNo2PeerPressure, #Standup, #Speakup and #Speakout. They have already been asked to bring “The Darkest Hour” production to Freeport.

The cast of “The Darkest Hour” includes: Tamiko Adderley as D’Angelo; Jochelle Eden as Shakara; Shacara Newton as Mrs Philips; Jon Byron Bain as Troy; D’Angelo Whyms as Michael; Matt Turnquest as Mr Philips; Anshena Johnson as Danielle; Joanne St Julian as Kristen; Jervon Mackey as Ashton; Joshua King as Seth; Destiny McKenzie as Darcey, and Romento Percentie, Jr as Jason.

Mr Miller said the experience has been like an extreme roller coaster ride for him. There were high moments as well as low ones, but the overall emotional journey he and the cast embarked on was worth it.

“I cannot put into words how insanely intense this project was for me. The audience will simply have to experience it for themselves. I’d like to continue this project beyond August, as well as partner with BTC, the Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Social Services and Community Development. My cast, directors and I are up for the challenge to continue showing this production onward until December; with corporate and government support, of course,” he said.