The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

This holiday weekend, playwright Tamara Moncur will be celebrating another achievement in her career when her latest production, “The Church On Sapodilla Street”, enjoys its debut.

Produced by the After Dark Christian drama group, which Mrs Moncur founded together with her husband Franco Moncur in 2012, the comedic play has a message of unity and promotes the simple joys of being a good neighbour.

It will be staged Saturday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 5pm in the St Anne’s School auditorium.

Through her After Dark group, Mrs Moncur said she wants to focus on entertaining, inspiring and motivating the public, and to help rebuild communities “one laugh at a time.”

This upcoming production, she said, is the second of a series of plays about the people on Sapodilla Street. The first, “Christmas Sapodilla Street”, was staged last year and part three, entitled “Christmas on Sapodilla Street II”, will be produced this December.

“It is important as one of the organisers to be a part of a production such as this because it not only allows us to contribute and influence our culture with Christian comedy, but it has opened a door for persons like myself to write and produce shows. A production such as this require actors, singers, musicians, artists, set designers, sound and light technicians, videographers, and of course you the general public,” Mrs Moncur told Tribune Woman.

The plot of “The Church On Sapodilla Street” plot tells the story of pastor and his wife who moved into the area to start a church, to which residents of the area are invited.

However, the particular culture of the community and their incessant gossiping makes the pastor’s efforts nearly impossible. Almost on the brink of giving up he and his wife are encouraged to remain faithful to God, and against all odds the community comes together and supports the new church.

“Many times we look to the church and political leaders to solve the problems that we face in our country. While part of this may be true, we as citizens of the Bahamas play a part as well. I became motivated after reading God’s Commandment of love in (Matthew chapter 22:37-39) coupled with the song ‘Brand New World’, written by the late Dr Myles Munroe. This led me to write and produce “The Church on Sapodilla Street”, which exemplifies that a brand new community starts with Jesus Christ,” said Mrs Moncur.

The playwright said comedy has always been her way of tackling pertinent social, political, educational and spiritual topics, even those that are considered taboo. She said meeting and working with talented people who also have a passion for their gifts makes her job so much easier.

“‘Exciting’ is the word that comes to my mind if I were to describe the entire experience of preparing for the show. There is never a dull moment at rehearsals because of the outburst of laughter.

“After three months of preparation, we are all enthusiastic and looking forward to a great show. We are looking for the audience to laugh until they cry from the hilarious cast. I do know that you will really love some of the characters and others you will really hate, but that’s what makes Sapodilla Street an interesting place to visit.

“You will understand the phrase ‘Sheep sheep, goat, goat’ when you watch the show,” she said.

The play’s 10 main characters include; Pastor John Brown (Urvan Moxey); Sister Tina Pratt (Raquel Pinder); Bula (Fabia Johnson); Victoria Darling (Lonelle Sweeting); Mrs Brown (Tiffany Aranaha); Willie (Kencil McPhee); Draquila Johnson (Carla Sands); Pearl (Alvina Mortimer / Dellarease Rolle); Hezekiah Rolle (Franco Moncur), and Prophetess Josie Johnson (Tamara Moncur).

There are also five background singers – Aris Moxey-Flowers, Yonetta Gelings, Nathan Boyd, Tyler Gray, Michael Zonicle, Destiny Knowles and Mia Smith. Pianist Calvin Parker and drummer Gia Smith will offer musical accompaniment.

After Dark will also introduce child actors to the show for the first time. The special guest artist is A’Leithia Sweeting.

Part proceeds from the show will assist in medical expenses for Lucille Small-Bassett, a teacher, former colleague and friend of the After Dark promotions team. Funds will also be presented as a thank you to the St Anne’s School for allowing the team to host the production at the school’s hall. Ms Moncur said she views this donating of proceeds as one step to becoming a good neighbour.

Tickets are now available at the Lil’ Mustard Seed Healthy Café on Mount Royal Avenue.