Splendid 'Gift for Mom'

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

In a society where the idea of a single parent is not strange, Basil Dawkins created an intriguing story, A Gift for Mom.

While the source of his inspiration is common to the Jamaican society, the playwright's characters are not your average Jane or Joe.

Seventeen-year-old sixth-form student, Omahar Abrahams (played by Fontain Jones), is expelled from high school for disruptive behaviour. This may be because going to sixth form was fertilised by a promise that his mother, Georgia Abrahams (played by Ruth Ho Shing), made to him. Should he do well in his Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council examinations, she would ensure that he fulfils his life's dream of becoming a pilot.

But, with the expulsion, combined with Omahar's decision not to complete CAPE examinations at a private institution, Georgia changes her mind.

This is when Dawkins' creation shows his singular nature. Omahar decides to sue his mother for not keeping her commitment.

And that was how the story, told on Sunday, from the stage of the Little Theatre on Tom Redcam Drive, began. Hope Sinclair (the lawyer played by Regina Beavers) and Neville Sherman (possibly Omahar's father, played by Alwyn Scott) completed the list of characters in the drama.

Plot unravels

In spite of objections from his mother, Omahar continues to seek the assistance of his lawyer and also tries to find his father.

As the plot unravels, Omahar and Hope discover there was much to know about the young man's mother.

Generally, the entire production was fantastic; there were thought-provoking and sometimes witty lines, good use of dramatic irony, and all were complemented by an incredible-looking Michael Lorde set.

The set did well to portray the high-end social class and lifestyle of the characters. There were four settings: what seemed to be a living/dining area at the Abrahamses' house, the office of the lawyer, a nondescript area and a hotel room.

In terms of the acting, Ho Shing was the pick of the performers. She seemed the most relaxed in her role as the overzealous and deceptive Georgia. She spoke with clarity and captured each emotional state of her character. Scott, too, was convincing, especially when Neville Sherman tells of his ordeal with Georgia.

Beavers seems to understand both Hope's roles: as the professional lawyer and as the seductress. There were times, however, where her speech and movement were robot-like.

Young Jones, who had lots of lines, gave a creditable performance but will have to work on his diction. He also showed signs he wasn't completely comfortable with the role.

Costumes and props were also well selected and used satisfactorily. And so it is, once again, there is another all-family production that is worthy of support.