In
1997, Jamaica restored to the national calendar the celebration
of First of August,the day of Emancipation. The PantomimeCompany
chose the occasion to introduce theatre audiences to a work
titled; “AugusMawnin”. Inspired by the vision
of BrianHeap, it was a skilfully woven blend ofmusic, poetry,
dance and dialogue, drawingon the rich tapestry of Jamaican-Caribbean
culture, influenced mainly by the Spirit of Africa.Since the
original performance “Augus Mawnin” has been presented
not only at the Little-Little Theatre (its home) but in other
venues locally and overseas (New York, Ft.Lauderdale &
Toronto).
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The Story
A group of slaves, eager to hear Freedom Paper read, run
away from the plantation to find Augus Mawnin. They stumble
upon a hut in the depths of a cane piece where lives Yemojah,
an old woman who can tell the story of the ancestors. She
gives shelter to the runaways when Backra sojah come in search
of them and then together, she and the group decide to have
a “set up” (a wake) in anticipation of slavery’s
passing.
In the tradition of the ancestors, they pass the time with
songs, dance, laughter and sharing of their life experiences.
They act out some of their history and the foibles of Backra
and Missis, whose lives and theirs were intertwined, in a
history as bitter sweet as the cane around them.
Little by little, they move closer to Augus Mawnin, and then
they are there… to hear Freedom Paper read. As soon as
they hear the word “Free” for which they have waited
all their lives, they launch into celebration, drawing upon
the rhythms and spirit of their ancestral heritage.
(Credits
as at first performance - 1997)
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Cast
of Characters
Yemojah: Erica Wilson
Fulani: Faith Bucknor
Delmina: Doreen King
Eweh: Delrose Burke
Quackoo: Recordo Redwood
Coobah: Barbara Johnson
Fanti: Richard Cowan
Bessie: Jackie Higgins
Tamas: Kevin Roache
Simit: Livingston White
Uncle Tacky: Melward
Morris
Sister Tamah: Laura
Smith
Mimba: Nadean Rawlins (also Missis
on Horse)
Backra on Horse:
Audley Green (also Soldier/ Field Slave)
Annie:Tricia Guy
House Slaves: Pauline
Woodburn,
Field Slaves: Michael
Dawkins (also soldier), Jerry Eastwood
Drumbago: Calvin Mitchell
Musicians
Calvin Mitchell – Drums/percussion
Devrowe Clarke and
Paul Mullings – Drums/percussion
Ian Hird – Flute |
ACT
ONE
SONGS:
When Augus Mawnin Come
All a we one
We ancestor dem
Yellow skin gal; Uncle Tacky-oh
Jah is my keeper (Peter Tosh)
Sojah deh come
POEMS:
Ancestor on the Auction Block
(Vera Bell)
August Leaders meeting
(Philip Sherlock)
Annie Pengelley (Lorna Goodison)
ACT TWO
SONGS:
When Augus Mawnin Come (reprise)
Tallalili-oh (traditional circa 1807)
Rain oh rain (traditional)
Many Rivers to Cross (Jimmy Cliff)
Maddah de Great Stone (traditional)
Joy Unspeakable (traditional)
Finale Medley: Bruckins, Buru, Jonkonnu
POEMS:
Naygah Bickle (Lorna Goodison)
Construction (Dennis Scott)
Slaves (A.J. Seymour)
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