That the seats at Centre Stage theatre in New Kingston Jamaica are always full is hardly
surprising. Patrick Brown and his team have perfected the formula for keeping patrons alight
with laughter, while providing useful food for thought, certainly through Jambiz Production’s
newest play, ‘Saving Alligator High’.
It is unquestionably a certified hit, delivering killer punch lines and important social commentary
on issues of profound truth and relevance to the Jamaican educational system, set in the staff
room of the underdeveloped and under resourced ‘Alligator High’ school. However, patrons
witness a gradual transformation, not only of the school’s physical appearance, but the attitude of
teachers who realize quickly, that young minds are a terrible thing to waste.
Initially, its teachers are indifferent toward their job and students, most of whom are rebellious
and unruly, even abusive! So they turn up daily to secure a pay cheque, but are turned off and
tuned out, at times literally. The Math teacher Jeff Jones (Glen Campbell) is forever engrossed in
television sports, while the Physical Education teacher Fox Bell (Courtney Wilson) runs a tuck
shop from his desk and Tami Turnbull (Sakina Deer) who is the teacher of Science, sits around
reading romance novels. The Language and Literature teacher Bev Beckford (Camille Davis) is
quite dull, but witty and hilarious – proud of her food handler’s permit as the sole form of
qualification.
The astute Sonya Lee (Sharee Elise) is newest among the teachers but is resolved to challenge
both students and the educational system, so as to give the youngsters a fighting chance at life.
At first she was the butt of many jokes, betted on too as it was felt that she would not last a
month in the ‘jungle’ that is Alligator High. In the end, she gained their respect, revealing why
saving the school holds such personal significance to her.
To continue reading , purchase Vol. 7 #8 2015 issue
Share this post:
That the seats at Centre Stage theatre in New Kingston Jamaica are always full is hardly
surprising. Patrick Brown and his team have perfected the formula for keeping patrons alight
with laughter, while providing useful food for thought, certainly through Jambiz Production’s
newest play, ‘Saving Alligator High’.
It is unquestionably a certified hit, delivering killer punch lines and important social commentary
on issues of profound truth and relevance to the Jamaican educational system, set in the staff
room of the underdeveloped and under resourced ‘Alligator High’ school. However, patrons
witness a gradual transformation, not only of the school’s physical appearance, but the attitude of
teachers who realize quickly, that young minds are a terrible thing to waste.
Initially, its teachers are indifferent toward their job and students, most of whom are rebellious
and unruly, even abusive! So they turn up daily to secure a pay cheque, but are turned off and
tuned out, at times literally. The Math teacher Jeff Jones (Glen Campbell) is forever engrossed in
television sports, while the Physical Education teacher Fox Bell (Courtney Wilson) runs a tuck
shop from his desk and Tami Turnbull (Sakina Deer) who is the teacher of Science, sits around
reading romance novels. The Language and Literature teacher Bev Beckford (Camille Davis) is
quite dull, but witty and hilarious – proud of her food handler’s permit as the sole form of
qualification.
The astute Sonya Lee (Sharee Elise) is newest among the teachers but is resolved to challenge
both students and the educational system, so as to give the youngsters a fighting chance at life.
At first she was the butt of many jokes, betted on too as it was felt that she would not last a
month in the ‘jungle’ that is Alligator High. In the end, she gained their respect, revealing why
saving the school holds such personal significance to her.
To continue reading , purchase Vol. 7 #8 2015 issue
Share this post: