REVIEW: THE GREAT PRIVATION (How to flip ten cents into a dollar) at Theatre503 14 May – 1 June 2024

‘The subject matter is handled with the sensitivity and gritty honesty that the story deserves.’ ★★★★★ 

The Great Privation is about Grave Robbing in Pennsylvania during the early 1800’s outbreak of Cholera: The robbing of Black bodies for medical research.

The audience is met with a completely white stage with little hint of its location. Simple but effective stage design. The first scene begins with an intensity initiated by the sound and lighting and then enflamed by a dramatic and emotionally charged performance by Romeo Mika portraying a ghost of the past. This intensity is echoed throughout the play magnifying questions of ancestral inheritance. The audience is moved to question the strengths and burdens we inherit and pass on for generations.

The mother, played by Sydney Sainte, and daughter, played by Christie Fewry, displayed a genuine chemistry that led to some very moving scenes. The two actors portrayed an authentic mother and daughter relationship that mothers everywhere aim for. Sydney Sainte portrayed a black woman’s dignified struggle to protect her family and resilience in the face of danger and poverty with skill and authenticity. A talented actor with a beautiful singing voice.

The multi-roling by all four actors was a joy to watch. They seamlessly moved between their different characters with ease holding the audience tightly within the required era. The beautiful costumes aided those transitions. Well placed movement sequences added to the energy and atmosphere of each scene. 

Writer Nia Akilah Robinson handled the subject matter with the sensitivity and gritty honesty that the story deserved. Some comedic moments were in sharp contrast to the profundity and importance of the story. A play that stops you in your tracks and demands you explore your heritage and recognise your legacy.

Photo credit: Sami Sumaria

THE GREAT PRIVATION: How to flip ten cents into a dollar at Theatre503 14 May – 1 June 2024

Written by Nia Akilah Robinson

Directed by Kalungi Ssebandeke

Box Office: https://theatre503.com/whats-on/the-great-privation/

CAST

MOTHER/MODERN-DAY MOTHER

Sydney Sainté

CHARITY/MODERN-DAY CHARITY

Christie Fewry

CUFFEE/MODERN-DAY CUFFEE

Romeo Mika

JOHN/MODERN-DAY JOHN

Jack Gouldbourne

ARTISTIC TEAM

SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER Ruth Badila

LIGHTING DESIGNER Chuma Emembolu

SOUND DESIGNER José Guillermo Puello

MOVEMENT DIRECTOR Yemurai Zvaraya

PRODUCER Ceri Lothian

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Zena Tuitt-Collins

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Clarisse Makundul Productions

Reviewed by Paula David