AUGUS' MAWNIN
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)
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) |