1976/77 LTM NATIONAL
PANTOMIME
BRASHANA
O!
The
Story
The
Pantomime is based on the legendary rolling calf, which is a
part of Jamaica’s folklore. The belief is that the Rolling
Calf is really a ‘duppy’ which takes on this form
and has the ability to change if and when necessary into the
form of other animals.
Descriptions vary but there are some constant features. The Rolling Calf looks more like a goat in its features, it does not a have horns, and has two glaring eyes that breathe fire. Always has a chain across its back, which accounts for the clang-clang sound that heralds its approach and a tail curving halfway across its back. The Rolling Calf has never been known to hurt a human being except through scaring, but destroys cultivation and usually leaves in its wake various footprints, depending on its particular form.
Sudden and unexplained terror overtakes the quiet community of Belvedere. The farmers are in a quandary as to what or who is causing the destruction of their cultivations, making their animals sick... and even the loveable mule Bathsheeba falls prey to this ‘unknown thing’. It is Sister Cassandra, the warner lady of the village who, in her many trances, discovers what the problem is - Brashana, the rolling calf. But what has angered Brashana? Why is he haunting the community? How to get rid of him? The farmers have to face these problems. They hit upon several plans... and eventually, things are set right and Brashana eases up. But not before several hilarious attempts to deal with the mythical Rolling Calf.
The story is contemporary - and our audiences will recognise immediately the personalities, situations and topical references.
The
Pantomime is based on the legendary rolling calf, which is a
part of Jamaica’s folklore. The belief is that the Rolling
Calf is really a ‘duppy’ which takes on this form
and has the ability to change if and when necessary into the
form of other animals.Descriptions vary but there are some constant features. The Rolling Calf looks more like a goat in its features, it does not a have horns, and has two glaring eyes that breathe fire. Always has a chain across its back, which accounts for the clang-clang sound that heralds its approach and a tail curving halfway across its back. The Rolling Calf has never been known to hurt a human being except through scaring, but destroys cultivation and usually leaves in its wake various footprints, depending on its particular form.
Sudden and unexplained terror overtakes the quiet community of Belvedere. The farmers are in a quandary as to what or who is causing the destruction of their cultivations, making their animals sick... and even the loveable mule Bathsheeba falls prey to this ‘unknown thing’. It is Sister Cassandra, the warner lady of the village who, in her many trances, discovers what the problem is - Brashana, the rolling calf. But what has angered Brashana? Why is he haunting the community? How to get rid of him? The farmers have to face these problems. They hit upon several plans... and eventually, things are set right and Brashana eases up. But not before several hilarious attempts to deal with the mythical Rolling Calf.
The story is contemporary - and our audiences will recognise immediately the personalities, situations and topical references.
Cast of Characters Becky Beckford: Pauline Stone/ Marjorie Whylie Eustace Barker: Ranny Williams/ Charles Hyatt Whilel Watson: Cyrene Tomlinson/ Cheryl Ryman Sister Cassandra: Inez Hibbert/ Eleanor Wint Bibi Beckford: Fae Ellington/ Gabrielle Harban Jacko: Trevor Nairne/Winston McAnuff Delcita Williams: Angela Norman Millie Morgan: Charmaine Creighton Mopsie Mollison: Paula Johnson Sadie Samuels: Martha Thompson Joycie Bernard: Vivienne Dewdney Bernice Collins: Sonya Francis Myrtle Davis: Rita Marley Percella Gordon: Dorothy Cunningham Keturah Myers: Novlette Irons Gersham Smith: Ted Dwyer Keziah Bailey (Shut Pan): Stan Irons Frank Dingle: Audley Nain Dolphus Chambers (Mus-Mus) : Delroy Roache Johnnie Lewis: Vernon Derby Kermit Maxwell: Donovan Prendergast Moxie Mason: Fitz Weir Amos Harriott: Edmund Carter Percy Thomas: Turnell McCormack Ranny Baker: Michael Binns |
Musical
Numbers Act One If It Wasn't For Us When You Come Into Your Kingdom Don't Mine Miss Whilel Belvedere River Goin' Dry A Big Strong Man Oh Miss Whilemina! I Love You So Shortridge Mus' Be De Pestilence Shh, Shh, Shh Brashana Act Two It Mus Be Done By We The Yard Guard Declares A State Of Emergency Regardless Put down the Su-su and the Cuss Cuss Brashana and the Helicrafter Welcome Home Greetings Dow Shalt Not Eat Orchestra Herman Marquis:Alto/Tenor Clarinet Joe McCormack: Trombone Steve Golding: Guitar Lloyd Mason: Bass/Flute Terrence Lawrence: Drums Noel Seale: Percussion/Congera Camille Lewis: Piano |