Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
Craig McNally in office on May 10, 2006.
'Free At Last' is a musical event and the dramatised testimony of Wayne Weekes, a Barbadian who lived a life in the fast lane full of anger, hatred, drug-dealing, women, voodoo and witchcraft, in the United States for 15 years.
Congratulations to director Dawn Bennett on bringing to reality "the moment she has waited for". I believe that bringing Wayne Weekes' life story "into our lives" with such clarity and power is an opportunity that was very worthwhile taking. Hearing about Weekes' life is interesting, but seeing it acted out in front of our very own eyes is captivating.
The part of Wayne Weekes is played by Craig McNally (Weekes senior) and Joseph Collington (Weekes junior) the play shows only some instances of Weekes' life, McNally's sporadic, powerful and dramatic narration of his experiences gives a clear understanding of what was going on in his mind and what propelled him into such an unbelievable lifestyle.
Collington portrays young Weekes with ease, style, humour and conviction.
Good performances
The other cast members perform very well and effectively in this real-life story.
The musical arrangement, under the direction of Shaunelle Harris, is inspiring and choreography by Christina Jordan is attractive, energetic and effective.
This drama shows that God's word is supreme, piercing through all circumstances no matter how despicable they might be. Weekes' life is transformed after an encounter with a prophet and the message received from reading the Bible. His conversion returned him to the Church, which initially played a part in him embarking upon his unbelievable lifestyle.
Free At Last is suitable for the young and the old, Christians and non-Christians it is a heart-wrenching play, seeing it is a pleasant way to spend an evening that is mixed with drama and humour at the same time. Many lives could have been transformed after seeing this play.
The last show is today at the LOJ Auditorium, New Kingston, at 6:00 p.m.
- Yvonne Metz, Contributor
