Jamaica’s Bashment
Granny 2 rib-ticking
PAUL BEALE PHOTO: Mr Bashment (Maxwell ‘Maama Man’ Grant) wards off the licky licky Constable Shebada(Keith Ramsay).
TITLE: Bashment Granny 2: The Saga continues
WRITTEN BY: Garfield “Bad Boy Trevor” Reid
REVIEWED BY: Patrick James
MANY WERE THE laughs and tears during the 11 scenes of the riotous roots play, ‘Bashment Granny 2- The Saga Continues’. The bouts of laughter, some more raucous than others, were mainly the result of the brazen and audacious antics of Keith ‘Shebada’ Ramsay, who plays Constable Shebada. Along with those of Maxwell ‘Maama Man’ Grant, his antics further illuminated the stage, enhancing the bright stage backdrop, and although raunchy, were punchy and hard hitting.
The play, written by Garfield ‘ Bad Boy Trevor’ Reid explores the bonds of friendship, trust and deceit. A new wrench is thrown into the balance when a large sum of money is involved, and everyone seeks to hoodwink the other. Separate from its raw and edgy humour, “Bashment Granny 2: the saga continues†also details money as a tool for aiding corrupt practices.
In true Jamaican conniving fashion, Reid works through his ex, Babalita, to try and secure $12 million, but the plan does not work. The source of the cash that is being vied for is not known, beyond it being formerly owned by deportee Half-a-dog, which makes any claim to it legitimate. In pursuit of the cash people clash verbally, physically, and the main antagonist Half-A-dog brings a weapon into play. Succinctly, it’s a case of many dogs going after one bone.
Mr Bashment (played by Maxwell Grant), owner of Montego Bay hotspot Bashment Entertainment Lounge is adamant that because of his hard work, he has the greatest claim to at least $6 million of the money. Constable Shebada (Keith Ramsay), his business partner is contending the same. Half-A-Dog (Junior Williams), has blood in his eyes and wants the full $12 million dollars without negotiation.
Constable Shebada’s pursuit of the cash shifts from personal delight into a case of urgency. He needs the cash for defending himself in court, after a shooting incident while enforcing the law, in which he is charged of murder. This brings Betram (Volier Johnson) into the mix. He is Shebada’s attorney, and is willing for a high price to mount a fierce defence for his client. His personal situation confronts him with the reality of a crumbling marriage, which he fights for, as his wife, Gloria (Deon Silvera), is adamant about leaving him and tries to serve him with divorce papers.
The person that is caught in the center of all the controversy, accusations and the counter- accusations is Babalita (played by Abigail Grant). She is portrayed as a character with multiple loyalties, with none of these loyalties truly being of any benefit to her. Apart from being used by Bad Boy Trevor in his attempt to claim his prize, her loyalties are also stretched to include Half-A-Dog, with whom she is romantically involved. Half-A- dog uses her to keep tabs on the cash that he is so intent on reclaiming.
Babalita, in her central role seems to be a typical money-grabbing chicken head, and would have emerged as sole beneficiary of the ill gotten funds, except for the interesting twist just before the conclusion.
Stages Productions holds firm to its reputation for providing rib-ticking drama, which at the same time explores social issues (e.g. Like Father Like Son, Below the Waist and Di Driva). Bashment Granny 2: The Saga continues did not veer off this tradition.
As sequel to the successful Bashment Granny (2006), Mr Bashment, upon realizing the true identity of Half a Dog, and his sheer ruthlessness, switches to Bashment Granny mode, and appears as Portia Phillup,to the consternation of some members of the audience.
Judging solely from crowd reaction, ‘Bashment Granny 2’ is already a hit, but it is uncertain whether it will surpass its predecessor. Despite the plot, one should come with the goal to be entertained. Enter the ‘Bashment Granny’.
The true star of the play is Constable Shebada, played by Keith Ramsay. He almost effortlessly upstages the main character Mr. Bashment. His presence is immediately felt whenever he enters any scene, but he stamps his ‘class’ in the opening scene of the second act of the play. This he does , by jumping on the bar table, gyrating, jumping on the roof scaffolding, with exotic dancing skills leaving the audience gasping for breath.
Throughout the play, Shebada distinguishes himself with quick lines to reply to persons who questions him or his ideas. In the first act, he makes small talk at the entertainment lounge, and somehow mentions money in his conversation. Gloria inadvertently makes a point about money and police corruption affecting public service. To this, Shebada wastes no time in responding to the indirect references to him by stating “ I’m very picky in who I serve†in a matter-of-fact fashion.
Later, in a face off scene with Half a Dog, he is threatened with a gun to his face, and without any fright or panic quickly returns the threat by pointing his gun at Half a Dog’s crotch retorting “Do supp’n nuh†(Do something, fool!).
Separate from the humour and lot, the story of chicanery, corruption and craziness, is quite believable.
Where the props are concerned, the lighting and stage are pleasing to the eye, and at times are just as colourful as the characters
All in all, Bashment Granny 2: The Saga continues is a good watch, but may not be suitable for all ages, as there are some suggestive references and themes explored. The play is now showing at the Green Gables Theatre on Cargill Avenue in St. Andrew.
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P Gavin James is a graduate of the University of the West Indies where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications.
Read also Bashment granny 2: a witty portrayal of Jamaican life.
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