The School of Drama at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EDNA) has launched its 2024/2025 academic year with an innovative adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children. Reimagined in a Jamaican context, the classic play, originally set during the Thirty Years’ War, has been transformed into Madda Courage and Har Pickney Dem, resonating with local themes and struggles.

Directed by long-serving faculty member Pierre LeMaire, the production is a collaboration with Trinidadian PhD student Yvonne Webber, who served as the dramaturge. LeMaire drew inspiration from his early experiences in Jamaica during the 1970s, where he observed women pushing carts through the streets—a poignant echo of Brecht’s iconic protagonist, Anna Fierling, better known as Mother Courage.

In this adaptation, the setting shifts to Jamaica in the politically charged 1970s, a period marked by violent clashes between rival political factions. Courage, now a determined Jamaican higgler, strives to survive by trading goods amid the turmoil. As in the original, her efforts to protect her three children ultimately end in tragedy, with each falling victim to the very conflict from which she sought to profit.

The minimalist set design, with a central cart, stays true to the essence of Brechtian theatre, emphasizing the theatrical experience itself. Scene summaries projected on-screen further highlight Brecht’s technique of engaging the audience intellectually, rather than pulling them into emotional immersion.

The production’s success rests heavily on a remarkable cast, which features distinguished EDNA alumni from across the decades. Notable performers include Carl Davies, Michael ‘String Bean’ Nicholson, Horace Gordon, Nicolas Amore, Jonathan McLaughlin, and Lennox Richards. The title role of Madda Courage is shared with commanding presence by former adjunct lecturer Carolyn Allen, while current lecturer Jean-Paul Menou gives a compelling performance as Boss. Student actors Kizzy Hope, Kibwe Lawrence, Jesse McClure, Ajayla Brown, Jordon Brown, 

Dean Smith, Jada Merchant, Kemar Haughton, Lachim Cunningham were brilliant in their respective roles.  Latoya Newman of the Little Theatre rounded out the cast of strong actors.

Adding to the realism, the sound design incorporates real news broadcasts from Tony Patel on Radio Jamaica, alongside traditional “set up” songs, which effectively transport the audience back to the era of political tension. The opening night concluded with a standing ovation, celebrating the immense talent, training, and quality of the School of Drama’s programme.

Beyond entertainment, Madda Courage and Har Pickney Dem offers an educational experience for students of Literature and Theatre Arts. The production’s rich display of Brechtian techniques provides excellent material for classroom discussions and examination preparation.

Performance Dates

Madda Courage and Har Pickney Dem continues this weekend: Friday and Sunday at 7:00 pm, and Saturday at 2:00 pm. This thought-provoking reimagining of Brecht’s work sets a high bar for the season, blending local history, theatrical innovation, and outstanding performances. Audiences are encouraged to experience this unique adaptation of a timeless classic, which remains as relevant today as ever.