SCAM-UH-LIFE

Scam-Uh-Life by Jherad Alleyne

Scam-Uh-Life, written by Jherad Alleyne was one of 11 plays developed as part of a writer's group project in Barbados, Jamaica & Trinidad and Tobago. A reading of the first two acts was delivered at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court.

We follow a rather unconventional day in the life of Kenroy (Karl Collins), who is in a domestic war with his theatrical and “clinically insane” partner Joyann (Cherelle Skeete). They are interrupted and encroached upon by Mauby (Dwane Walcott), a young mechanic and part-time self-professed therapist, and elderly neighbours Margaret (Maureen Hibbert) and her wheelchair-bound husband Sydney (Ray Emmet Brown). We follow Kenroy as he comes to learn that the life-changing opportunity he thought he was embarking upon was nothing more than a scam. 

Directed by Emily Aboud, the musicality of the performers’ Bajan accents transports us into Kenroy and Joyann’s kitchen, which doubles as a makeshift funeral parlour. The stage directions inform us that Joyann is donning a black funeral dress to mourn the death of her and Kenroy’s relationship. This is just a fraction of the dramatics that Scam-Uh-Life guides us through.

Alleyne’s script is riotous, and each character adds a different nuance to the reality of life as an everyday person in Barbados. One of the central themes of the play is the idea of being stuck where you are, and trying to get out, a sentiment that is emphasised by the use of repetition of certain words and phrases from each character. Alleyne’s play tackles debates concerning the morality of capitalism in the global south, masculinity, infidelity, generational differences and mental health in Barbados all whilst remaining sensationally dramatic and comical.

In a panel talk with Alleyne after the reading, he explained that he wanted to write a play that channelled the tension between comedy and drama, which he does successfully with a cast that has a warm chemistry even when their characters are at loggerheads. A punchy, sincere and hilarious display of the life of the average person in Barbados, Scam-Uh-Life is a joyous and thought-provoking piece of work.

By Melody Adebisi.

Read more about The Royal Court’s International Programme here.