‘No Hope for Hopie’ is a powerful play

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The great Jamaican playwright Basil Dawkins has done it again with the fantastic play, ‘No Hope for Hopie’. As a visiting Jamaican from Atlanta, Georgia, and one who works with women who have been violated emotionally, physically or sexually, I found this play powerful, amazing and transformative.

As Jamaicans, the history of colonisation encompassed an institutionalised system, which laid the foundation for our beautiful island, which through resilience, grapples with constant change. As dignified Jamaicans, we embrace and cherish ‘Out of Many, One People’ with pride.

Classism, racism and arrogance still exist throughout many institutions. Hidden secrets of abuse exist within families and churches, sometimes only coming to light after years of trauma without belief or accountability.

Continuing to advocate for the equality and justice for all people, regardless of circumstance, is vital.

Basil Dawkins, you brilliantly and competently portrayed through your writing these sociological facets in this play, ‘No Hope for Hopie’. Your selection of actors for these intricate parts was on point.

In the end, the audience is left asking crucial questions:

• Should there be forgiveness?

• Should there be accountability with therapy?

• Should there be justice?

• OR should there be all three when sexual violation occurs?

I encourage all individuals to see this play, but particularly those in the study of law and justice, counselling and psychology, and the clergy.

Congratulations to Basil Dawkins and his team of actors for a job well done!

MICHELLE MARCH