St Andrew High presents 'Street Children, A Bio Mythical Drama'

Somewhere on the streets in the Corporate Area is the home and romping ground for two rivalling groups of street children. They are the Bank posse and the Supermarket posse.

These two groups form the basis for the fictitious characters of the St Andrew High School for Girls' 2012 summer production, Street Children, A Bio Mythical Drama.

The tragicomedy was first written as a one-act dramatisation for the school's annual Christmas presentation, but has been reworked as a full-length play.

According to a release from the St Andrew High School, "The official opening date of Thursday, July 26, promises high-quality entertainment, fit for the entire family."

The action in the story occurs on the roof of a supermarket building, as well as on the street. The story spans approximately 24 hours, beginning on the eve of Independence Day. It starts with the arrival of a Jonkanoo parade, creating mayhem on the streets as "even big people run from them".

This is compounded by a chase between a police officer and a gunman. When the dust settles, the members of the Bank posse are in fear for their lives, as the gunman strongly believes that one of their number, 'Townie', played by Crystal Williams, has his gun.

And the thought of having a happy Independence is also dampened in the camp of the Supermarket posse, as 'Cee Gee' (Reala Benguchie) has become homesick, a yearning the others find hard to fathom.

In addition, Gee Gee (Georgia Mullings), one of the members of the Supermarket posse, is physically abused by the Bank posse.

In spite of the drama, the play has a feel-good ending when both groups encounter an act of kindness from an unlikely source.

In spite of its strong themes of exploitation, physical abuse, etc, the story is humorous and is produced with dance and songs.

Other members of the cast, who are all from St Andrew High School, are Cindy Israel, Krystal Gibson, Gianne Miller, Daneil Palmer, Alicia Walker, Ketrina Codner, Gabrielle Williams, Tasciana Daley, and Marissa Foote, along with Khadene Guyah, a member of the academic staff, who plays Cee Gee's mother.

The annual summer production is organised by the schools' Department of the Performing Arts.

Street Children, A Bio Mythical Drama will run for six shows only, on July 26. Showtime is 7 p.m. On July 27 and 28, showtimes are 2 and 7 p.m. The production is sponsored by The Gleaner Company Ltd, Lime, BCIC and Corrpak Jamaica. There will be three matinee performances for summer schools. The venue is the St Andrew High School Hall. Interested persons may contact the school for ticket information.