New play explores the struggles of a Jamaican-Canadian family in Toronto
Credit to Author: Baisakhi Roy| Date: Tue, 03 Sep 2024 21:00:27 +0000
Conrad Coates as Richard Whyte and Kim Roberts as Margaret Whyte in Get That Hope. Stratford Festival 2024. Photo: David Hou.
Award-winning playwright Andrea Scott brings a fresh and poignant narrative to the stage with her latest play, Get That Hope. This powerful production dives deep into the life of the Whyte family, a Jamaican-Canadian family living in Toronto’s Little Jamaica. Through their story, Scott captures the struggles and resilience of a community often overlooked, reflecting the broader experiences of many immigrant families in Canada.
Get That Hope, much like Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, from which Scott drew inspiration, is a domestic tragicomedy that examines the complexities of family life. It explores themes of unfulfilled ambitions, generational conflicts, and the enduring hope that keeps families together despite the challenges they face. The play offers a window into the Whyte family’s world, where everyday life is marked by tension, love, and an unwavering determination to survive.
Directed by actor Andre Sills, the play unfolds in the heart of Toronto’s Little Jamaica, a neighborhood undergoing significant changes due to gentrification and construction. The central character, Richard Whyte, is a Black working-class immigrant who moved to Canada in search of better opportunities for his family. As Jamaican Independence Day approaches, Richard is determined to celebrate in style, with the rice soaking, the ginger beer cooling, and his lottery ticket in hand, hoping for a change in fortune. Yet, beneath the festive surface, the Whyte family is dealing with deep-seated issues that have been simmering for years.
“The family you’re about to meet, the Whytes, is made up of people trying their best in Toronto’s Little Jamaica,” says Sills in a statement. “As the streets are being torn apart due to massive construction, the realities of their circumstances are also trying to do the same to them.”
Inside their cramped and stifling apartment, the Whytes navigate a complex web of emotions and unresolved conflicts. Margaret, Richard’s wife, has borne the weight of responsibility from a young age, carrying the burdens of family life and the complexities that come with it. Rachel, their daughter, works tirelessly, juggling two jobs to support the family and help make ends meet, yet struggles to earn her stepmother’s respect. Simeon, Richard and Margaret’s son, battles PTSD after serving in the military, adding another layer of complexity to the family’s dynamics. His secret relationship with Millicent, Margaret’s care worker and close friend, further complicates the already tangled relationships within the household.
Conrad Coates as Richard Whyte and Celia Aloma as Rachel Whyte in Get That Hope. Stratford Festival 2024. Photo: David Hou.
The Whyte family’s story is one of perseverance against the odds, highlighting the emotional toll of racism, financial hardship, and the ongoing struggle to find a place in a society that often overlooks the contributions and challenges of immigrant families. Through humor, heartbreak, and hard-earned wisdom, Get That Hope tells a story that is bound to resonate with audiences, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds who have faced similar challenges.
Despite the struggles, Get That Hope is ultimately a story of resilience and hope. It showcases the strength and spirit of a family determined to hold on to their dreams, no matter the obstacles in their path. Scott’s play not only highlights the specific experiences of the Jamaican-Canadian community but also speaks to the universal challenges faced by immigrant families everywhere.
Get That Hope runs until September 28 at the Studio Theatre. Tickets are available at stratfordfestival.ca or by calling 1.800.567.1600.
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