Dawkins

Since August 2008 when the recession in the United States began, many major corporations around the world have either capitulated or been forced to downsize.

The downturn not only affected businesses, but families as well, something that has not gone unnoticed by playwright Basil Dawkins. This dilemma is the foundation of For Better Or Worse, his latest production which is scheduled to open December 27 at the Little Little Theatre.

Starring Jerry Benzwick, Christopher Daley, Ruth HoShing and Terri Salmon, For Better Or Worse is directed by Douglas Prout.

Benzwick and Daley alternate as Alfred Hill, an architect who has been laid off from his job and struggles to find gainful employment. He becomes such a 'success' as a stay-at-home father to his two daughters that he gives up looking for another full-time job, much to the disgust of his wife, played by Sakina.

"I don't know if this is a situation that's taking place in a lot of homes but the need to make severe adjustments in today's economy has created stress for many families," Dawkins told The Gleaner.

Despite the serious nature of the plot, Dawkins says there is room for laughter. "It's a 'dramedy' that's rooted in current Jamaican issues but there's a generous serving of comedy," he said.

Benzwick, HoShing and Salmon have featured in several of Dawkins' plays. HoShing starred in Flat Mate, his first production in 1980, also 1998's Feminine Justice and A Gift For Mom.

HoShing and Sakina were also part of Which Way Is Out, Dawkins' last play which opened at the Little Little Theatre in December last year.

Dawkins says he was inspired to become a playwright in the early 1970s after seeing the stage and film versions of the Trevor Rhone comedy, Smile Orange. Flat Mate has been followed by several other successful productions like Couples, Same Song, Different Tune and Uptown Bangarang.

For Better Or Worse will be used as benefits for organisations (churches, non-governmental organisations, etc) to help fund their outreach programmes.