THE question that keeps running through ones mind when you sit to watch the latest revival of David Heron’s Against His Will is, can a woman rape a man?
That hypothesis lies at the heart of the classic piece of Jamaican theatre, which was first mounted in the 1990s and remains as potent and current today, nearly two decades later. This, in no uncertain terms, is due to Heron’s fine craftsmanship in putting together a script that is in fact timeless.
The plot surrounds a lawsuit being brought against a female employer, who is accused of raping her male employee.
The male employee Danny, played by Peter Lloyd, who is doing his second stint in the role, is a 30-something computer sales executive who has decided to settle down with wife Heather (Sakina Deer) who is heavily with-child. The fairytale is turned on its head once Danny’s boss Gillian Forbes (TV personality Amelia ‘Milk’ Sewell) steps into the picture. It is said that on a night after one too many beers Gillian took advantage of Danny, against his will.
What this sets up is a great drama, not without comedic moments, such as Gillian’s lawyer, Lincoln Jacobs, played excellently by Jean-Paul Menou, commenting to Gillian on the charges being brought against her — “Well it seems the chickens of your overactive libido have come home to roost,” he quips sarcastically.
Danny’s case is championed by the tough-talking legal eagle Rachel Robinson. This character was ideally-suited for experienced thespian, Nadeen Rawlins who continues to show her growth and development in theatre which began with her work in the national pantomime.
It is very hard for any cast portray this material in a bad light, and the actors brought together for this production have done Heron and his work justice.
Although these days Peter Lloyd seems more a singer than actor, there are many who believe his place is on stage and screen. He delivered a convincing performance tinged with the sensitivity required for the role. Special commendation must go to Menou whose ability to stay in character throughout (haughty pseudo-British) was impressive. Milk was a thrill to watch. As the least experienced of all the actors on stage she gave a credible performance. At times, she seemed to mouth the lines, however this was balanced by her body language which brought the character to life. Deer was also impressive on stage. Her carriage of the prosthesis for her to look pregnant was so realistic, it had many wondering if she was actually with-child.
The courtroom scenes were particularly powerful, with both the prosecution and defence, (Rawlins and Menou) skilfully handling the material. Heron’s skill in utilising other media to bring the material to life is noteworthy. The use of the flashback techniques to recall the night in question really made for an interesting watch. This was further enhanced by the ‘red light special’ once this night was being acted out on stage.
Against his Will plays Thursday to Sunday.
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