The Saturday, 16 November showing of Family Ties by Open Waters Theatre closed to resounding applause at a nearly packed National Cultural Centre.
Written and directed by 35-year-old Tito Adams, the play wove a gripping tale around the Harris family—a household of four navigating the turbulent coming-of-age journeys of its youngest members. At the heart of the drama were Sarah, portrayed by Keziah Annius, and Abby, played by Clairissa Robinson, in commanding performances.
The play opens with a charged scene: 16-year-old Sarah and a nervous 17-year-old Dereck, played by Richard Ashton, alone in the Harris household, reeling from the revelation that Sarah is pregnant. From this moment, the story surges forward, its pace building with a suspenseful intensity akin to watching a balloon swell to its limit, teetering on the edge of an inevitable burst.
Tension rises further as the entire Harris family gathers under one roof to welcome Abby and her new partner Jared, played by Tevin Auguste. Having just flown in for a visit, Abby—the older of the two siblings—sets the stage for audiences to uncover the dynamics that make openness within their family so fraught.
John Harris, the patriarch, is a pastor, and the family has a pristine reputation within their community and congregation. Subtle cracks also emerge in Abby and Jared’s relationship, hinting at an unspoken turmoil lurking beneath the surface—a secret they both seem desperate to conceal.
Well received by the night’s crowd, the play’s sole showing on Saturday brought playwright Adam’s third large scale production vividly to life. From the opening scene, the audience clung to every word, their reactions audible, constant and varied—shock, incredulity, laughter, disappointment, anger, and, ultimately, acceptance rippled through the cultural centre.
In an earlier interview with St. Lucia Times, Adams revealed that the cast was selected through an internal process, drawing from his personal relationships and network. This approach likely contributed to the actors’ undeniable on-stage chemistry—perhaps something that radiated beyond the stage to foster an almost communal atmosphere throughout the crowd, creating an experience that bordered on interactive. On occasion, the audience, unable to hold back, called out advice to the characters on stage.
Standout performances also came from the rest of the cast, particularly in the portrayals of the challenges faced by parents striving to be both guiding hands and protective forces for their teenage and young adult children.
The Harris parents, Lydia and John, masterfully played by Keri Franklin and Roger Hare, respectively, shined in their roles. Nicquan James also confidently took on the stern yet reassuring role of James, father to 17-year-old Derek, while Porcia Gustave brought unapologetic flair to Aunt Ava, mother to the free-spirited Cindy, portrayed with effortless charm by Imani Gaspard.
Tevin Auguste’s portrayal of Jared deserves special mention. With Jared emerging as a villain, Auguste’s compelling performance pushed the audience into limbo, some reluctant to cheer during the curtain call, wary of endorsing his character’s misdeeds.
Adding to a well-rounded cast was the occasional presence of family friend and Deacon, Elijah—impressively played by the evidently multitalented director and playwright Tito Adams himself.
Saturday night’s staging was a comfortable yet impactful watch, skillfully balancing charged commentary on themes of parenthood, classism, and individual trauma with explosive dialogue and understated production elements. While the lighting and soundtrack softened the emotional intensity without diminishing its power, the production didn’t overreach; its simplicity—featuring a two-scene setup furnished through a sponsorship by Courts—ensured seamless transitions.
In sum, Family Ties is a thoroughly enjoyable production.
Photo caption: Family Ties cast (L-R) Tito Adams, Tevin Auguste, Richard Ashton, Nicquan James, Imani Gaspard, Porcia Gustave, Keziah Annius, Clairissa Robinson, Keri Franklin, Roger Hare and Kevin John (MC)
We need more of these theatrical productions in Saint Lucia. Sir Derek Walcott worked hard to make theatre arts part of the cultural landscape but found resistance from the visionless leaders. The arts are an outlet for the young who would otherwise get themselves involved in gangs and crime. Those boys and girls in gangs could have well been good actors had they chosen another route. The authorities fail the people when they neglect to see the benefits of these art forms. More of these productions please.
An amazing show it was I hope this cast reaches far with their talent
Hearts out to the director tito
The masterful talent of the playwright, actors and actresses was beautifully captured in this very well written article. It was an honor to have been part of the audience that night. Looking forward to the next production Mr. Adam’s! Fabulous work 👏
Congratulations to the talented young director, actors, and actresses for delivering a theatrical performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. Words cannot fully capture the brilliance and depth of your artistry. You transported the audience to another realm, evoking emotions and telling stories with such passion and precision that left us all in awe.
This remarkable display of creativity and discipline underscores the immense potential of our youth. At a time when our small but beautiful island is grappling with an unsettling rise in criminal activities, performances like yours shine as a beacon of hope. They remind us of the power of the arts to inspire, transform, and uplift.
It is imperative that those in positions of authority recognize the role of theater in shaping a better society. Investing in creative outlets for our young people is not just a cultural enrichment—it is a societal necessity. By supporting theater, we can redirect the boundless energy of our youth toward positive, productive pursuits.
The stage becomes more than a platform; it becomes a sanctuary where talents are nurtured, dreams take flight, and destructive paths are abandoned. This is especially critical for our young men, many of whom are teetering on the edge of dangerous choices. Theater offers them a chance to channel their emotions, find purpose, and rewrite their narratives.
To the director and cast, your dedication and talent have proven what can be achieved when creativity meets opportunity. Your performance not only entertained but also illuminated the possibilities for change within our community. It is my hope that this extraordinary production serves as a call to action for greater support of the arts.
Hats off to each of you for your hard work, vision, and brilliance. You have set a standard of excellence that will inspire many. Well done, and may your work continue to thrive and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.
Altho I missed this thrilling event (I’m sure it was!!), it is heartening to read, and know, that theatre SEEMS to be coming back to SLU. Well done Tito – your work has begun!
@C-WIZ … as usual you hit the nail on the head. @A Parent … and to everyone else. It is unfortunate that the powers that be, have NO IDEA of how important the ARTS ARE TO A CIVILISED country!! They seem to think, and see, the arts as frivolous, without checking about the clothing on their backs, and how it got there!