Rum & Coca Cola – West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

Book: Mustapha Matura

Director: Don Warrington

Musical Director: Dominique Le Gendre

Reviewer: Nicola Harrison

The Public Reviews Rating:

‘In the West Indies, the older generation are still afforded a great amount of respect. Their opinions are valued and everybody is richer for that; the young benefit and so do the old.’- Don Warrington

‘Rum and Coca Cola’ written in 1976 by the celebrated Trinidadian dramatist, Mustapha Matura, is a co-production between three production companies – West Yorkshire Playhouse, Talawa Theatre Company and English Touring Company. Talawa Theatre Company is Britain’s foremost Black led Theatre Company giving voice to the Black British experience. Through fostering Black audiences they actively seek to enhance British theatre.

Although the play is set in the Caribbean, thousands of miles away, the principal theme of an inter-generational friendship between two people is one which is relevant to modern-day British society. The idea of the old passing experience to the young is a significant feature of West Indian society, but sadly it is something that is disappearing in this country. The play explores this relationship and the inherent need for a connection between the generations.

The tale unfolds on the idyllic and enchanting island of Trinidad. Professor, a burnt-out Calypsonian and his protege, Slim are striving to make a living by entertaining passing tourists and performing in bars. Living under the scorching heat of the Caribbean sun and amongst an abundance of empty rum bottles at the end of the beach, the Professor consumed by insurmountable regrets reminisces about his past life, while Slim battles to find future happiness. The Professor is keen to share his wisdom with Slim and also teach him the art of writing calypso songs. They interact with each other through music and dialogue exploring the hidden truths through witty anecdotes in true Calypsonian form. The Professor is like the wise fool in Shakespeare, telling the truth in a brutally honest yet humorous way. Whether Slim’s quest for happiness is fulfilled is dependent on that truth.

The set for the production, designed by Anthony Lamble, was authentic and was mirrored by suitable ocean sound effects which transported the audience to another place. Under Don Warrington’s production this play captured the essence of Trinidad with heartfelt passion.

Slim, performed by Marcel McCalla, expertly mastered the art of the Quarto (a traditional four stringed Trinidadian guitar) and serenaded beautifully with his partner, the Professor, performed by Victor Romero Evans. The diversity of their acting and musical performance was outstanding and the wide variety of Calypso songs performed held memorable tunes that were both uplifting and infectious.

Overall this play was a celebration of Trinidadian styles, culture and traditions, much of which should hold a place in any society. The humour wasn’t side-splitting but a gentle reminder of the values of that society and the inexplicable realisation that the older generation should be valued.