I Need To Know My Father may best be described as a Dramedy (filled with drama and an ample belly-full of laugh). It is set in what could be ‘anywhere’ Jamaica and tells the story of 16-Year-Old Lisa Perkins (Krystal Victoria)) who is the product of Sarah Perkins (Tamika Wilson-Brito)) and Jonathan Bonavich Jr. (O’Neil Taylor ). Sarah, however, was deemed to be not worthy and in the same social status and standing of Jr. so she was shunned by Jr.’s mother, Claire Bonavich (Michelle Dolly) hence denying Lisa the legal rights to know her father.
The other cast of characters include Naggo Morris, the simple but passionate and humorous Roy Perkins, grandfather, great-grandfather, deacon and husband to Louise Perkins, a committed grandmother, great-grandmother, maid and believer in God played by Marcia Brown; There is also Peter Radcliffe who plays Jonathan Bonavitch Sr.
I Need To Know My Father highlights that parents and ideally mother and father are important for a child’s development and success and reminds us that classism and prejudices have ripple effects on lives even for generations and will ultimately bring us face to face to a higher power. Most importantly I Need To Know My Father pinpoints; “to err is human but to forgive is divine” and the “divine” turn of events will leave you wanting for more!!
Be prepared to be moved to tears whether from humour or that emotional crevice we seldom bring in public realms where you cry because it resonates or tears up for apathy. As quoted by a previous attendee “I was so enthralled by the action on stage, that I forgot where I was and allowed my emotions to take control” I Need To Know My Father is that real!
I Need To Know My Father can be summed up with words such as Powerful, Relevant, Warm, Dramatic yet Highly Comedic, True-to-Life, Brilliant. Refreshing, Poignant etc.
