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)
