‘Delcita’ still bringing laughs to theatregoers

For over three decades, Andrea Wright has played 'Delcita', one of the most popular characters in contemporary Jamaican theatre.

Throughout the Christmas season, roots play fans will see her in The Ex-Baby Motha, whose latest run is scheduled to start this weekend at Colonel Cove in Morant Bay, St Thomas.

The production, which debuted on Mother's Day at Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston, looks at what causes fractious relationships between parents and children.

Wright, who is a guidance counsellor, wrote and directed the play. She never tires of playing the raucous Delcita because of her "authenticity, originality and creativity."

The Clarendon-born actress first played Delcita in Mr Dweet Nice, a 1990 comedy. She has appeared in other slapstick frolic such as Border Patrol and Honeymoon With Delcita and Patchie.

"Delcita tries to remain relevant by her content and diversity in writing and delivering her lines. Theatregoers want 'big peas soup laugh' and heavy content for their money. The story must be relatable and the jokes very sincere. Her social commentaries are for the intellect and the streets. She calls it her chicken back served with mashed potatoes kind of comedy," said Wright.

Trudy Campbell, Kai-Alana O'Conner, Calneth Reid and Derricka Johnson complete The Ex-Baby Motha cast. The play, which closes on December 30 at Ocho Rios High School in St Ann, is also slated for Kingston, St Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester.