“Ti-Jean and His Brothers,” directed by Henry Muttoo – review

“Ti-Jean and His Brothers,” directed by Henry Muttoo

A devil of a good time

By Frank Drouzas – The Weekly Challenger

TAMPA — Outwitting the Devil always makes for good entertainment. A trio of brothers sets out to do exactly that in “Ti-Jean and His Brothers,” a 1957 play written by noted St. Lucian poet and playwright Derek Walcott, who won the Nobel Prize in 1992.

The Tampa campus of the University of South Florida is currently putting on its production of Walcott’s compelling work with renowned guest director Henry Muttoo at the helm.  

Set in the Caribbean, the play is both fable and fantasy, where frogs, birds, fireflies, bats and crickets come to life and even dance and sing. Yet all the songs and colorful costumes belie a rather sinister plot, as the Devil challenges three brothers, Gros-Jean, Mi-Jean and Ti-Jean to make him feel human emotion, such as vexation, passion or even weakness. One by one they confront the Devil and attempt to break down the Prince of Darkness in their own way.  [Read more]