Akinlabi Holder is living his dream.
The actor, who began performing around the age of seven, wowed audiences with his compelling portrayal of Pa Cefus, one of the lead characters in the Tobago Performing Arts Company’s (TPAC’s) production of the Dr Lester Efebo Wilkinson play, Bitter Cassava, at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, Lowlands, on Easter weekend in April.
Holder was among a stellar cast which delivered memorable performances during the highly-acclaimed 1979 play when it premiered before a sold-out Colibri ballroom on Good Friday.
By public demand, Bitter Cassava had a second run on Saturday at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex.
On May 28 and 29, the TPAC will perform at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando, Trinidad. Theatre lovers will also get the opportunity to see the production on June 3 and 4 at the Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
Bitter Cassava tells the story of Samuel William Blondell, a handsome, virile and cocky father of three who is the object of every woman’s desire in the village.
He has been in a common-law relationship with Justina, a simple, family-oriented woman, for three years.
[caption id="attachment_954768" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Akinlabi Holder, left, as Pa Cefus and Levee Rodriguez as the Constable in Bitter Cassava. Photo courtesy Tobago Performing Arts Company. -[/caption]
But trouble befalls the couple when Betty-Lou, a beautiful, light-skinned ‘town girl,’ becomes romantically involved with Blondell, much to Justina’s chagrin.
Attracted to Betty-Lou’s physical appearance and seemingly worldly demeanour, Blondell ends his relationship with Justina and forces her out of the house. A heartbroken and vengeful Justina retaliates by inflicting a curse on Blondell and his new lover. Tragedy ensues.
Pa Cefus, the oldest man in the village, emerges as a voice of wisdom for Blondell and also narrates the play.
But in a Sunday Newsday interview, Holder confessed he was not initially drawn to the character of Pa Cefus but that of Blondell.
“I initially wanted to audition for the role of Samuel William Blondell only as I was drawn to that character. I love playing villains. For some strange reason, I feel I can connect with them better,” he said.
Holder said his wife suggested that he take on the role of Pa Cefus.
“My wife was more familiar with the play than I was and she really encouraged me to take up the challenge of playing Pa Cefus. And after a few days of her encouragement, I decided to go for the role and now I don’t regret it.”
On Bitter Cassava’s opening night, Holder played the role effortlessly.
He said, “The more I read the script and studied the character, the more I understood the complexity and nuances of Pa Cefus and I began to connect with him more. Playing that role has truly caused me to grow as a performer. I have had to step my game up considerably from what I am accustomed to.”
A familiar face on Tobago’s theatre landscape, Holde
