Dahlia Harris is definitely carving out a name for herself on the local theatre scene.

Jamaicans first got a view of this statuesque Jamaican talent, when, as a teen, she drew audiences and judges alike into her culture pot during the 1990 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen finals, to take the title representing the parish of St Catherine.

Her audience got even wider when she lit up TV screens with her skills at a sports presenter and later as one of the hosts of the TVJ’s morning magazine programme.

However, those in the know will tell you that drama is Dahlia and vice versa, therefore it was not surprising that a role in Aston Cooke and Joan Andrea Hutchinson’s Children Children would come her way, and since then she has not looked back. Her theatre credits have included Bubbling Brown Sugar, Jamaica 2 Rhatid, Me and Mi Chapsie, Puppy Love, Oliver’s Posse, Oliver and the Genie, Bay Vibez, MoBay Vibez, Hurricane Lovers, Country Duppy and Kiss Me Neck.

However, in Judgement, now playing at the Pantry Playhouse in New Kingston, Harris steps into virgin territory as head cook and bottle washer — she serves as writer, producer, director and plays Sasha, the unforgettable character of the three-member cast.

The events in Judgement unfold in the New York apartment of Sasha’s BFF Janet — The Merlene Ottey of the Look Man Olympics. Janet (played by the indefatigable Deon Silvera) is all excited as she has just landed the perfect man. A catch courtesy of the “innernate” (that’s the Internet in Janet twang). But all’s not well in paradise as on Janet’s new beau, Antonio, Sasha realises that her friend is in for a rude awakening as both she and Antonio, whom she knows as Richard, share a dark past.

Antonio/ Richard is played by the relative newcomer to the local theatre scene, young Andre Morris. At first glance one would think the two seasoned actresses would steam roll the youngster, but audiences are in for a treat as he in fact provides some of the nights moments.

Morris’s strongest feature in Judgement is his ability to transform, in the blink of an eye, on the turn of a heel, he moves with schizophrenic ease from the smooth-talking Antonio, the lover boy, to Richard, the cold, hardened rude boy. His performance is so strong that he could well be local theatre’s find of the year.

Deon Silvera gives another of her signature performances. The raspy tones of her voice lend itself to her character Janet — somewhat naive, but not to be taken for a fool. Her character’s girlish nature lends itself to some really great comedic moments.

In Judgement, Harris demonstrates once again her ability to handle these intensely dramatic and over-the-top characters which you can’t help but fall in love with. Here she plays Sasha, the mouta-massy with a heart of gold. Her lines and delivery had the audience in stitches as she tries to convince Janet that there is more to Antonio than meets the eye. Her facial expressions truly take the cake. Her exchanges with Silvera are reminiscent of their irreverent characters, Ray-Ray and Tay-Tay in Jamaica 2 Rhatid some years ago.

Judgement is a great watch. As writer and director, Harris has devised and presented material that shows great promise. Scenes are well laid out, never drawn-out and climax at just the right moment leaving the audience always wanting more. The attention to detail in costuming is perfect down to the obligatory sneakers nurses wear in ‘foreign’. The outdoor scene, was well-presented. In the small theatre space of the Pantry Playhouse, Harris utilises down stage to great effect as it brings the characters closer to the audience, plus the use of sound effects makes the scene come alive.

The final minutes of the play features a really dramatic plot twist. The jury is still out on this section of Harris’ script, but if one is to suspend disbelief while viewing, then it all works and is definitely worth the night out at the theatre.

— Richard Johnson