IN an increasingly polarised world — rich/poor, white/black, uptown/downtown, the have and have-nots — there is always that sobering concept that we are more alike than different.

That sameness lies at the heart of the comedy Samson & Di Liar, now playing at the Little Little Theatre in St Andrew.

The play, produced by Scarlette Beharie, brings together the incredible theatrical talents of Tony ‘Paleface’ Hendricks and Ricky Rowe, in two hours of absorbing drama with comedic moments that are well-timed and poignant.

The play follows the lives of Samson (Hendricks), a down-on-luck uptowner, who, due to a series of misfortunes is now homeless, and Earsring (Rowe), a downtown trickster who, despite his options, prefers the streets.

Their initial meeting is acrimonious at best, especially for Samson who feels his space (a New Kingston bus shed), is being invaded. But a love for music soon unites the two and they quickly realise that they complement and strengthen each other.

The moral of the story is ever-present, but the writers and directors have made sure that the story never lags and, therefore, the use of comedy in the form of witty one-liners helps move the production along.

Music forms an integral part of this production. It is the unifying force that helps both men find common ground, albeit, at what initially seems like opposite ends of the musical spectrum.

The writers — actor Winston ‘Bello’ Bell, along with Rowe and Hendricks — go to town with the lyrics. Pieces like Dash it Weh and Wha Me a Go Do capture the essence of the story, and present it in a most humorous manner.

The main theme is stridently brought home during a split-stage scene in which Samson is praying and Earsring is speaking to his girlfriend on the phone. This again is brilliantly portrayed and is the stage version to a split-screen in film. Both actors are speaking independently, but the convergent nature of their trials and troubles could not be more stark.

Hendricks is known for his stand-up comedy and social commentary with a heavy dose of laughter and in Samson and Di Liar he fits perfectly into the role, delivering with a comfort and ease that makes his character believable. However, Rowe is never outshone by the light that is Hendricks.

This former member of the Area Youth Foundation, a community organisation that utilises the arts and culture to tackle social ills, is clearly one talented thespian.

When he showcases his trickster skills and becomes a paraplegic begging and tries it out on the audience, he is convincing.

Samson & Di Liar provides for a great watch. It is definitely not your run-of-the-mill, but rather theatre with a message.