The tedious months of societal withdrawal caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic are revisited in Lockdown, writer Patrick Brown’s hit play currently running at Courtleigh Auditorium.

The Jambiz International ‘dramedy’ opened in late July and has played to enthusiastic audiences.

It stars Glen Campbell, Courtney Wilson, Shaquera South, and Lakeisha Ellison, regulars in that company’s productions.

Lenny Salmon, a director at Jambiz International, said the script’s relatability is what makes Lockdown so popular.

“The plot tracks the trials and tribulations faced by two couples as they navigated the lockdown imposed on citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. It gives us a ringside seat as the cracks in their intimate and platonic relationships are pierced open by being forced to exist in the same space for longer periods and on limited resources,” he explained in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

“It is resonating very well with audiences because they are literally looking at their own experiences being played out on stage before their very eyes. They get dragged into the action as evidenced by their own ongoing commentary during the play.”

Jamaica’s Government imposed lockdowns in March 2020 to combat spread of the novel coronavirus which emerged early that year. In November 2021, prime minister Andrew Holness announced in Parliament plans to end his Administration’s stay-at-home policy.

Like all commercial sectors, the entertainment industry was badly affected by the lockdowns. Government permitted theatres and cinemas to reopen in June 2021.

Lockdown, which closes its Kingston run in late October, continues this weekend at Courtleigh Auditorium with shows at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday.

It has dates scheduled for Montego Bay, Mandeville, and Ocho Rios in late October and early November.