Arguably Jamaica’s most successful comedic playwright, Patrick Brown changes focus for Pigview Heights, his latest production which opens December 26 at Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.

In his second play for 2023, he addresses the sensitive issue of gender-based violence (GBV).

“He tackles the impact GBV can have not only on the victim and the perpetrator, but on other people around them. This includes other family members, neighbours and friends. In true Patrick Brown style he uses comedy to open a window for the audience to come face to face with this menacing societal ill, which often occurs right under our nose, in every strata of society,” said Lenny Salmon, a senior member of Patrick Brown Productions.

GBV, which comprises various aspects of aggression against women, is considered a major problem in the Caribbean.

In September, the Atlantic Council, which monitors GBV globally, reported that Guyana and Jamaica have the highest rate of violence against women in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The organisation noted that both countries have taken steps to rectify a troubling situation, with Jamaica opening two shelters for women who have experienced domestic violence, as well as passing the Sexual Harassment Act in the nation’s Parliament.

Like many of Brown’s productions, Glen Campbell, Courtney Wilson, Sheree Elise, and Quera South make up the cast.

Salmon told the Jamaica Observer that there is a silver lining in Pigview Heights.

“Brown demonstrates that we live in a world where one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. He uses that scenario to show that, despite the adversity one faces, there is always hope, always the promise of a better tomorrow,” he said.

Pigview Heights is the follow-up to Lockdown, Brown’s comedic look at the frustrating COVID-19-related shutdowns in Jamaica during 2020 and 2021.

Oliver And Pinnochio; Breadfruit Kingdom; Right Girl, Wrong Address; and Straight Jacket are some of the hit plays that have made Brown one of Jamaican theatre’s leading players.

Pigview Heights is scheduled to end its run in late February.