"Roots & Rhythms" (our previous working title was"Caribbean Story") is a new musical in development, written & produced by Tony Hoyos & Colin Brewer of The Plantation Theatre, Barbados, scheduled for the UK in 2013. It's the story of 2 estranged brothers, separated early in life - Warren, 31 years old, raised in the UK, and Chris, 27, raised in Barbados - who re-unite to to scatter the ashes of their late father, Ben, in Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados. Warren, an aspiring entertainer/ music mogul, brings his manager, Kate, 27 years old white, English from well-to-do family. During their travels around the Caribbean they are joined by Michelle, 28 years old, of Bajan/UK extract, also a lawyer. In the course of their travels, Warren and Chris struggle to reconnect as family, with Warren having to learn all about his Caribbean roots and culture and overcome his resentment at being largely neglected by his father throughout his life. Chris and Kate fall in love with each other, and finally Warren and Michelle also establish a budding relationship. Twists in the plot throw some surprises at Chris and Warren but in the end family ties bring them back together. The story is contextualized by the journey of most Caribbean people from West Africa, through the horrors of slavery to their emancipation and growing empowerment politically, socially and financially. Audiences everywhere will be fully entertained by this production which features the music of Bob Marley, Rihanna, Shaggy, Red Plastic bag and many other Caribbean artists, plus original music, and includes the authentic and varied dance styles of the Caribbean, along with the humour of its people.
