Young, talented Christians invite T&T audiences on a theatrical journey with “Kingdoms”

By Kaelanne Jordan
mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

Trinidad and Tobago audiences are invited to experience Kingdoms, a compelling theatrical journey into the unseen spiritual forces that shape our world.

Written and directed by seminarian Jameke Brown, the production brings to life the timeless struggle between light and darkness, illuminating the powerful role of faith in overcoming despair.

Drawing inspiration from his own spiritual path and CS Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, Brown describes Kingdoms as a reminder that “there’s always victory in the light of Christ, even though there’s a lot of intense darkness.”

Through Kingdoms, Brown seeks to challenge the perception that life is purely physical, aiming instead to shine a light on the unseen influences on one’s behaviour, emotions, and actions. “It’s very easy to live our lives and think that we just live in a purely physical world,” Brown explained, “ [but] there are many things at play every day that we don’t realise that …affect our lives in general.”

The play’s story emerged from a deep place in Brown’s own spiritual journey. Having encountered challenges as a seminarian, he openly shares how his personal experiences with temptation and God’s grace shaped Kingdoms.

“I was at the pre-seminary when I left for two years. And in that two years, I went through a lot of challenges. When I realised that I still had this call, it was really a graceful moment for me to return to the seminary. And I also consider it a tremendous blessing that I still can get the permission from the rectors to use my gifts and talents to do something like this,” Brown said.

One of the play’s most poignant aspects is its exploration of themes like temptation, despair, and ultimately, victory. Brown emphasised that while the story is intense, there’s a message of hope: “Regardless of how deep the pit is, God is still deeper.”

The cast features young, talented Catholics and Christians who bring the story’s universal themes to life. Brown’s casting approach was intentional. “…I wanted to give young Catholics an opportunity to use their gifts and talents,” he said.

Some cast members are returning from previous productions, while new talent was introduced through recommendations. “Even though two of them aren’t Catholic, they’re Christian, and they’ve already been really touched by the production and the rehearsals,” Brown shared.

More than entertainment

With much of the cast involved in ministry, Brown highlighted “we’re doing this with a purpose”. He explained, “the cast is very aware that we will all be going through our temptations throughout this whole rehearsal process and the frustrations from the enemy…so he will frustrate us in different ways, and we have been frustrated in different ways.”

For Brown, the challenges of directing Kingdoms go beyond rehearsals. As a seminarian, he balances his academic, spiritual, and pastoral responsibilities with the demands of theatre production, something he describes as a “real balancing act”.

Yet, he finds the experience “very fruitful” as he develops skills he believes will serve him well in future ministry. “I’ve also been able to develop a lot of leadership skills, a lot of time management skills, a lot of organisational skills, which I can see will also help me in future ministry because you need to have time management to run a parish, you need to be a leader to run a parish….,” Brown said.

To this end, he sees his productions as “God-ordained.” His dedication to bringing Kingdoms to life underscores his commitment to spreading his faith through creativity.

Brown recalled seeking permission from his rector and vice rector to produce the play while maintaining his seminary obligations, arranging rehearsals on Monday evenings and alternate Sundays to avoid conflicts.

Brown said, “…God has really blessed me, and I don’t take it for granted that He has really blessed me with this opportunity. I trust that He will see it through to really come together the way that it should.”

Brown’s love for theatre began years ago with a skit segment for Jesus Explosion. His talent for writing and directing eventually led him to establish Crossworthy Productions.

His first play, The Choice, produced November 2022, was a resounding success, selling out at the Central Bank and receiving high praise from audiences. Now, with Kingdoms, Brown brings a production of profound spiritual significance to Cipriani Labour College, November 23 and 24. Showtime is 6 p.m.

As the opening night approaches, Brown admits he feels both excitement and anxiety. “There’s always the fear I suppose that the audience is going to find this is crap,” he laughs. But he’s confident that the story’s emotional depth and relatable characters will resonate.

“I would say the play is going to be a very relatable one because the experiences of the human characters in the play…I think it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster. Some of it is intense, but I think you’re going to leave with a lot to think about. I think it’s going to be an enjoyable experience,” Brown said.

When asked what he hopes audiences take away from Kingdoms, Brown is clear: “I hope people leave with a sense that there’s real power available to us in Christ Jesus. Christ’s power is not just distant thing… it’s real….And we have a spiritual army fighting on our side for us to help us on our journey.”

Reflecting on why the call to vocations may not resonate with many, Brown shared that a deeper understanding within families of what priesthood truly entails is essential. “If we can genuinely appreciate what the priesthood is and recognise that a priest is truly Christ’s presence—real and tangible in the Eucharist—it’s the most beautiful gift you can give to anyone,” Brown explained.

Brown’s own calling was “planted” early on, thanks to the influence of a priest, not only in his life but also in his grandmother’s. Recalling fond memories, he shared how his grandmother ensured he attended Mass regularly and encouraged him to read the Psalms with her during the July/August vacations.

“I didn’t realise seeds were being planted at that age. As I got older, my life went in all kinds of directions… girlfriends… but you always come back to your roots,” he reflected.

To inspire more vocations, Brown believes families should cultivate a culture of prayer and joyfulness around faith. “If families understand that the seeds that we plant, we don’t even have to tell your son ‘I want you to be a priest.’ I mean you could bring it up every now and then, but the spiritual habits that you cultivate in your families will lay a foundation, for a vocation to be seen in themselves.”