Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

Pionero Productions presents its inaugural theatre production, MansPlain, on November 15 at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, Newbold Street, St Clair, The production is a collaborative, creative presentation which features new and original work penned specifically to focus on the male experience in T&T.

Directed by Tyker Phillip, MansPlain’s all-male cast will showcase some of the most inner thoughts of men in our community with a few sharing their own stories. Integrating cultural elements from Carnival and the use of multi-media, Phillip knits together an ensemble piece sure to spark some necessary conversation about masculinity.

The show’s title is a spin on the Urban Dictionary’s definition of mansplaining, which means: “to explain, to a woman, in a condescending or patronising way.”

Phillip said, “The aim of this production is to have men plainly express and explain their deepest fears and worries, concerns, happiness and victories in a manner that is healthy and emotionally intelligent. We get an insight into the male perspective during the show in a way that many of us haven’t been afforded before.

“Many of these stories expose a very human amount of vulnerability and emotion, which as a society we’ve told men they shouldn’t expose, and if they do there are a host of disparaging things that we’ll sav or do in response.”

The cast of new actors, as well as experienced thespians, has been working on accurately portraying each story they share, to maximise their effect and promise not to disappoint. Cast members include Chaquile Charles, Nicholas Subero, Gervais Aleong, Kern Mollineau, Jamaal Pemberton, Kiral Ifill and Shahad Ali.

For this run of MansPlain, Pionero Productions has collaborated with the T&T Prisons Service’s Programmes and Industry Department and believes their involvement in the project will evolve. Phillip said she wants to do a lot more work with them, as “they have been amazing from the beginning. I am happy they agreed to be a part of the production, and I am excited about our very possible future creating together.”

In speaking about the hopes for Pionero Productions’ continued contribution to the creative landscape, the director said, “I think it’s vital for us to foster positive relationships with the men and boys in our lives and in our communities, to action a lot of the potential solutions in ongoing conversations about violence and crime, parenting, sexual and reproductive health, education, mental health etc. Utilising the arts and sport is the way we do that. Projects and productions like MansPlain is the way we do that.”

MansPlain’s premiere date on November 15 comes before International Men’s Day, which was championed by Trinidadian men and became an official UN-recognised day in 1992. The show runs at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop in St Clair util November 17, Tickets cost $100.

For tickets, email pioneroproductions@gmail.com and call 760-7687 and 388-3710.