Old Story Time and Smile Orange

by Trevor Rhone

Two plays set in Jamaica deal with the pride of motherhood and the impact of the tourist industry

Genres: Literature, School, Plays

155 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 1987

About the author

Trevor Rhone was a Jamaican writer and playwright.

He began his theatre career as a teacher after a three year stint at Rose Bruford College, an English drama school. He was part of the renaissance of Jamaican theater in the early 1970's. Rhone participated in a group called Theatre '77, which established The Barn, a small theater in Kingston, Jamaica to stage local performances. The vision of the group that came together in 1965 was that in 12 years, by 1977, there would be professional theatre in Jamaica.

Among his works is the script to The Harder They Come, a 1972 crime film, which was instrumental in popularizing reggae in the US. He also wrote the script for the 2003 romance One Love.

Reviews

[Melisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play was literally amazing.I enjoyed mostly the dialect it was told in.My favourite character would have to be Lennard because even if he was black he became successful.I admire his strength and courage.He was willing to stand by his wife's side,Lois,against the evil his mother,Miss Aggy tried against her.The play was hilarious and therefore I would highly recommend this play for anyone who wants to get a few good laughs and also learn something new!

[Mrs.]

This was compulsory 'back to school' reading since I rarely, if ever, read plays leisurely. What I loved most is the movements in time within the plot and Rhone's attention to detail in directing these transitions.

[O · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay, we had to do it for literature. I thought it was so retarded, maybe because I didn't understand the dynamics of human relationships at 14. I lived in a bubble for quite a while. I was very sheltered, and I didn't think ignorance and bickering could develop so far.

[Shulonie Mccalla · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is my literature book. oh my, miss.aggy; i wouldnt wanna have a mother like that

[Showayne Johnson]

Old story time, play postive impact in motherhood rural life in the world wide.

[Apple]

i think it is interesting and educative

[Marren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old Story Time
The technique the playwright uses to transition between the present scene and flasback is brilliant for a play because it could be a difficult transition for the actors but it works out successfully.

Smile Orange
The character of the busboy (Cyril), who seemed frightened and always nervous of the white guests. Is he a representation of some Jamaican outlook of whites. On the other hand you have Ringo and Joe and Miss Brandon who is waiting to exploit the white tourists in the form of sexual advancement for money.

[Alex Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great play, some of themes in the book, all of the themes in this are "related " to me and my life. It talked about going abroad and bringing back what you learnt to apply, yet talking about the simplicity of life and what we're missing....and promiscuity too

[Muradzi Teddy]

nyc book bt more understandable to those who understands the Jamaican language

[Yonique Taylor]

i think this book is amazing

[Abigail Geohaghan]

I WANNA KNOW HOW YOU GUYZ READ THE BOOK,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,....................

[Danielle Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a part of my Diving back into Literature books challenge

Old Story Time is one of those Literaturebooks that everybody in class quoted back in the day. 'That jeasy ears, board head, Jigger foot gyal is your friend?' is always a favourite. The play has a rhythm that is irresistible. We used to read it for fun on lazy Saturdays in my dorm room at school.
Mama has never been my favourite character. But the things she represents are important notes to make during self-reflection. We may not say out of our mouths 'Anything black nuh good' like she does, but we must inspect ourselves internally and figure out if we embody it in our thoughts and dealings with others.
I will always be jealous of playwrights who can write a characters dialogue so well, that you are transported to the setting, be it stage or life.
There is so much I can say about this story, but to stop it from becoming a Grade Eleven Literature paper, I'm just going to says the characters are great and the message is real.

[Jecari]

The story was set in a rural settings. The main character was Pa Ben he was miss Aggie's bestfriend. Miss Aggie was also called mama by her son Len who who later became a economist. Miss Aggie was very superstitious every thing that happened she blamed it on ghosts. She did not allow her son to by her a nice house when he could because she believes that people would be jealous and obeah her. She was ambitious she she worked very hard to support her son to school and kept him away from friends.

[Kadie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to know how to read the book please anyone can help me

[Naomi Watadza · Rating 2 out of 5]

good book

[Audrey Willabus]

Avicii

[JayJackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me love Caribbean literature. Not to mention how much it resembles our actual culture :-)

[Delica]

Ok

[Dekoda Notice · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Annachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I read the book? Plsss answer 😭😭

[Marvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

i got a work on it so i had to go online just to use it

[Nia Simmonds]

Love

[Venandra Virgo]

i want to read this book hoe do i do so idk how to

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome will always be my fav

[Ajaunie Wint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Tracy-ann Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really interesting story.I like to read and discuss it with my friends and families.If you imagine the story in your head mean while you read it, you will laugh although there is no joke in it. My favorite character is Miss.Aggy because she is always strict and pressuring Len with his book to get colorful grades.

[Zamara Thelwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the backbone of real jamaicans

[Javanie]

ok

[David Dojoy]

.

[Doodnauth Smarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

was a great story