The Caribbean Education Foundation has partnered with NAACP award winning writer/performer Debra Ehrhardt to bring “Jamaica Farewell” Play to Boston!
 
Jamaica, Farewell Play will connect with everyone who has ever passionately pursued a dream and made it a reality. It will also undoubtedly register with generations of immigrants to the United States who have sought freedom and opportunities to progress.
 
Jamaica, Farewell has received rave reviews from New York to London!

As the 2007 NY Fringe Festival Winner, the Show has been in theatres of New York, London, Toronto, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta and more…

It has never been to Boston.

“EXUBERANT! HIGH COMEDY!” ~NEW YORK TIMES.

“Powerful…with wit and a melodic Jamaican lilt, Ehrhardt proves to be an entertaining and charming raconteur.” ~THE NEW YORKER.

“Flashes of wit and genuine lyricism combined with an adventure that might make James Bond sweat.…gripping and marvelously funny!”
 ~BACKSTAGE, NY.

“Powerful…Debra Ehrhardt holds the audience captive from beginning to end, with this powerful drama, filled with humor and suspense.” ~AFRIDIZIAK, LONDON UK

The Play will be held in the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Wimberly Theatre in Boston’s beautiful South End. 

ONE NIGHT ONLY on Saturday, September 26, 2009.  Doors Open at 7:00 p.m.  There will be Valet Parking plus validated parking at two nearby Garages.  Orange Line to Back Bay; Green Line to Arlington.

A VIP Reception will follow the performance with delicious Caribbean Cuisine and Music Performance by Live Roots Reggae Band!

All proceeds will benefit Scholarship Programs for the Caribbean Education Foundation.

Jamaica, Farewell is a true story that takes its audience on a wild roller coaster ride from Jamaica to America!  It is a one woman play based on Debra’s true story of her life growing up in Jamaica and subsequent migration to the United States during a time of political upheaval in her native country. Ehrhardt plays some 20 characters, including her parents, siblings and a CIA agent as she recalls fleeing the turmoil of Kingston, Jamaica.

Debra Ehrhardt’s numerous attempts to obtain a visa in revolution-torn Jamaica in the 1970’s were devastatingly futile. Left to her own devices, she risked prison time, even death, in an attempt to pull off a daring, dangerous caper with the unwitting help of an infatuated American CIA agent.

Jamaica, Farewell is Ehrhardt’s third one-woman show. Her previous productions include Mango, Mango which received two NAACP awards and Invisible Chairs, which was produced by David Strasberg at the Marilyn Monroe Theater in West Hollywood, California and later was optioned as a situation comedy by Fox Television. 

Jamaica, Farewell is currently being adapted for the big screen.

The Caribbean Education Foundation, Inc. (CEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) tax deductible nonprofit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts.  CEF helps poor children gain meaningful access to quality education in the Caribbean.  The Foundation awards scholarships to underprivileged children who are unable to attend school because parents cannot pay school fees and other school related costs.  Scholarships pay school fees, purchase text books, school supplies, uniforms, meals and transportation.  

Nikiki T. Bogle, Esq., President and Founder of the Caribbean Education Foundation explains, “CEF’s goal is to take action to help break the poverty cycle and give youth meaningful choices and opportunities in this world. Quality education in the Caribbean is the critical first step.” 

In explaining her views on the Play, Ms. Bogle remarked, “The Caribbean Education Foundation is truly excited to have Jamaica, Farewell come to Boston! We believe that bringing a high-caliber play such as Jamaica, Farewell to Boston will garner strong support from our great Massachusetts community!” She added, “There is no doubt that with the generous support of our sponsors and attendees, CEF will be able to continue its important task to help provide that critical first step in the lives of many poor children, who will be able attend Junior High and High School for the upcoming school year.” 

The show’s star, Debra Ehrhardt was asked why she chose to work with CEF on this project and the actor explained, “Providing an education to a child is granting access to a myriad of opportunities and paving a road to a better life. I can’t think of a more worthy cause than this.”