Blooming in Dry Season

by Eljon Wardally

Set in a rum shop in the Spice Isle of Grenada, Rose, an oppressed housewife, has lived life for her husband, Fitz, a failed Calypsonian, and daughter, Garland, a gifted steel pan player. When a once in a lifetime opportunity for her daughter presents itself, Rose realizes she's put her own dreams on hold long enough and she is forced to make a decision, should she stay or should she go?

Set in a rum shop in the Spice Isle of Grenada, Rose, an oppressed housewife, has lived life for her husband, Fitz, a failed Calypsonian, and daughter, Garland, a gifted steel pan player. When a once in a lifetime opportunity for her daughter presents itself, Rose realizes she's put her own dreams on hold long enough and she is forced to make a decision, should she stay or should she go?

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Blooming in Dry Season

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Blooming in Dry Season by Eljon Wardally
    “

    A powerful look at the dreams one holds and the struggle to be there for one's children as they pursue theirs. Well done.

    A powerful look at the dreams one holds and the struggle to be there for one's children as they pursue theirs. Well done.

    ”
  • Ivan Mosley: Blooming in Dry Season by Eljon Wardally
    “

    In this quietly poignant play, Ms. Wardally uses gender roles to deftly explore the murky boundary between supporting someone else's dream and completely sacrificing your identity in service to it. She expertly uses subtext and humor to show the joys and pains in the older characters' marriage. Their struggle to encourage their daughter to pursue her dreams while accepting their own failures resonated with me the most. This play makes a powerful statement about how we embrace opportunity. I look forward to seeing it onstage.

    In this quietly poignant play, Ms. Wardally uses gender roles to deftly explore the murky boundary between supporting someone else's dream and completely sacrificing your identity in service to it. She expertly uses subtext and humor to show the joys and pains in the older characters' marriage. Their struggle to encourage their daughter to pursue her dreams while accepting their own failures resonated with me the most. This play makes a powerful statement about how we embrace opportunity. I look forward to seeing it onstage.

    ”
  • Jordan Bird: Blooming in Dry Season by Eljon Wardally
    “

    This play is a punch in the gut. Deep, rich characters and lovely musical rhythms make this play shine. A story about sacrifice and memory that is specific to these characters and their situation while being simultaneously universal.

    This play is a punch in the gut. Deep, rich characters and lovely musical rhythms make this play shine. A story about sacrifice and memory that is specific to these characters and their situation while being simultaneously universal.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Grenadian accent
  • Garland
    Grenadian accent
    teens
    African American/Black
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Fitz
    Grenadian accent
    50s, 60s
    African American/Black
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Rose
    Grenadian accent
    50s, 60s
    African American/Black
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Production History

  • Professional, New Federal Theatre, 2026
  • Professional, North Carolina Black Repertory, 2025

Awards

  • Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award
    North Carolina Black Repertory Company
    Winner
    2024