Sea at Dauphin

Synopsis

St. Lucia, 1950s

Afa stands at the heart of a St. Lucian fishing village, a place where the sea is both a lifeline and a relentless foe. Every day, he braves the unpredictable waters, his existence tightly woven with the rhythm of the tides. The village, bound by poverty and tradition, looks to the sea for survival. Amidst this backdrop, Afa’s story unfolds, a poignant tale of resilience, hope, and the unyielding grip of the sea on the lives it governs.

The Sea at Dauphin by Derek Walcott delves into the complex and often fraught relationship between humanity and nature, specifically the sea, which serves as both a life-giving and perilous force for the villagers. The play also portrays the rich cultural fabric of the West Indies, using the sea as a powerful metaphor for the villagers’ struggles and aspirations. The narrative is enriched by the interactions of characters like Hounakin, an elderly widower, and Gacia, who add depth to this exploration of life, death, and the human spirit.