After watching “The Fab 4 & the Silent Retreat”, which left us with the immediate need to know what happens next and how on earth this precarious plan will pan out, the OUT ’N ABOUT sat down with the Fab 4 themselves, to find out a little more about the four starlets and their experiences.
The Fab 4 & the Silent Retreat graced the big screen this past weekend after premiering on International Women’s Day, March 8. Directed by Peter Sagnia and written by Diane De La Haye, the film offers an intimate view into the personal lives of four friends with very different personalities – from high hopes to disappointments and tribulations.
The viewer takes a seat with the ladies at the table, experiencing the true-to-life banter of the day, up-close. With the natural quip and chemistry of long-time friends, the women explore their own and each other’s life experiences and current challenges – each their own main character. With times being uncertain, a cool-headed Rose, played by Clarisse Glasgow, signs the group up for an introspective silent retreat. How will the vivacious group manage that?
With a natural chemistry and comradery as key ingredients in the short film, we wondered if the actresses knew each other well or had worked together before. As it turns out, most of them did, with Kedisha Vidal who plays Josie, being the exception as the relative newbie who nevertheless immediately gravitated towards her co-stars. Rita Gumbs, who plays Diana; and Shama Flurton, who plays June; are long-time friends who have danced and acted together extensively. Both ladies knew and had previously worked with Clarisse, and Shama had also played sports with her.
When asked about the public response, the ladies all agreed that it has been overwhelming, and that people were left at the edge of their seats, wanting to know what happens next and asking when part-two would be coming out.
“We felt so appreciated,” Rita recalls. “We know that the St. Maarten community loves theatre, live theatre – as well as now they’re kind of loving the film aspect – so I was happy we did that as well.” Seeing familiar faces from the local theatre world as well as a fresh face, Rita pointed out, was part of what made it special.
“I think they were really excited to see us in the flesh as well,” added Kedisha. The actresses attended each of the three screenings, and Kedisha loved the idea of the premier and that it coincided with Women’s History Month.
The local aspect was also a major pull, of course, and this positive aspect can be said of the entire night of entertainment. At the viewings, Film Director Peter Sagnia also showcased a burst of local talent in two more short films, “Meltdown” and “Family”, as well as a snippet of the upcoming production, “Wonderful Counselor”.
“Meltdown” – starring King Vers – features a couple struggling to maintain their marriage. “Family” – starring Rene Violenus – centres on family dynamics during the discovery of unsettling secrets that threaten to break them apart, and a preview of “Wonderful Counselor” – starring Edsel Monzon, Jenise Diaz, and Earl Duzong – ended in the funniest cliff-hanger we’ve seen yet.
With familiar faces and places, realistic characters and storylines, and no phony or forced accents, all four productions felt authentically and refreshingly local.
Back to the Fab 4: We saw the chemistry, but how do the ladies relate to their characters, do they see parts of the characters in themselves? Shama and Clarisse in particular say yes. “The character is very much like me, so it was easy to relate. I tend to be a sort of mediator,” she told us. Shama also related to her character well, saying that she is also jovial, jokey, sarcastic and someone that like to clown around.
Rita on the other hand says there is a stark contrast between herself and her character Diana, who she describes as brutal, blunt, and someone who does not mince any words. “I chose my words carefully, as much as I may advise them [friends], I wouldn’t do it in a way to hurt their feelings.” But “I like playing characters that are far away from who I really am,” she added, as that makes it fun and more of a challenge.
“What should the audience’s takeaway message be?” we asked.
“Togetherness” was the main point for Kedisha, who said that while in real life, she tends to give space to women with families to live their own lives, this project felt refreshing and new in the way she shared the same experiences with everyone. “It was a whole vibe.” She would like the main takeaway to be “Embrace others, embrace different personalities, embrace who you are, generally.”
“Bonding” was the key theme for Clarisse, who wants the audience to see the importance of bonding and the support that women have for each other.
Shama wants viewers to see that it’s ok to accept corrections and criticism, knowing that the person giving it is not necessarily against you. “We can bring the reality and still say ‘I love you’ afterwards…Sometimes women tend to be touchy [but] it’s ok to be around a group of women with different opinions.”
“Acceptance” was the important takeaway for Rita. “When you look at the Fab 4… the four of us are different.” Between them having different looks, personalities, and ways of expressing themselves, “it shows that friendship is not only about you and I liking the same things or having the same goals, it’s about me accepting you for who you are, and you accepting me... A friend should know that as much as we argue, there should always be a discussion for us to come back together and still hold on to that friendship.” It’s something Rita values in her personal life as well.
“And the importance of womanhood in the equation?” we asked. The ladies all loved Rita’s response, which centred on the phrase: “I am who I am because of her.” Calling each co-star out by name, she explained the meaning: “Their personalities impact my life and make me a different type of woman. No matter what aspect.”
“So there will be a part 2, right?” While that’s ultimately up to De La Haye and Sagnia, the Fab 4 women proclaim that they are ready for the next one. They’re already curious what the script will be like. “Let’s call it into existence.” They did!
Our Fab 4 interview, which took place at Holland House, was filmed. See the ladies reflect on the experience for yourself, by heading over to Peter Sagnia’s Facebook page @petersagniafilmsbv. Clarisse Glasgow’s comments gathered after filming. For more information on his work, visit www.petersagniafilmsbv.com. Interview by Daniella De Windt, article by Darlene Hodge, both Special Editions Coordinators for The Daily Herald.
