The rising cases of rejection and ostracism suffered by LGBT persons in Barbados made Simone's Place a timely production when it was first performed there in 2014. The play is a story of love, acceptance and the need for connection and belonging. Though it focuses on issues of gender identity, the question of class is ever present. The central character is a transgender owner of the club/bar, Simone's Place, where she performs Nina Simone jazz standards as Lady Simone. Despite her upper-class roots, the deeply spiritual Lady Simone has become advisor and healer to many of the broken souls who drink in and hang around the bar; at the same time she is most in need of love and healing herself. The central figure's paradox binds and balances the play as each character struggles with the dilemma of trying to be free in a society where keeping secrets and 'acting right' is the key to survival.
Glenville Lovell has published 5 novels, and a collection of short stories. His short stories can be found in several anthologies, including Queens Noir, and Best African American Fiction 2010. Visit him at: www.glenvillelovell.com or on Facebook.
