‘Jamaica’s Kaleidoscope’ opens May 10 at Grand View Viking Theatre

You’ve got plans this weekend! Check out a new play by Claudine Cheatem opening in Des Moines.

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May 7, 2024

Claudine Cheatem. Photo courtesy of Cheatem.

Playwright Claudine Cheatem wrote the book “Jamaica’s Kaleidoscope” and self-published it in 2013, as she pursued a master’s degree in creative writing. She adapted the book into a play as a part of her thesis. The play will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 10, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Grand View Theatre in Des Moines.

What’s the play about?: Jamaica thought she was about to have the best summer of her 15 year-old life. But family matters get in the way and change everything.

“I would like for people to get message that a beautiful life is made up of broken pieces,” Cheatem said.

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Author

Dana James

Dana James is an award-winning writer who founded Black Iowa News in 2020 and the Black Iowa Newspaper in 2023. Born and raised in Des Moines, Dana tells stories that center Black Iowans’ lived experiences and amplify their voices. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Grand View University. She serves as secretary of the Iowa Association of Black Journalists.