When a Duppy Crashes Thanksgiving: Jamaican-Panamanian Playwright Tyla Harris Premieres Bammy an’ Buxom at CSP New Works Fest

Conch Shell Productions (CSP) proudly announces the world-premiere workshop presentation of Bammy an’ Buxom, an electrifying new play by Jamaican-Panamanian playwright and multidisciplinary artist Tyla Harris, at the CSP New Works Fest 2025, December 5th & 6th at HB Playwrights Theatre (HB Studio is CSP’s presenting partner).

ABOUT THE PLAY — A Caribbean Family Dinner Takes a Supernatural Turn

In celebration of her newfound independence, Jai, a young second-generation Caribbean-American artist, invites the matriarchs of her family to Thanksgiving dinner at her new apartment.

But the night spirals into chaos when her great-grandmother becomes convinced that a duppy—a restless spirit—is coming to claim her soul.

What follows is a surreal, emotional, and culturally rooted journey through
✨ grief
✨ guilt
✨ dementia
✨ caregiving
✨ generational trauma
✨ Caribbean spiritual traditions

A family gathering becomes a spiritual reckoning—forcing Jai to confront her own fears, responsibilities, and inheritance.

PLAYWRIGHT / CO-DIRECTOR — TYLA HARRIS

Tyla Harris is an artist of Jamaican and Panamanian heritage, born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Known for her decade of onscreen work in For Life (ABC), Six (HISTORY), Tales (BET), and Fantasy Football (Nickelodeon), Harris is a multi-hyphenate actor, writer, director, and creative producer.

With a B.A. in Political Science and a career spanning TV, film, theatre, dance, and poetry, she uses her artistry to uplift community voices and explore the sociopolitical realities of Black and Caribbean families.

Bammy an’ Buxom is her debut play.
Website: TylaHarris.com
IG: @TylaAnneHarris • @BammyAnBuxom

CO-DIRECTOR — TONEY GOINS

Juilliard-trained actor and award-winning choreographer Toney Goins brings his dynamic artistic vision to his directorial debut in theatre. His acting career includes:
– Toni Stone (Off-Broadway)
– Billions (Showtime) – series regular
– Cherry (Russo Brothers)
Goins began his career as a three-time Philadelphia theatre award winner for Best Choreographer.

CAST

Jai – Myah Bridgewater
Tish – Lulu Fairclough-Stewart
Sammie – Jamé Jackson
Reese – Lanae Richelle
Opal – Tsahai Gilchrist
Coo – TBA

ARTIST STATEMENT — TYLA HARRIS

“Bammy An’ Buxom is a wild ride of intergenerational love, care, and compassion, showing one of the realities of caregiving. Inspired by the countless stories I’ve heard—including those I’ve lived—it stands as a toast to our beautiful Jamaican culture in all its evolutions, and a loving bow to our elders who keep us going.”

STATEMENT FROM MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER, CSP ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

“Tyla Harris brings fearless tenderness to the Caribbean matriarchal experience. Her play is bold, humorous, spiritual, and deeply human—exactly the kind of storytelling CSP exists to uplift.”

EVENT DETAILS

CSP NEW WORKS FEST 2025

📅 December 4–6, 2025
📍 HB Studio Theatre, 124 Bank Street, NYC 10014
🎟️ Tickets: $30
Eventbrite + more info at www.conchshellproductions.com

ABOUT CONCH SHELL PRODUCTIONS

CSP is a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying Caribbean-heritage playwrights and filmmakers whose work inspires social change. Supported in part by the Flushing Town Hall GO Queens Grant. www.conchshellproductions.com

ABOUT HB STUDIO

HB Studio (founded 1945) is one of America’s original performing arts training institutions, offering a practice-based artistic home for actors, directors, and writers of all levels. www.hbstudio.org