By Janet Bajan Young
One who shared her creative talents with Gambians, young and old, died on Friday,7th August 2026. She will be missed!!
Her remarkable contribution to Ebunjan Theatre will never die!
My first encounter with Olivia was soon after I returned home (The Gambia) in the early seventies.
The late Cass Gillen had a Printing Shop in Allen Street, Banjul. I wanted to print a script I had recently completed. He welcomed me warmly and introduced me to his wife, Olivia. “She is from Zimbabwe! He proudly added! The flippant Janet Young exclaimed, “From Zimbabwe, in East Africa! Cass, you travelled all that distance to look for a wife?”
“Good question!” She retorted, “Let him give you reasons for his choice!” We all laughed, and the bond of friendship was tied tightly around us! Soon after that, my cousin, the late Mensa Elliott, brought her to my home to look at my garden. I discovered that we had the same passion for flowers and trees! Such was her love for plants that I warned my gardener not to leave her alone in the garden during my absence!! She had a generous and caring personality!!
Her endearing nature and confidence prompted me to offer her the role of the mother in “A Raisin in the Sun,” a play by Lorraine Hansberry, written in 1959. It was the first play written by an African American woman that was produced on Broadway in the United States of America. She gave a sincere and emotional portrayal of a mother, determined to leave a slum area for a better environment.
“The Daughters of Eve,” a play based on the remarkable role of “Women in the Bible”, which I wrote and directed; she played the role of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Her interpretation of the character was sincere and unforgettable!
Dr. Dele Jones, a prominent Governance and Risk Management Expert with a keen interest in the performing arts, initiated a monthly meeting of poets and potential poets, and others with a keen interest in classical and modern poetry. The year was 2010. The venue was Cass and Olivia’s recently opened Hotel, “ROC Heights.” (Raki, Olivia and Cass).
Olivia, keen, knowledgeable, experienced, and blessed with “The Mida’s Touch,” created a magical and unforgettable ambiance in the garden. Ebunjan Performing Arts Association received two remarkable donations, proceeds from the Poetry Recital, towards the construction of Ebunjan Theatre.
Thank you, Olivia, for your friendship and outstanding contribution to Ebunjan Theatre!! We’ll miss you! May your soul rest in perfect peace.