By: Shawn M Nicholas
I begin by offering heartiest congratulations to Adelza “Lipstick” Sheridan on the premiere of her third movie, Tek Back Man, to a full house at Caribbean Cinemas last Sunday.
I should also tip my hat to the many patrons who believed in the cause and allowed the premiere to be a sold-out event.
The movie, which was written and produced by Sheridan herself, is based on her song of the same name which was released for Antigua Carnival 2023. It was perhaps the most humorous calypso for that Carnival Season, whether or not the judges saw it that way.
Like many others, I had a good laugh every timeI heard the song and perhaps gave a greater chuckle when the names of the “tek back” men were revealed.
Then came the movie. Sheridan masterfully took a humorous topic and made it into an analysis of a social issue which is often overlooked by many. She was able to creatively highlight the plight of some men who are hurting and have little or no avenue to express their hurt. In doing so, her artistry penetrated the veil of social silence.
Again, showing her skills and her understanding of human behaviour, Sheridan locates the men in a barbershop setting. We are told that in the barbershop men are able to speak freely and openly without anyone being judgmental. The barbershop then becomes the safe haven for the Tek Back Man Club.
In their own voices, we hear of the pain theyfeel when they were rejected by their female lovers. They were able, without any inhibition, to explain their reasons for “tekking back” all that they gave to their lovers when they became jilted.
Without giving away too much of the script, for me, the twist of the story was when one of the male characters confessed about being aperpetrator and then a victim, by giving “a knuckle” and then later being “knuckled”.
Men felt free to express their pain and grief to each other in that safe space – in the Tek Back Man Club aka the barbershop.
The timing of this movie could not come at a better time than at the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. It is a stark reminder that men too become victims of emotional pain and suffering. However, our society tends to look down on men who are hurting which prevents them from seeking help.
Sheridan gives us a very good reminder, that men too have issues and are crying out for help.
Congratulations again Adelza Sheridan. We look forward to the next showtime for Tek Back Man.
