Deandra Daniels, a young theatre actress, shares her views and those of others as they navigate the evolving landscape of Guyanese theatre. She highlights the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of theatre practitioners, including the excitement surrounding the upcoming play The Untold. Through their voices, Deandra delves into the rich cultural significance of theatre in Guyana and the collective call for greater support to elevate the industry to new heights.
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Guyana’s theatre boasts a rich and vibrant history, reflecting the nation’s creative spirit, socio-political shifts, and cultural diversity.
Rooted in a fusion of African, Indian, European, and Indigenous traditions, Guyanese theatre serves as both a platform for artistic expression and a mirror to the country’s multifaceted identity.
The Struggles and Triumphs of a Guyanese Actress
After graduating from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama and being inducted into the National Drama Company of Guyana in 2018, it became apparent that my aspirations of becoming an award-winning actor were somewhat of a “when fowl cock grow teeth” situation.
While studying at the University of Guyana, I continued acting during my free time. “Work,” however, is a generous term—I wasn’t paid a penny. Instead, I’d receive a “Thank you” or a meal as compensation.
Invited to perform poetry or skits at various events, I was often repaid with kind gestures. While appreciated, such gestures were far from enough for a struggling student.
Frustration, aimlessness, and a sense of invisibility clouded my foray into acting.
Limited funding and a lack of contacts left me feeling forgotten. However, my fortunes shifted in 2019 when I debuted with the National Drama Company in Musings of a Poet: Part 1, receiving much acclaim for my performance.
COVID-19 and the Resilience of the Creative Arts
Then came 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic silenced theatres and paralysed the social world. With no union or representation to support actors, I turned my back on acting, took an internship, and focused on my studies.
The National Drama Company, founded in 2015, is relatively new.
In contrast, the Theatre Guild Playhouse of Guyana has been a cornerstone of the arts since the 1960s. According to a 2021 article by Al Creighton Jr., the playhouse, built in 1962, became the cultural capital of the nation.
It was the superior institution for theatre, serving as an unofficial drama school. Its graduates, including Eugene Williams, who later led the Jamaica School of Drama, and Henry Mootoo, who headed cultural institutions in the Cayman Islands, went on to shape professional theatre across the Caribbean.
The dust of the pandemic settled, and renewed hope in theatre emerged as funding for the Creative Arts Industries in Guyana gained momentum.
The Untold: A Tale of New Beginnings and Dark Secrets
Since 2022, I have lived the actress’s dream—albeit the Guyanese version, where day jobs remain essential. Earning actual money from my craft, I’ve sought advice from seasoned colleagues on the fine art of negotiating my worth.
Currently, I am rehearsing for The Untold at the iconic Theatre Guild Playhouse. Written, directed, and produced by Colleen Humphrey, this play explores new beginnings.
Sixteen-year-old Deandria, after her mother’s arrest for drug trafficking, moves in with her aunt and uncle. What unfolds is a dark and sinister tale.
Humphrey, a multi-award-winning actress, steps into the role of director and writer for the first time. Known for her work in radio’s Murendoi and TV’s Those People, she also hosts workshops to foster dramatic growth.
Reflecting on the state of theatre, she shares: “We are not paid well for our talent, as it takes a lot of hard work to be someone else, and still have a normal life, members of the theatre fraternity should respect one’s ability to make changes without being blackballed or blacklisted.
“Every artist has flaws; most of us are a bit crazy to tell you the truth. I’d like to see theatre in Guyana on bigger screens.
“We have good actors/actresses and should have that opportunity, I’d like to see a shift in control, we have older ones who had that exposure. I’d like to see the younger people do the same and more – directing and producing, taking Guyana into a new multimedia environment locally and globally”.
Voices from the Stage: Actors Reflect on Theatre in Guyana
Joining the cast is Menelik Quarless, playing Edwin Roberts, a wealthy entrepreneur haunted by childhood abuse. This marks Quarless’s stage debut.
He remarks: “I believe this new installment The Untold has the potential to become another first step and a groundbreaker throughout the arts in Guyana. I believe some hardships faced in the theatre industry in Guyana are lack of inclusivity in a holistic sense, capital equitability for artists and backstage assistant and management.
“I would like to see more accessibility for those who may not necessarily be a part of the arts but have a talent, joy or love for it and may potentially awaken their own craft. The theatre needs more publications and assistance to build its platform even more significantly in Guyana. The Untold, I think will do just that.”
Tristana Roberts is in her 18th year of teaching. A zumba instructor, a model and has been in the arts for over 30 years. She has been in dance productions, dramatic presentations, musicals and a few advertisements. She also does voiceover work for radio and documentaries.
Roberts shared her point of view as an experienced actress in the industry.
“I enjoy everything culturally Guyanese and am a part of the annual Mashramani celebrations in some way or the other. I believe that the Arts allow for freedom of expression and that performance artists achieve magic when they are together.
“I play the role of ‘Ella’. I’m a depressed married woman who drowns her sorrows in alcohol and pills because she has been trying for years to become pregnant with no success. I think that most people in Guyana believe that Theatre is on a downward spiral.
“The majority of persons seem to only want to go to the theatre for comedy shows, especially those including slapstick, as these are the ones that have the most corporate backing. Theatre in Guyana needs a lot of help from others, the little theatre practitioners we have here presently, cannot do it alone”.
Kevin Smith is an Advertising Officer at the Department of Public Information, where he serves as a key part of the public relations arm of the government. Outside of his professional role, he enjoys traveling, reading, and volunteering, always looking for ways to enrich his life and give back to his community.
One of his favourite quotes is “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
He plays the character of Bentick, a steadfast and loyal friend to Edwin, always by his side through thick and thin. His devotion to Edwin knows no bounds, for true friendship means standing firm when the world around us shakes. Smith’s thoughts on the industry are as follows.
“Theatre in Guyana is a wonderful and important part of the country’s cultural expression. It has the power to highlight the unique stories, struggles, and triumphs of the people here. The performances I see often reflect the richness of our traditions, history, and the diversity of voices in this nation.
“However, I believe we have the potential to do so much more. We could see greater collaboration across genres, bringing together theatre with other forms of art like music, dance, and visual arts to create even more immersive and impactful performances.
“Expanding access to theatre education and offering more training opportunities would also allow future generations of performers and creatives to take the industry to new heights.”
End notes
In conclusion, like my colleagues I would agree that more attention in terms of funding, advertising and advocacy needs to be driven into theatre. The Guyanese population must understand theatre as a prestigious form of artistry and not as a necessary nuisance to society.
Youth should know that proper training, attention and focus are needed to completely transform yourself into another person and become something else entirely in order to entertain.
There is that surge of electricity that passes through your body as you stand on a stage in front of hundreds and your innate ability to focus is conflicting with the lines in your head and the coordination of your feet.
The reintroduction of theatre as an art form in Guyana begins on the 28th and 29th of December at 8pm when The Untold graces the stage of the Theatre Guild Playhouse.
Words I can use to describe my acting career to date? Hope, Love, Purpose.
