‘Drama Night’ at CARIFESTA XIV was filled with Guyanese folk tales and poetry. From a powerful spoken-word act promoting unity to empowering women, members of the National Drama Company outdid themselves.
Scene from the Guyana National Drama Company’s performance at Drama Night at SAPA in San Fernando, Trinidad during CARIFESTA XIV (DPI photo)
For about an hour, onlookers sat with their eyes transfixed on the stage as the acts unfolded at Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando, Trinidad.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that, starting with the gripping short play ‘The Tadja’, to a powerful spoken-word act calling for an end to violence against women and girls, things really moved along when the Guyanese actors began their storytelling segment, thrilling the audience and keeping listeners on the edge of their seats with folk tales about our Baccoo and Massacuraman, among other things. Onlookers and patrons were enthralled with the performance.
Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Albert Ishmael, a Guyanese residing in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, said he was amazed. “I was really excited to see Guyana on stage, and Guyana did not disappoint… As a Guyanese national living in Trinidad and Tobago, I am so happy that they are here showcasing what our beautiful country has to offer,” Ishmael is quoted by the DPI as saying.
Trinidadian Grace John said her interest was aroused after seeing the televised version of the Guyana delegation’s presentation ‘A year in a day’. “Because I was watching and I saw Guyana on television, I thought it would be the same production. However, when I came, I realised it was more theatrical…but it was great, it was on point. I enjoyed it,” she said.
Her fellow countryman, Kareem Salhab, said the performance made an impact with citizens, and he hoped that others would act on the message imparted by the performance. “I thought it was really impactful, especially the spoken word. I think that it touched a lot of the issues that we face in terms of abuse, misuse of our resources that we would later depend on; and by doing that, they have opened the eyes of many of the spectators with the hope that they will react to the message given,” he remarked.
Members of the National Drama Company will next grace the stage at the Queen’s Hall Theatre with their production titled ‘Laugh of the marble queen’.
