Heart Beat of Theatre in Guyana
“The Theatre Guild of Guyana has been and continues to be the nurturing ground for amateur and professional dramatic talent and productions. It has, over the years, inculcated the values of the creative industries of the spoken word, music, dance, fashion, art, culture, lighting, sound and related disciplines to thousands. Although there was a period of dormancy for nearly a decade, the ancient saying that “if you take care of the roots, the tree will survive”, holds true as far as the Theatre Guild is concerned. The Theatre Guild has had a major restoration that has resulted in a concomitant revitalization of the dramatic art form and even a fledgling cinematographic industry.
The Theatre Guild’s role is therefore one of forging, fashioning and refining the skills of young, old, amateur or professional dramatists, dramaturges, playwrights, choreographers, film-makers, directors, producers, set designers, and the whole gamut of those who take care of the Roots of Culture.
The Theatre Guild is spatially located in the small, prestigious, and elegant ward of Kingston in Georgetown a stone’s throw from prominent hotels and embassies and across the way from premier secondary institutions. It serves a catchment area that pulls in most of the capital city within a ten-minute drive radius and is an acoustically, modern theatre space with state-of-the-art lighting, proscenium arch, movable modular stage and over 300 seats.” So says Enrico Woolford a veteran member of the Guild who now serves on its Board.
The Guild has a pleasant gallery type foyer and on-site and off-street secure parking. The Theatre Guild of Guyana was established in 1957, and its playhouse was created in the early 60s.
Dr. Cheddi Jagan and GUYSUCO were integral to the founding of the Guild and they were frequent members of the audience. GUYSUCO provided many of the initial members and funding.
Through its training and productions over the last 53 years, the Guild has created several figures in culture that were important to Guyana or the world beyond. For instance, Eguene Williams, who was a member of the Guild in the 1970s, is now Director of the Jamaica School of Drama, which is considered the premiere drama school of the region. His sister Pat Liverpool has remained faithful to the Theatre and was an important part of its rebuilding fund. She still serves as Guild treasurer.
Eugene Williams (top) of the Guild who is now Director of Jamaica School of Drama. His sister Pat (above) has served the Guild for decades and now serves as the Guild Treasurer (2012-2013).
Henry Mutoo, also a member of the Guild around the same time, was a founder and is now CEO of the Cayman Islands Foundation for the Arts. Malcom Defreitas, Alieen Hintzen and Enrico Woolford have all remained with the Theatre and have served on its first Board since the re-opening in 2008.
Henry Mutoo circa 1970 in a role at the Guild is now CEO of the CFA in the Cayman Islands.
Daphne Rogers , who served as costume mistress and administrator of the Guyana National Cultural Centre for over 20 years, Margaret Lawrence, CEO of Merundoi, Desiree Edgehill, CEO of Actors in Direct Support, Henry Rodney, Godfrey Naughton , Director of the Ministry of Culture’s National Drama Festival, Desiree Whyles, Director of Allied Arts, Mariatha Causeway , Theatre Manager, Simeon Dowding, Board Member and CEO of GreenHeart Children’s Theatre, Ron Robinson of the Theatre Company, Russell Lancaster, first chair of the new Guild, Aileen Hintzen, as well as Dr. Paloma Mohamed, current Chair of the Guild, all began their careers in the arts at the Guild.
These are just a few of the scores of important artists spread around the world whose first place of expression was the Guild. Many of these artists maintain contact with the new Guild.
Cast of the Guild production of “Witness for the Prosecution” 1970s. Those in the picture include Jermonica Walcott, Godfrey Naughton, Henry Rodney, Ronald Exteter , Reggie Brotherson and Malcom Defreitas.
Enrico Woolford and Leon Saul (on couch) in a 1980’s production of “Ten Little Injuns”.
Daphne Rogers working on costumes at the Guild in the 1950s. She later served as Administrator of the National Cultural Centre for over 20 year.
Since the massive rebuilding effort which culminated in the rebuilding of the Theatre and its reopening in 2008, The Guild has offered training workshops for various aspects of the theatre. Workshops are conducted every Wednesday between seven and nine in the evening.
The Theatre Guild is a non–profit organization which funds its training, performance and outreach activities through the service of volunteers, members and also through rents, receipts from performances, sales of services, and membership dues.
Funding from about 10 corporate sponsors has been consistent and has greatly supported the work of the Guild since it reopened in 2008. These are GT&T, Republic Bank, AnsaMcAL, GBTI, Noble House, DISINCO, McCORP, Stabroek News, Citizens Bank, John Fernandes Ltd, and the Government of Guyana.
Since it reopened its door in 2008, the Theatre has produced over 15 major productions, many by Guyanese writers. The Theatre has also produced over 11 new playwrights and over 100 dramatists.
Flashback: the 1970’s Guild production of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
Flash forward: Director Malcom Defreitas and Cast of the Guilds 2012 Production of Shakespeare’s “A Mid Summer Nights Dream”
The national and international importance of the Theatre Guild cannot be overstated as evidenced, however, there is an important personal dimension to the work of the Guild that often goes unrecorded. For many young people, it is their only source of positive expression, interaction, training and output.
Given the importance of this institution both nationally and internationally, there is still much to be done. However, current signs of new life are truly inspiring. Though facing many challenges, the Guild, with the help of its friends, is expecting to fulfill its role in the cultural life of Guyana for at least another 100 years. The heart of Theatre must beat on.
In addition to those providing their comments above the author acknowledges the input of Malcom Defreita , Tivia Collins, Tashandra Innis, Dr. Mark Tumbridge, Kojo McPherson and the late Ed Rodway.
Contact the Guild at:
Www.thetheatreguildofguyana.com
Facebook: thetheatreguild
Telephone:592- 22-54033
