A new forum for poetry
‘Expressions’ by GEMS Theatre Productions is the latest performance platform for poetry, with a promise of better things to come, especially with the commitment by the producer to remunerate the artistes, another nail in the coffin of the lamentation ‘starving artist’.For too long that cry has flooded this land, eroding creativity, thwarting the development and exposition of the creative artist. It is time to change that sad refrain to a trend of smiling all the way to the bank. This newest literary venture is a promising start cognizant that waan waan dutty buil dam.
‘Expressions’, an ambitious venture, was launched at the Theatre Guild, Parade Street, Kingston, on Friday May 16, 2014, with a wide ranging display of poetry by some outstanding artistes in the field of literary entertainment.
The producer, Gem Madhoo-Nacimento, declared she was inspired to launch such an event after witnessing the resoundingly successful, ‘See More Poetry’ at the Playhouse to mark the birth centenary of A. J. Seymour. That activity was staged by the National Library on Sunday January 12, 2014. A note from the producer on the printed programme reads hopefully ‘Expressions’ will become a regular feature on the theatre calendar.
There are many reasons why ‘Expressions’ ought to become a regular feature on the calendar of events of this country. Foremost is the fact that many similar acts, serving their time and purpose, have gone dormant. There is a need to fill those gaps, gap left by the popular ‘Evening of poetry’ staged by the former British High Commissioner to Guyana, Edward Glover, when he was stationed in Guyana; gap left by ‘The Journey’, an evening of literature, staged by National Art Gallery, Castellani House.
There are many good reasons why ‘Expressions’ ought to become a regular feature on the calendar of events of this country. Foremost is the fact that the Upscale Open Mike Poetry is still going strong a decade and counting. And the annual staging of World Poetry Day by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has taken hold of the Guyanese literary psyche. All three activities, indirectly or directly, supporting each other could push the frontiers of poetry in Guyana.
It is not without significance that I reproduce the programme showing scope and range of the production.

*Mooma Mooma by Victor Questel (Trinidad), production concept – Ken Corsbie.
Performed by Mark Luke-Edwards, Randolph Critchlow & Cast. Drums – Al Creighton
*No Sense of identity written and performed by Yaphet Jackman
*The Sun Parrots are late again this year written and read by Ian McDonald
*Excerpt from ‘Pantomime’ by Derek Walcott, performed by Ron Robinson & Mark Luke –Edwards
*When Trouble tek man by Louise Bennett, performed by Nuriyyih Gerrard
*Dhaal puri and alloo choka by Rooplal Monar, performed by Leza Singh
*Fear no more the heat o’ the sun by William Shakespeare & The lass with the delicate air by Michael Arne, 1762, Performed by Kimberley Samuels accompanied by James Samuels on the keyboard
*Woman I am written by Mariatha Causway (Jennifer Thomas), performed by Mariatha Causway, Sheron Cadogan-Taylor, Kimberley Fernandes, Keisha Sam
*Ain’t I a Woman written by Sojourner Truth, performed by Kezra Boyal
*Men and Women by David Dabydeen, modified & performed by Petamber Persaud
*Motherland written by Mark Luke -Edwards and Yerrodin Bowen, performed by-Mark Luke –Edwards
*Revolution and Waves by Ivan Forrester, performed by Robert Forrester
*Excerpt from Julius Ceasar by William Shakespeare, performed by Russell Lancaster, Dereck Gomes, Ayanna Waddell, Kimberley Samuels, Nuriyyih Gerrard, Mark Luke-Edwards, Keon Heywood, Robert Forrester & Ron Robinson
*Sea shell, until….by Mahadai Das, read by Vanda Radzik
*This is the dark time, my love by Martin Carter, production concept by Ken Corsbie, performed by Mark Luke-Edwards, Nuriyyih Gerrard & chorus. Drums – al Creighton
*Ol’ higue by Wordsworth McAndrew, Production concept by al Creighton, performed by National School of Theatre Arts and Drama – Al Creighton (drums)
Ayanna Waddell, Nicola Moonsammy, Tashandra Inniss, Tonaisea Robertson, Esther Hamer, Linden Isles, Javel Mayers &Keon Heywood.
*I am no Princess written & performed by Salimah Husain
*Pen to paper written & performed by Randolph Critchlow
*Runaway from my shadow written & performed by Mark Luke Edwards
*Dem- a watch mih 2 written & performed by Petamber Persaud
*Our World Written & performed by Yaphet Jackman
*Name poem by AJ Seymour performed by Lloyd Marshall
*Wuk hand by Paul Keens Douglas performed by Ron Robinson
*If only I were… written by Randolph Critchlow & performed by Randolph Critchlow and Nuriyyih Gerrard of Camp Refuge
*Excerpt from ‘The Temptest’ by William Shakespeare, performed by Derek Gomes
*Thank you by Randolph Critchlow, Mark Luke Edwards & Nuriyyih Gerrard
by Petamber Persaud

Hats off to all stakeholders. ‘Expressions’ will find a way to stay…..
Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com
What’s Happening:
* Repeat productions of ‘Expressions’ will be held on Wednesday June 11, 2014, at 5 pm and on Sunday June 22, 2014, at 6 pm.