THE National Drama Company (NDC) will next week stage a local adaptation of the African play, The Lion and the Jewel at the National Cultural Centre.
The play, which is written by Africa’s first Nobel Prize winner, Wole Soyinka, is being staged specially for students as part of the current Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) syllabus.

This adaptation is being directed by Nicholas Singh and Ayana Waddell, and will be staged on April 4 and 5 at 13:00hrs. Speaking with The Buzz, Nicholas said that coming off of the success of staging Derek Walcott’s Ti Jean and His Brothers in October last year in observance of Education Month, the NDC decided to keep the momentum going in the aim of providing a visual experience for Literature students.

The play chronicles the conflict between Baroka, the lion, and the modern-day Lakunle over the right to marry Sidi, the titular ‘Jewel’.
Baroka represents the traditional Nigerian culture, while Lakunle represents westernisation as he attempts to modernise the community and change its social conventions for no reason other than the fact that he can.

UNIVERSAL THEMES
“The themes in the play are universal, even though it is set in a Yoruba Village, and the students will be able to identify with the content,” Nicholas said, adding:
“With every generation, there is a struggle with the younger generation against older traditions. And you see it here with Guyana; as the world continues to be modernised, you see that fight with what is morally and socially acceptable.”

Nicholas said that in directing the play, attention was paid to portraying the material in a very mature manner, while using pantomime and other techniques to add to its appeal.
“We didn’t go for a minimal set; we tried to be more realistic, so we used tribal influences and lots of traditional dances and songs,” he said.
“We shifted away from the script a bit in order to incorporate some of our own interpretations, but we think that the students will enjoy it,” he added.

Meanwhile, NDC President, Tashandra Inniss said that the company believes that its staging of CSEC plays is an important venture, as it will play a central role in helping students to better understand and appreciate the subject material.
“It also showcases the importance of theatre, and how theatre can serve as a medium for education, so we are taking up the mantle to provide this assistance to students,” Tashandra said.

“For this reason, it is important that we receive a great amount of support, in every aspect, from the relevant authorities in order to develop theatre arts and a greater appreciation for Literature in Guyana,” she added.
Tashandra is also part of the cast for The Lion and the Jewel, which includes Linden Isles, Keon Haywood, Esther Hamer, Kimberly Fernandes among other NDC members.