All the drama patrons craved, with a twist of royalty

THE grandeur; the panache; the decadence of privilege.

It was all there, as promised, when the 70-member cast of Naya Zamana 19 took to the stage of the National Cultural Centre (NCC) Saturday night gone to present ‘A Royal Twist’, as was the title of this year’s production.

And a right royal twist it was indeed, judging from the photographs, which, from time immemorial, have been known to speak volumes, as the storyline shifted from one era to the next, replete with fabulous dance, resplendent costumes, magnificent sets and intense drama.
And the beauty of it all was that this year’s production was home-grown and good, penned by none other than Director/Choreographer, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who readily admitted to letting her imagination “run riot in crafting a script which conjures up the splendour and romance of a bygone era as well as the drama of present-day.”

Playing lead roles were US-based choreographer and dancer, Noman Ahmad, as the debonair Sid Sharma; Zahrah Alli as the famous Mughal dancer, Anarkali; Ravi, as Prince Saleem; and Guyana’s own Nazim Hussain as Emperor Akbar.
Among those in the audience savouring it all were President Donald Ramotar; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and his wife, Mrs Yvonne Hinds.
The Guyana Chronicle’s Chief Photographer, Cullen Bess-Nelson, was there and caught it all on camera. Enjoy!