THE long anticipated “The Cinderella Story” opened with a matinee performance yesterday at the National Cultural Centre.
Based on the famous fairy tale Cinderella, the age-old tale of dreams materialising even in the most adverse circumstances has been rendered by local producers as a sidesplitting comedy. The director of this latest creative venture, Mahadeo Shivraj, is no stranger to the creative arena and only last year rocked Guyana with his directing and acting in the movie “Till I find a Place.
Alluding to the tale, Shivraj said, “In life, Cinderella was daunted, embarrassed, humiliated and ill-treated by her stepmother and stepsisters. Yet despite all the trials and tribulations, she remained humble and well-mannered and still did her chores tirelessly without bearing any ill feelings for her so-called family”.
Continuing, he said that in life we too are faced with many obstacles and situations; but life has shown us the inevitability of “The Law of Karma” and the power of hope, faith and courage. Shivraj expressed the hope that patrons would find values in the play that they can relate to and perhaps use in their own lives.
He praised playwright Michael Vacca for doing a wonderful job of dealing with everything in a humourous way.
Actor and Director of Dramatic Arts Academy, Neaz Subhan, said at the show’s press conference last Tuesday that the production cost for this play is very high, with all the props and stage setting, and GT&T’s participation is very timely. He noted that the show is the first of its kind in Guyana.
Guyana Telephone and Telegraph CEO, Yog Mahadeo said that providing an improved and modernised communications service goes hand in hand with supporting the local culture, talent and theatrical arts. He said it is the company’s view that these areas are crucial to the development of healthy minds as Guyana advances.
The play features Kerrimaria Phang as Cinderella, Phillip Gopaul as the Prince, Sonai Yarde as the Fairy Godmother, Rushella Edmondson as the Stepmother, Keisha Narine as Thelma Frumpkin, Clemencia Goddette as Gertrude Frumpkin, Neaz Subhan as the Baron of Pickford, and Michael Ignatius as Coachman. Music is composed and performed by Oliver Basdeo. Matinee performances continue until today. For the grownups, shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday start at 19:00hrs.