THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with Digicel Guyana launched the fourth National Drama Festival 2014, with a sense of pride, on Tuesday, at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony delivered the feature address and opened the ceremony. He noted that the festival began through the need to provide creative space to showcase dramatic talent of Guyana. It was an

opportunity for writers to produce their plays and actors to illustrate their skills. While there were challenges, particularly in terms of sponsorship, Digicel came on board from the inception, he indicated, and has, commendably, been a part of the festival since.

Minister Anthony noted the considerable improvement the festival has made over the years.
The quality of plays has improved immensely, the quality of acting and writing as well, due to guidance and tips that the participants have received over the years.
Digicel’s Sponsorship and Events Manager, Gavin Hope disclosed the efforts and achievements and growth of the drama festival over the years, justify sponsorship from Digicel. He pledged their continued support of the festival, so long as its progress continues to showcase Guyana’s talent, with the hope that the project goes beyond the borders of the country.

Speaking of the largest drama festival in the country, Festival Director Mrs. Collette Jones-Chin cited its necessity, “Theatre brings people together to see the truth about life and their social situations; festivals are imperative if we are to understand our history, from social to economic trends. They record the patterns of cultural change and broaden our cultural horizons.

“For audience members, the drama festival expands their knowledge, it allows them to see a collection of work, from the old favourites to the rising stars, for the performers it is a chance to be a part of something that is bigger than their individual production and for businesses it provides an opportunity to expand their markets.”
The mentorship programme is now in its second year and even though there is colossal room for improvement, significant progress has been made. Coming out of the visits to Berbice, Mahaica, Mahaicony, Linden, West Demerara, the Essequibo Islands and Essequibo Coast, and Georgetown 19 new groups were registered.
The festival has also given encouragement to many to become more involved in drama, highlighted by the positive growth in applications to the National Theatre School to participate in plays, he said. Additionally, plays provide forums for

making certain social issues more palatable among the public, creating awareness on issues such as HIV/AIDS and domestic violence. While the festival has moved forward qualitatively, there is need to create a more supportive audience.
Director of Studies of the National School of Theatre, Art and Drama, Al Creighton, spoke of the differences between the Guyana National Drama Festival and those found in the Caribbean. Guyana holds a position of leadership, in the forefront of theatre in the Caribbean. As festivals of dramatic plays are rare to begin with, the Guyana National Drama Festival is unique in its structure with its aims and goals.
The ceremony also featured renditions by Charmaine Blackman, Charisma Lisa, “The Circle of Love” and dance recitals by the Shelita Dance Group. The group Surmounting Thespians, delivered the first play entitled “Double Take.”
In the coming weeks,Guyanese will be treated to a menu of dramatic plays. In total, there are 28 plays to be seen and there are 19 new registered groups; this year there are 28 listed finalists, three in the open full-length category; four in the open, short or one act; four in the junior category; six in the debutante and 11 schools participating in the secondary schools category. Admission to the plays is free and all will be held at the National Cultural Centre.
Members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Allied Arts Divisions, the Ministry of Education and various schools, members of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, among others, were present at the ceremony.

(By Raveena Mangal)