THE Jubilee Theatre Festival kicks off today and showcases 17 plays from over the past 50 years, all written by Guyanese playwrights. The festival’s planning committee has ensured that theatre fans will be in for a treat over the coming days, as the films delve into significant themes and social issues in our society.
Among the group of playwrights are a significant number of young, talented artists who have more than just script writing under their belt.

One such artist is 30-year-old actress, producer and director, Tashandra Inniss, whose eight years in the theatre industry has earned her several awards and theatre-related certifications.
Tashandra’s play, “Til Death”, will be staged tonight at the Theatre Guild at 19:00hrs.
“Til Death” happens to be the first play she has ever written, and has also won several awards at the 2012 National Drama Festival including, Best Guyanese Stage Play, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Production.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The play delves into issues of domestic violence, and the lives of persons who experience it.
“I tried to show how domestic violence can be taken for granted, not only by your family, but also those around you. Persons just ignore it, or try to say that everything will be alright, when really it is a serious matter,” Tashandra said.
Being part of the Jubilee Theatre Festival brings Tashandra much satisfaction, especially knowing that she is part of the majority of youth that occupy the team. “It’s a great experience,” she said. “There aren’t a lot of the older veterans who are taking part; and it’s not that that is a bad thing. But having the young people involved in the planning and organising; that is great. And we are seeing a lot of young playwrights and actors in the forefront of this festival; and it is good that we get to showcase our talents.”

STRICTLY LOVE
And, like most other artists, Tashandra will tell you that her participation in the Arts in Guyana is strictly out of love, as there is much to be desired as regards remuneration and representation for artists. “It’s never for the money; it’s just for the love. Even if, at the end of the day, you might complain if you haven’t gotten paid on time or something, you still keep going back for more, because you love it,” she said.
Tashandra believes that there should be some sort of union or association which could guarantee that the interests of actors are adequately represented; it’s a suggestion that more seasoned actors and other theatre personnel have been voicing for quite some time now.
Most times, contracts are not drawn up for jobs, which lead to a lack of proof or obligation for payment. Tashandra says that in order to protect herself, she now ensures that she makes her own contracts to be signed when being hired.
Conflicts and shortcomings aside, Tashandra is, nevertheless, optimistic about the outcome of the Theatre Festival, as it will provide exposure for local playwrights, as well as bring back into the spotlight plays by well-known playwrights that have not been staged for some time.
Tashandra is also the recipient of the 2015 Best Actress Award, and has under her portfolio two other plays. She graduated from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama; is a member of the National Drama Company; and is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Theatre Guild.