NOT so long ago, the Theatre Guild of Guyana recognised 38 artists for their outstanding performances over the years.
Among the recipients is civil engineer and theatre personality Bert Carter.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Carter to talk about his life, career, family, and his involvement in theatre production during the past 67 years of the ‘Guild’s’ life in Guyana.
Carter revealed that he has been very close to Theatre Guild since 2008, being involved in its construction for over 42 years.

He noted that he has done a lot of voluntary work for it on his return from the United Kingdom in 1969 after he had completed his studies.
“The impact that theatre has made on me is very active. There are a lot of actors who outside of the Theatre Guild would not have been noticed since its rehabilitation in the year 2010. There are lots of people who have seen changes; the physical environment is better,” Carter said.

He revealed that people now enjoy going to the venue to watch performances because the physical environment and great ambience are of a better quality now.

Involvement in Theatre Guild
During his interview, Carter said that because of his association with David DeCaires and Joe Singh, two stalwarts of Guyana, he aided in the construction of the facility, now located in Kingston, with his background in civil engineering.

The Civil Engineer had some advice for young people wanting to get involved in theatre and theatre performances.

“I think it is a good way to launch your career. If you want to be an actor, it is a good place to learn and develop your skills,” Carter advised.

He has been honoured by Theatre Guild this year for his contribution to facility, making it more comfortable for patrons to enjoy theatre performances, skits, and plays.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of Theatre Guild and Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed Martin, who has been involved in the Guild since she was eight years old, noted that the facility is celebrating its 67th year.

Martin, during her presentation at the awards ceremony earlier this month, revealed that the Guild started this function in the 1960s for guild production and performances only. The awards now include persons who work behind the scenes.

About Theatre Guild
The Theatre Guild of Guyana’s Playhouse is the oldest theatrical and performance facility in Guyana and the second oldest in the Caribbean. The Theatre Guild was founded in 1957; the Playhouse was opened in 1960 and the organisation was incorporated on 9th September 1961.

A volunteer, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, the Theatre Guild of Guyana has from its inception, been committed to the nurturing and training of artists across the spectrum of the performing arts in Guyana and the region beginning in the 1960s and up to the mid-1990s when the Playhouse and membership fell into disrepair. These commitments were realised in a variety of theatrical production, training and educational workshops, and playwriting competitions.

The 2007 restoration of the Playhouse, made possible through the generosity of many private and public local and overseas donors, has renewed the energy of the organization, and the membership is determined to ensure that the younger generation of Guyanese from all spheres of the community will have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the magic of engagement in all areas of creative arts.