-premieres in January at the National Cultural Centre
GEMS Theatre Productions will premiere “FROM WHENCE WE CAME- The Chinese Experience” on January 11th, 2025. This historical and educational drama is based on research by Scott Ting-A-Kee and scripted for stage by popular Playwright, Novelist and Artist, Harold Bascom.
Bascom is a winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature, many times over and a popular producer, writer and director of plays in the late 80’s and 90’s in Guyana, before migrating.
‘The Chinese Experience’ is being directed by Ayanna Waddell and stage managed by Esther Hamer. The combo-team is a product of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama.
Actors telling the story of the Chinese Experience in British Guiana, since their arrival to today, Guyana, are Mark Kazim, May Ann Chung, Miriam Lam, David Hackett, Nathaniel Powers, Dwayne Hackett, Rovindra Persaud, Jasmin Wong, Michael Ignatius, Derek Gomes, Brandon Singh, Kimberley Fernandes, Mark Luke Edwards, Christel Mangra, Gabriella Da Silva, Elizabeth Davis, Leahna Emmanuel, Christiann Hanrmon, Derk Critchlow, Nicholas Zhang, Alex Zhang, Ziang Ping Ren, Quin Guobo, Liu and Don Rui
Finding actors to tell the story has been the biggest challenge of this production. With experience and new commers on the stage and the help of hair and make-up, the story is being successfully told.
“The Chinese Experience” is the first of six historical productions that Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, producer and creator of the series will be staging from 2025 to 2026.
“The Chinese Experience” concept was first discussed with Madhoo-Nascimento and Marjorie Ting-A-Kee Kirkpatrick over 12 years ago. Hence the staging of the production could not have taken place. It is now being staged in honour of Mrs Kirkpatrick’s memory, in collaboration and with support from the Chinese Embassy and Chinese Business Association
The play is produced as educational theatre to remind ourselves, especially the younger generation of our history. The production is open to the public at no charge. The schools via the Ministry of Education will be invited to attend. Patrons are asked to collect their complimentary tickets from December 27th at the National Cultural Centre box office.