How local actor Leon Cummings became recognised in the theatre arts
Determined and resilient are just a few words to describe local actor Leon Cummings. Differently-able, Leon has triumphed challenges to become one of Guyana’s most talented theatrical performers.
Leon was born on September 2, 1989 at the Georgetown Public Hospital. In the womb, the unbiblical cord wrapped around Leon’s hands, resulting in them not being fully formed. However, he adeptly maintains use of his fingers and hands.
He grew up on Norton Street, Lodge and attended Enterprise Primary, where he faced much ridicule from fellow students due to his disability, and then on to South Ruimveldt Secondary, where school life was a bit easier.
“In primary school was by far the worst experience I had with people. There were various groups of bullies that walked home behind me ridiculing me,” he recalled in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.
However, in secondary school things got better. He said it was not as hard as it had been in primary school due to secondary students being more mature. Subsequently, Leon attended the Guyana Technical Institute where he graduated with a Diploma in Commerce.
“I don’t experience shunning or being looked at as something different. I go about my business normally. But for other people who may be blind or who cannot walk, it is very sad because of the lack of accessible resources in Guyana,” he noted.
Leon revealed that his parents never treated him as if he had a disability. Rather, they encouraged him to pursue his dreams and supported him along the way. His father died four years ago and his mother, Dahlia, continues to support her son, which was instrumental in Leon overcoming challenges. Additionally, he is thankful to Constance Barker-Welcome who taught him how to use his hands.
Now, Leon is a technical operator at 93.1FM and a notable actor.
“Acting was something I never thought of getting into. It was with the Church of Christ Instrumental that I visited the Theatre Guild for the very first time. A cousin of mine is married to the pastor and she encouraged me to perform a poem, “Satan in Heaven” written by Shellon Benjamin, at the Theatre Guild. The response I received for my performance motivated me to pursue acting,” Leon remembered.
From his debut performance at Theatre Guild, Leon never let up in developing as an actor, and was never embarrassed with being differently-able.
He was twice nominated for Best Supporting Actor during the Theatre Guild Awards, once for “Shoes Blues” during the National Drama Festival and then for “Makantalli”. He pointed out that his focus was not on winning, but being nominated meant he was acknowledged as an actor – something he takes pride in.
Using it as a vehicle of self-expression, Leon said acting has become a medium of presenting his different personalities on stage and meeting people he has fostered lasting friendships with.
Crediting local actors such as Coleen Humphrey, Richard Narine, Mark Luke Edwards, Gerard Gilkes and Henry Rodney as being his motivators, Leon said he is thankful to all those who have influenced him to become an actor. He made mention of local actress Jennifer Thomas who provided opportunities for him to showcase his talent.
Now the actor said he enjoys “challenging roles that require deep characterization”. Some of the plays he acted in are “Massacura Man”, “To Sir With Love”, “Watch De Ride 1 & 2”, “Shoes Blues”, “Nothing To Laugh About”, “Makantalli”, “The Encounter Where is Everybody”, “Front Yard”, “Chitra”, and “Pizza Man”.
