A group of talented and vibrant dramatists, the Buxton Arts Theatre are adamant on showing that great talent can come out from a village that regularly faces stigmatization.
The group of youths are known for their thrilling and comedic performances wherever they goes. The recent play, “Mother Island” written by Uso Telford and directed by Chrisandrea Limburgh-Fernandes, received many accolades from the audience at the Drama Festival held at the National Cultural Centre. Although it was unable to cop an award, the audience were totally in love with the group’s “unforgettable” performance.
The group started about six years ago with just a few and have grown to now have about 18 members. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Uso Telford, vice president of the group, said a group of very close friends who share a similar love for acting formed the group.
“Most of us grew up acting in church. It is something that comes naturally. We would usually do plays in our church and at church events. Basically the drama is a spin-off from our acting in church. We have held concerts in Buxton and have participated in the National Drama at National Cultural Centre for our third year now,” stated Telford.
Members include president Trevon Graham, secretary Chrisandrea Limburgh-Fernandes, treasurer Renautha Sampson, assistant treasurer Tia Telford, public relations officers Jermaine Walton and Zola Telford, also Donelle Phillips, Alistair Cozier, Timmeker Porter, Jason Fortunes and Sharona Pundt.
Telford, a writer and dramatist, mentioned that through the group they have gained the respect of certain notable members in the performing arts arena. The group’s activities have also brought members closer and have also built their confidence.
“Our group also provide an extra activity for children who would otherwise have been occupied with bad activities. They enjoy the training and friendship we offer,” said Jermaine Walton, the group’s public relations officer.
The members noted that all plays they have written have a message at the end as they aim to encourage youths to follow the straight path and build their self-esteem while entertaining. They view the fun of putting together plays and concerts as a “therapy session” and “stress relief after a hard day’s work”.
The group’s members are either fulltime employees or University of Guyana students. However, the members pointed out that they always dedicate time to meeting in evenings so as to promote and develop the group’s talents.
“Through the art of drama we are showing that we are a force to reckon with. Regardless of the community we come from and the stigma attached to it, through our work we show that not only bad things come from Buxton. Buxton has talent and educated youths. Within our group we have learnt from each other because we don’t have the backings of professionals. We have also shown that we are good as any group in Georgetown. We would welcome assistance but they don’t seek us out. We were somewhat discouraged to participate in the Drama Festival this year because so far we haven’t received any awards for our performance although the audience totally loved us. However, we made up our minds to not allow that to stop us from showcasing our talents and we will continue to do so,” declared the vice president.
Members also claim that they have seen an amount of “prejudice” and “favouritism” at events such as the Drama Festival but they are determined to continue to showcase their talents for the dramatic arts and to eventually take their performances countrywide.
“We want to keep concerts in other venues. Recently, we added the art of dancing and drumming and we’re pleasantly amazed at the talents coming out of Buxton. We also hope to take what we know to schools and encourage students to develop a love for the performing arts,” expressed Telford.
Currently, the members are trying to raise funds, most likely taking from their personal savings, to continue their feeding project. This is an annual initiative during Christmas time to hand out goodies to the homeless and needy in Georgetown. This will be their 7th year.
“Last year we identified three persons in Buxton and donated hampers. It totally brought us joy to see how happy they were to receive them. I hope we can get more funds to keep on doing this and even cover a larger population,” Telford related.
Also in planning is their annual “Skin teeth nah done yet” event scheduled for December in Buxton. Last year, the members said they had an overwhelming response and encore performance.
“Persons were literally falling out their chairs with laughter and were calling us back for more. Seeing this has renewed our confidence that what we are doing brings joy and laughter to people and so we will continue to do so. Although we are not getting the support and exposure this talented group deserves we are determined to press on in developing our talents,” Telford affirmed.
For more information on this group visit Buxton Arts Theatre on Facebook. (Guyana Time Sunday Magazine)
