Hollingsworth’s “83 Million Gees” wins Gy$1M drama prize

– Gov’t announces National Drama School will be established in 2013

As expected, “83 Million Gees” directed by Ronald Hollingsworth was on Friday evening adjudged the best production in the Full Length Category when the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry hosted its annual awards ceremony for the 2012 National Drama Festival.
The occasion was held at the National Cultural Centre.
The full length play, “83 Million Gees” takes a look at the socio, political and economic struggles of Guyanese, and is based upon a multicultural group of Guyanese, who are frustrated with their economic status and decide to steal 83 million dollars from the national treasury.
This action, however, becomes a vicious struggle, as the thieves demand unreasonable portions of the money from each other. The play was written in 1997, and Hollingsworth feels that it is even more relevant today than it was then.
The cast consisted of Mahadeo Shivraj, Lloyda Nicholas, Derek Gomes, Mark Kazim, Chris Gopaul and Michael Ignatius. Shameeza Hussein played the role of a 75-year-old penny pincher, who is a strong defender of her son’s ill-gotten gain.
Coming in second in the open full-length category was “Virtue” directed by Sonia Yarde, and grabbing the third spot was “Sauda” directed by Tivia Collins.
“Till Death” directed by Mark Luke was adjudged Best Production in the Short Play Category, followed by “Between the Covers” directed by Randolph Critchlow in second place, and “Saving Grace” directed by Clinton Duncan, third.
In the Secondary School Category, the best production was awarded to “Tears of the Gayelle” directed by Shondell Phillips and Errol Chan. “De Jean and his Brother” directed by Grace Roberts was placed second, and “Daddy’s Daughter” directed by Tanika Caldier third.
“Colour of Race” by Ayana Waddell, copped the title of Best Production in the Youth Group Category, followed by

“Ensneered” directed by Dacia Wall and “Imprisoned” directed by Sabrina Kazim, copping the third position.
In the Junior Category, “Let It shine” was named Best Production, followed by “I Should Have Been There” directed by Netu Davi in second place and “Can’t Give Up” by Allister and Carlos Griffith, third.
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, in his address, commended the awardees for their excellent work, and encouraged them to look ahead and take the necessary opportunities presented to them.
He said the various casts will have an opportunity to represent Guyana at Carifesta in Suriname in 2013, and more so, the Inter-Guiana Festival in French Guiana.
Minister Anthony also challenged the participants to use their theatrical skills to develop theatres in their respective communities. He also disclosed that the government is working towards the establishment of a National Drama School by the first quarter of 2013, to promote the development of the performing arts.