Local actors calling for establishment of drama school

TIMES INT'L

Several local actors are calling for the establishment of a drama school here so as to promote theatre art and create better opportunities for those within the industry.

Guyana Times International spoke with several actors regarding the challenges of the profession. The entire Mori J’Von Comedy Jam cast, including Kerwin Mars, Rajan Tiwarie and Richard Narine, among others, said there is a whole lot more to be done to improve acting in Guyana. According to them, in order for the “performing arts” to improve here, the first step that should be taken is to establish a drama school. This they said will allow actors to boost their current skills and help to sustain the art locally, allowing more youth to join the industry.

Kerwin “Sir Mars” Mars who is well known for his countless appearances on “Nothing to Laugh About” and the popular Mori J’Von Comedy Jam Show told this newspaper that while he has a driving passion for drama, he would not risk giving up his teaching career for full-time acting. He said that people have a concept that actors are well paid, but said it is not true. Mars noted that being an actor in Guyana, cannot pay and said he only does acting for the joy of it.

He said too that many young people who have the talent, very often do not take up the mantle to join the industry because of these issues.

Meanwhile, Rajan “Gopaul” Tiwarie who has been acting for a number of years said his salary as an actor is not his only means of earning. Tiwarie expressed concern over the fact that there is a great need for more sponsorship for the comedy shows hosted at the National Cultural Centre. He said with limited sponsorship, the less money an actor gets to take home. Tiwarie said too that the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry is already moving in a good direction to promote acting.

Tiwarie reiterated that support from the local business community is needed and noted that if this support is given, actors will have a more reasonable salary to take home at the end of each show.

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