Georgetown, Guyana – (August 29, 2015) Guyana’s First Lady Her Excellency Sandra Granger has asserted the significance of Arts and Theatre in Guyana, stating that its role in building confidence and providing a space for children should never be underestimated.
The First Lady was at the time addressing the audience, this evening, at the Theatre Guild of Guyana, where Purple Heart Productions held its graduation exercise and “EMERGED” performance for over 40 children, aged six to 16, who took part in a two-month drama workshop.
“I am very happy to be here, to witness at first hand, a demonstration of skits, performed by young people who were a part of this workshop. I am happy to be here because the value and importance of expanding the creativity of our young children and exposing them to the Arts should not be underestimated,” Mrs. Granger told the small crowd.
She noted that having been a student of the Arts herself, many years ago, she understands that it was a forum, which helps to build and develop the self-confidence and consequently, the self-esteem of many so that they can grow.
On this note, the First Lady congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of Purple Hearts Productions, Ms. Simone Dowding, for the initiative as it gave the children the chance to not only gainfully occupy themselves but to also unleash their creative skills.
The Production had as its theme – “Keeping our Youths Gainfully Occupied Is Everybody’s Business”. This is the fourth Children’s Drama Workshop, which commenced on July 4, 2015 and continued every Saturday from 10:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs at the Guild.
The participants were taught the basics in five different disciplines; drama, acting, directing, play writing, stage management and costume management. There were also sessions on how to master the art of listening, stage breathing, stage geography, poetry and spoken words.
The graduates presented four short skits and performed two dances, which were enthusiastically received by the audience.
