Veteran producer laments absence of independence anniversary theatre production

Last Updated on Friday, 3 April 2026, 22:26 by Writer

Veteran Guyanese theatre producer and director, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento on Friday lamented the absence of a theater production from the series of events planned for Guyana’s 60th independence anniversary.

Her criticism came one day after the Guyana government launched its programme for the diamond jubilee celebrations.

“I am appalled and saddened that for our 60th independence anniversary celebrations. There is no theatrical production being staged showcasing our history as an independent country, depicting from whence we came, who we are and what we are, as a people and as a nation,” she said in a letter to the media.

Guyana attained independence from Britain on May 26, 1966.

Questioning the state of Guyana’s much-touted orange economy — the creative industry including the arts and intellectual property — Ms Madhoo-Nascimento recalled that in 2006, the production for Guyana’s 40th independence anniversary staged by GEMS Theatre Productions, initiated and financed by GT&T and enthusiastically supported by the then Chief Executive Officer of that telecommunications company, Retired Major General Joseph Singh.

‘All In Wan’ was a musical written by Dave Martins, directed by Ron Robinson and produced by her.

In 2016, for the 50th independence anniversary, she said another musical sponsored by the Ministry of Social Cohesion, staged ‘ONE’ written and directed by Russell Lancaster.

“It is 2026; having seen the schedule for recently launched schedule of events for the 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Nothing? Where forth is our Orange Economy?” she asked.

Almost one month ago, she appealed to government to pass modern copyright and intellectual property legislation to incentivise Guyanese works and the growth of the creative industry.

”The government needs to place some emphasis on this and to take it forward and to make it happen and in place,” she said at the “The Orange Economy: Women, Creativity & Inclusive Economic Power” which formed part of the 2026 International Women’s Day Policy Dialogue & Project Launch organised by Merundoi Inc and the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association.