The state of contemporary dance theatre in Guyana after the first decade of the 21st century is a direct development out of cultural movements in the 1970s on the one hand, and deep-rooted cultural and performance traditions on the other, with various contributions from foreign influences. Studies of the products of these are infinitely interesting. That is not to say they are all of good quality, but that they seem inexhaustible, always turning up some fascinating area for investigation that inspires repeated revisits to the subject.
Among the foremost developments is the annual dance theatre production Naya Zamana, produced by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. It is performed by that institution’s artistic arm, the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, a prominent dance company directed by Vindhya Vasini Persaud. This close association of the religious organisation with the performing group and the annual dance production is an excellent example of the kinds of development referred to above, because it reflects the cultural movements, the deep-rooted traditions, the foreign influences and the way contemporary dance has advanced in Guyana.
The recently performed Naya Zamana 17 was a dance drama titled “Bollywood Dreams” scripted, choreographed and directed by Dr Persaud and designed by Trishala Simantini Persaud.