Dear Editor,
I am in complete agreement with Kit Nascimento that “Musings of a Poet” produced by the National Drama Company and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport was an extraordinarily impressive production (see letter to the Editor, March 13, 2024 `This was an extraordinarily impressive production’).
As a 90 year old Guyanese who has passionately been involved in the cultural life of Guyana for the past 70 years, I can attest to the incredible talent and professionalism of the diverse group of young people in this production. My only disappointment was that there was no government presence at this excellent theatrical presentation; particularly as the Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China was present to support the Chinese artists who were in the production.
The creative and physical energy of ‘Musings of a Poet’ was reminiscent of the early days of the Theatre Guild in the 1960s when Guyanese artists created original theatre of the highest quality including productions such ‘The Brink’s Shows’. The seamless infusion of dance and music in the pieces also reminded me of the play ‘Guyana Legend’, which I wrote and was originally presented by the government of Guyana in 1966 to commemorate Guyana’s Independence. ‘Guyana Legend’ was produced by playwright/actor/journalist the late Frank Pilgrim with original music by Hugh Sam and the late Valerie Rodway.
A strong and vibrant Arts and Culture sector is essential for creating a national identity of a country. The profound messages and outstanding performances of poetry, song and dance in this production tells me that the young people of Guyana have what it takes to make Guyana a more inclusive and just society as envisioned by President Ali’s commitment to a transformative social agenda in his One Guyana initiative.
Musings of a Poet should be reprised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and presented to Guyanese in key population centres across the country.
It deserves no less.
Sincerely,
Ricardo Smith (Retiree)
