GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 8, 2019
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Naya Zamana promises spectacular dance, drama, music - Show #22 for NCC this Sunday as an important factor and is a firm believer in solid classical training. “All of the students who are on stage have learnt classical dancing and they start from as early as six years old, so they would have grown up in Naya Zamana. I believe in things like body control, proper form, understanding the stage; and I am passionate about synchrony and precision. They have grown up with me and know that discipline is a big thing. I am never satisfied with mediocrity, and they know this.”
By Telesha Ramnarine
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ANCERS and actors trained by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha are never allowed to step on stage without first achieving perfection. Perhaps this helps to explain why each ‘Naya Zamana’ show, put on annually by the organisation, wows its audiences to the point where even hold-overs are sold out. Naya Zamana, meaning “New World” or “New Generation,” started in 1994 when a group of young people, headed by Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, decided to put on a dance show at the ‘Dharmic Kendra.’ The response was so encouraging that the friends thought of putting on another show; this time at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). “We realised right then that there was a demand for this kind of thing. The Kendra couldn’t hold the number of persons who came to see the show, so we thought why not try it at the NCC?” Dr. Persaud recalled during an interview with `The Buzz’. Speaking from her Camp Street office, Dr. Persaud, now the director, choreographer, producer and script writer of the show, also recalled that the first
Dr. Persaud (at forefront) has trained many youths, from as young as six years old.
NCC show was good enough to win it that year’s ‘National Theatre Award’ and ‘Best Dance and Costume’ Award. Each year, Dr. Persaud aims to add fresh choreographies and different energies to make the show more appealing. As the show continued to progress, she noticed that more and more young people were becoming interested, and she couldn’t be happier at this fact. “I think it’s important for young people to be exposed to theatre and to the arts; to something like Naya Zamana
that’s so youth centric. Young people get caught up in so many negative activities, so if parents take their children to this kind of thing, they can use their energies in a direction like that, and it can help to combat some of the negatives we have in society,” Dr. Persaud expressed. So far, she said she has been able to find some young people with amazing talent from all across Guyana. “I teach them from scratch and when we notice potential, we hone it until they get to that
Chutney finals set for Anna Regina Centre ground February, 17
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SSEQUIBIANS and Chutney lovers are up for a treat come February 17 when the National Chutney competition will be held at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground. The semi-final is slated for Bath Settlement Community Centre ground on Sunday, February 10. Thus far, plans are progressing well by the Regional Mashramani Committee in Region Two, for the competition which is intended to crown a 2019 Chutney Monarch. `The Buzz’ has learnt that 12 artistes are already geared up for the semi-finals of the chutney monarch competition. Reigning Chutney Monarch Bunty Singh will be defending his title, and according to him, he is confident that he will regain the title. He is set to perform ‘Mashaaraani and She Polaures’. Former Chutney Monarch, Pooran Seeraj has said that he’s coming even stronger this year with his song ‘GT Ladki’, while another seasoned Chutney singer, Steven Ramhall, will be singing his piece titled “Rang ke bare”. Some of the other artistes participating are Arijit Singh, who will sing ‘Ring on on the lukanee’; Parsasram Singh, also known as “Vicadi Singh” with ‘Mr Rajput’ and Sasnaayan Hitnarayan, also called “Prince HTN” with `Love and Unity’.
TERE BIN This year’s show is called ‘Tere Bin,’ meaning “Without
The others who are competing for the title are Chandarpaul Nathoo who will be performing ‘Mash 49’; Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” with ‘Dulaha Dulahin’; Hamesh Rhyna, called “Entertainer V Star” with ‘My dreams’; Deonarine Balkissoon, also called “Nishal B”
with ‘I Proud to be a Guyanese’; Satish Udairam with ‘Mash up Guyana’; and another Berbician, Christopher Ramphal with ‘Sundar Larki’. Back-up music for the singers will be provided by the Shakti String Orchestra. The competition is all part of the Mashramani activities.
point where they are ready to go on stage. When they step on stage, you will swear you are somewhere else.” She said she views training
You.” “No one can say in their life they’ve done it all alone. There’s always someone at some stage of your life who would have contributed
to where you are, and it’s a reminder of that; that no man is an island. And that when you’re moving up in life, you shouldn’t forget those who contributed.” Tere Bin, with its cutting edge choreography, will also speak to love, lost, betrayal, and romance. Modern and ‘evergreen’ songs of Bollywood are also to be prominently featured. Naya Zamana evolved from a purely dance show to one that now features drama. “Every year, we try to add a different storyline and keep the stories fresh; keep the element of Bollywood films. There’s also a good message in the story lines,” Dr. Persaud explained. It features modern and even historical stories, with sometimes the old romantic tales being merged with modern storylines. “Zaya Zamana uses music from all genres, so it appeals to every age, every taste. It comes together nicely with dance, drama and music.” All of the costumes used are made by Dr. Persaud’s sister, Trishala Persaud, who together with a team puts them together. Naya Zamana was taken to New York twice with almost sold-out audiences. Tickets for this year’s threehour long show will be available at the NCC on the night of the show, which is to begin at 6 pm.
Cineffx set to boost local creative sector By Vishani Ragobeer
HE Arthur Chung Convention Centre will transform into a massive hub for every enthusiast of the creative, as the Cineffx Photography and Film Expo takes shape from March 8 to 10. The expo is one of the first in Guyana, and is being built by local minds for persons interested in photography, filmmaking and even fashion and the arts.
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and in-depth training in photography. So, in his own time and space, he began teaching himself through the use of the YouTube. And eventually, about two years later, he was able to understand many of the intricacies of the art form. Cognisant of the growing number of enthusiasts in the creative field, coupled with the lack of educational avenues, the three days of the expo, will feature about 15 workshops on a host of topics, ranging from photography, cinematography,
Kojo McPherson and Denise Harris, alongside many other local and foreign creatives. “Photographers and filmmakers would have their works on sale,” Anthony noted and explained that there will be live demonstrations of photographers doing their thing. Another highlight of the three-day expo would be a symposium that will be held to facilitate a conversation on how to build the local industry. “The intention is to use the comments and questions
Cineffx is the brainchild of local creative mind, Jason Anthony. Speaking to `The Buzz’’, Anthony noted that the expo was created with amateurs, hobbyists and professional creators in mind. However, according to him, “It’s not just an expo, it is a learning experience.” From his own personal experience, he related that it was difficult to find places in Guyana that would offer detailed
directing, storytelling and so on. The aim of this, according to Anthony, is to allow much of the younger generation to ‘fast track’ their learning process. The expo intends to also spotlight the local photography and filmmaking field, by showcasing the work of the many faces behind the camera.There will be likes of Saajid Husani, Fidal Bassier, Michael Lam,
from the audience and take them into context to better move forward the industry,” Anthony said. And finally, to cater for the fashionistas and their side of the creative field, there will also be a complete fashion production. Not to mention, the fashion and portrait photographers and videographers will get to show off actual work in the field, Anthony added.