Purple Arts Production uncovers young talent under the direction of Simone Dowding

Guyanese theatre icon Simone Dowding has spent more than 30 years shaping the performing arts scene in Guyana. A graduate of the Burrowes School of Arts and several other institutions, Dowding has earned 13 certificates in her craft and won the Theatre Guild’s ‘Best Actress’ award in 2012 for her performance in Old Story Times.

Over the years, she has also worked on notable productions including House of Pressure, Miriamy, Eleventh Finger, and Jezebel.

Today, Dowding channels her passion primarily into nurturing young talent through her production company, Purple Arts Production. Known for its drama workshops and stage productions, the company focuses on helping children develop confidence, discipline, and a love for the performing arts. This weekend, the company will showcase its latest cohort of young actors in Emerge 12, a production marking 12 years of Dowding’s dedication to mentoring emerging talent.

Dowding shared that the programme is designed to give children a solid foundation in drama, stating, “It gives them the opportunity to find themselves and helps build their self-esteem and confidence.”

She explained that the workshop covers six different disciplines of theatre, including stage breathing, stage geography, and the art of listening.

“We take the children from one place to another, using drama as a tool. It’s about helping them grow not just on stage, but in life.”

Current students echoed this sentiment. Fourteen-year-old Shannon Edwards is back for his second year at Purple Arts Production and notes that he’s gained much-needed confidence throughout the process.

“It’s very exciting and fun. I’ve learned a lot of fun things, such as the concentration game; it keeps you focused while moving around and remembering people’s names,” said Shannon.

“Acting gives me confidence in expressing my opinions. While I can be shy sometimes, acting helps me find my voice.”

Eleven-year-old Haven Osborne plays Odessa, a lawyer in training; she shared her thoughts about acting with curious minds.

“Acting is basically what you’re doing every day, but you’re doing it on stage,” she said. “Don’t be scared to get on stage, I advise you to look at the tip of your nose. Don’t look at the audience; you might forget your lines.”

Ten-year-old Syesha Romain is Ms. Sheila Singh in the Bus Park Bickering, and she enjoyed learning how to express herself through the project.

“This workshop helped me open up and show projection,” she said. “I like acting because it’s fun and you can open yourself up. The fun thing is I’m selling pints of rum in my play, and it’s fun.”

Fifteen-year-old T’Anna Phillips stars as the main lead in the beloved play, Fishpond and admits that while she’s nervous about being on stage, she’s acknowledged that she came this season.

“I’m more confident now; I can talk to others easily.”

With a combination of theatre, spoken word, dance, and music, Emerge 12 promises to be an inspiring showcase of Guyana’s youngest stars. The show takes place this Saturday at the Theatre Guild from 18:00 hrs and is set to highlight not just the talents of these young actors, but also the invaluable guidance of one of Guyana’s most respected theatre educators. (Italy Ton-Chung)