The unity stage play “I Am Us”, presented by the Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), opens this weekend at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), and is anticipated to be attended by Members of Parliament and other political leaders.
According to information filtered to this publication, ERC has already confirmed the attendance of public officials and it is also expected that Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Civil Society and the general public will also grace the event. Tickets for the one-of-a-kind play were exhausted a few days after release due to an unexpected overwhelming response. A holdover performance is being considered, as well as taking the play to other regions of Guyana in the future.
The ERC will also be declaring the venue a ‘Safe Space,’ symbolic of promoting continued tolerance and good relations among Guyanese, despite issues which may be considered contentious, being brought into the open and examined during the play. Remarks made and situations presented during the play are intended to allow Guyanese to ponder their sense of purpose for a united Guyana.
“I Am Us”, which has a mixed cast of almost 40, inclusive of actors, dancers and musicians, represents the hurdles faced by two neighbouring families composed of the two major ethnic groups. Members of both families display qualities of trust and togetherness in everyday life but suspicions and mistrust surface during an upcoming election. The play also has its share of typical Guyanese humour which the local audience would welcome.
