By Steven Vickerie
Bartica native Odessa Primus is considered one of the funniest women in the field of comedy locally. If you’ve ever attended the annual Uncensored show, you’d know that Primus’ gift to create some of the most humorous sketches and stand up acts could eventually transcend generations to come.
Odessa got her break during the staging of the first Uncensored show about eight years ago. Since then, she has not only evolved into a highly sought after comedian, but also a social media sensation, by putting a comedic spin on social and sometimes political issues.
But while she is known for creating laughs, Primus told Guyana Standard that there is nothing funny about what artists like herself go through to make a living in their field.
FROM BARTICA TO GT
Primus lost her mother at the tender age of six. With a father not present, she moved in with her aunt whom she said instilled many valuable lessons and virtues to which she now passes on to her two children. She remembers Bartica being a place where everyone looked out for each and their children. Primus said that Bartica has a much slower paced when compared to Georgetown. But there was a notion about what Georgetown was like before she moved her in her teens.
“There were people who traveled to Georgetown often and they spoke about how everything moved quickly. They used to talk about the robberies and other things that used to take place. So as a child, moving to Georgetown, you had somewhat of an idea of what to expect. But when I got here, everything moved indeed at a fast rate. But there were also things like buses and taxis. In Bartica we used to walk to school and it was really exciting because we used to walk and pick fruits from peoples’ trees,” Primus said.
She alluded Bartica to a “safe haven”, adding that compared to her younger days growing up, a lot has changed within not only the landscape, but also the way of life of many who still reside there. “Back then, you didn’t have to deal with all the things we have to deal with today, in terms of the sexual predators and the drugs or even adults not looking out for you. Back then, people never used to play to call your parents,” Primus said.
Primus also noted that a virtue she was taught at a young age was to always speak freely and honestly. She said to this day, that virtue has stuck with her. The beloved comedian said her children now have the same attribute which she perceives to be one of the greatest lessons she could pass on to them as a mother.
ODESSA… THE TOASTMASTER!
Odessa said that she was always humourous but it was through acting in different stage productions very young, and her exposure to being a Toast Master that helped her not only hone her craft, but also gave her the confidence she needed onstage. Yes, Odessa Primus was a former National Toast Master Champion. She told this news outlet that she became involved in a toast masters club very young and would compete in various competitions.
Primus said that she competed at the level of her local Toast Master club, then an interclub competition before she was selected to represent Guyana in Barbados at a Toast Master Humourous competition. Odessa however did not win, due to a technicality. But according to her, the exposure gave her the confidence she needed to take on Stand Up Comedy.
“I was always funny growing up, but I don’t want people to confuse being funny with being a stand up Comedian. Being the latter is way beyond being funny. It is about understanding things such as timing, the audience, and appropriateness, even though it is not a quality many comedians possess,” Primus said.
She noted that her time in the Toast Masters Club taught her the importance of having an excellent command of the English language and also several other important skills in including articulation and timing. Those qualities, according to Primus, made her develop not only her brand but also her craft. “The experience traveling outside Guyana and meeting people too developed my overall stage presence. I also found it really beneficial that I was able to speak in front of people outside Guyana,” Primus said.
DISREGARD FOR THE ARTS
It is no secret that many of our talented Guyanese in the performing arts only do various forms of performing as a “side hustle”. While it may sound degrading, it is the reality of many artists, especially since there is no avenue in which shows are available for production. Many of the shows that are staged are usually privately produced, rather than shows funded for various projects. But with Guyana being the way it is, politics also plays a major hurdle for artists, especially since there needs to be an affiliation before one is even given jobs.
Primus however said that privately, producers and promoters spend millions of dollars to organize shows for the entertainment of others. She also highlighted several interesting facts, including, the cost of setting up props and accessing sponsorship and two major hurdles many productions face. Primus added that these affect the overall sound, look and even the overall production.
Primus was also asked about the extent to which government funds the Performing Arts Industry. To this she said, “First of all, I don’t see any money being pumped into the Performing Arts Industry. I’ll probably need to look closer. But I believe even outside of monies being put into the industry, there needs to be a genuine love, care and concern, for the arts and keeping the arts alive.”
She suggested that there be avenues in which the Performing Arts is reintroduced at the level of the school system, and not just at cultural events. She further implored that talents such as comedy be fostered at the level of school which she said could help build character.
“I hope I live long enough to see the arts getting the respect it so needs. There are people who work tirelessly to build a name in this arena and they are talented beyond anything. But this lackluster approach to the arts is what demotivates alot of people and we need to start respecting our people in the arts and help develop the next generation of them,” Primus said.
Primus concluded that she wants the administration to create avenues for young people to find a meaningful place in the Arts Industry. She alluded to a drama group she formed in the Sophia district, which performed at many productions, including some organized by herself. She noted that due to the pandemic, the group had temporarily disbanded.
While she intends to resuscitate the group at the end of the year, she hopes that the group can actually make a living out of acting.
