Women In Theatre Desiree Edghill
TWO years ago Desiree Edghill was named BEST ACTRESS OF THE YEAR. This year, Desiree was named MOST VERSATILE ACTRESS. She is therefore no newcomer to the stage. A prolific performer, full of energy and now very versatile. Desiree started her work in theatre purely by accident. Wanting to find some way of occupying her mind, Desiree joined PEWITT which was a theatrical group of the workers at Guyana Stores Ltd., where Desiree is employed.
She surprised herself in these first performances in 1981 and later, after having joined the Theatre Guild, she was greatly encouraged by John Rollins to pursue more work in theatre. Desiree expresses deep gratitude for those early days at the Theatre Guild where she learnt all the basics in theatre. In spite of her involvement OPPOSITION Working People’s Alliance (WPA) members, led by Parliamentarian Eusi Kwayana, picket the Main Street headquarters of the Bauxite Industry Development Company (Bidco). The protest action stemmed from this week’s decision by the Guyana Mining Enterprise to de-recognise the two bauxite unions following last week’s one-day protest strike in which the unions participated. The unions are members of the sevenmember breakaway alliance, FITUG which called the strike.The WPA also picketed the Teaching Service Commission on Brickdam, because of what it said was retaliatory action against teachers, some of whom did not report for work last Friday. with groups outside of Theatre Guild Desiree has been faithful to the Guild and still performs with them.
Desiree who is working and has a family admits that a woman can only take part in theatre work, which is very demanding, if she is well organised and, of course, if she gets the full support of her man as she does. In spite of her active participation in theatre, she feels very strongly that the trend in Guyana to do more and more commercial theatre has had a negative effect on standards. Desiree would like to see a place established where people, really interested in learning theatre craft can go to learn it.
Desiree will next be seen on stage as LADY IN ORANGE in FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF by Ntozahe Shange at the National Cultural Centre on March 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.