– facility now an ‘eyesore’
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport continues to remain mum on what plans it has in store to refurbish the deteriorating National Cultural Centre (NCC) in Georgetown, even as junior minister Steven Jacobs announced last May 22 on his Facebook page that plans for rehabilitation are advancing.
Veteran users of the facility have also shared that they, too, are in the dark and that the ministry does not communicate with them, even as some of them have shows coming up at the venue. They often have to depend on ‘word on the street,’ private producer Gem Madhoo told Kiskadee Watch recently as she noted that the last she heard was that authorities would have been closing the facility for repairs at the end of last May.
With almost half of June underway, and with the venue booked for continuing shows, Madhoo said it is unclear just when the ministry would find the appropriate time to commence the works. She noted that the NCC has fallen into a state of disrepair with major upgrades needed to its lighting and sound systems, washrooms, and both the interior and exterior of the building.
She reflected on the time a stage manager’s desk existed that once allowed actors to wait comfortably for their cues. This has been out of operation for “donkey years,” she said, forcing staff to have to physically go up to the top floor to bring down actors or instructing them to come down at a specified time.
According to Madhoo, because of the poor state of the lighting system, she has had to rent additional equipment, including lavalier lights for actors, resulting in an added production cost for her. In lamenting the shortage of microphones, she explained how in the past they would have benefited from 15 to 20 microphones positioned on and around the stage, compared to the three or four that they have now. She further reminisced on the days the centre had slide projection capabilities that could create scenic backdrops such as clouds or sunsets, all of which are no longer available.
Another producer, who has been using the NCC for years, shared on condition of anonymity that the NCC was once among the finest facilities of its kind in the Caribbean but that it has become an eyesore compared with its former appearance.
The source acknowledged improvements to the air conditioning system, noting that there were complaints about excessive heat for a long time; this has however been largely addressed, and the auditorium is now cooler and more comfortable. The source also expressed concern over the condition of the sound system, saying it has seen little improvement. With experienced technical personnel no longer employed at the facility, producers are often forced to hire their own sound engineers and rely on privately owned equipment rather than that of the NCC.
Additionally, the source contended that the Culture Ministry has been micromanaging the operations of the facility. Whereas a manager previously oversaw operations, the source said that the ministry is now closely involved in the administration of the venue and in determining who is granted access to use it.
Another source, who also wished to remain anonymous, spoke about the challenges since changes were made to the backstage area, stating that a section previously used by performers to wait before going on stage had been partitioned to create a VIP room. The space had traditionally accommodated actors awaiting their cues, particularly during productions involving large casts of 40 to 50 people. With the area no longer available, performers are now forced to crowd into the remaining backstage space.
The source further said that the room was constructed ahead of a visit by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was used briefly before the dignitary delivered a speech. Since then, the room has remained locked and inaccessible.
Last May 23, APNU Member of Parliament, Nima Flue-Bess had also raised concerns about the deterioration of the NCC. “In case you missed this historical fact. The National Cultural Centre is 50 years old. Guyana is celebrating 60 years of Independence. Look at the current state of our iconic National Cultural Centre as we celebrate 60. Ramson, Jacobs and the entire PPPC government – Guyanese visiting home will be so disappointed.”
On May 22, Minister Jacobs had shared a brief message on his Facebook page that said he and substantive minister Charles Ramson, along with project consultants and other technical personnel, “conducted a comprehensive walkthrough of the NCC as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport advances plans for the rehabilitation and enhancement of the facility.”
Attempts to reach Ramson and Jacobs for comment proved futile.
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