The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha launched its 20th Naya Zamana production last Sunday at the Marriott Hotel. Dr Vindhya Persaud, Director and Choreographer of Naya Zamana, promised a spectacular show on August 29 at the National Cultural Centre, under the theme “When Fates Collide”.
Dr Persaud indicated that this year’s show would take the audience on a scintillating journey with lots of the unexpected thrown in. The show would also be replete with its usual dazzling costumes and set designs, cutting edge choreography and popular music. Members of the cast treated those in attendance to a short but captivating preview performance.
Presentations were made to longstanding dancers of the production Gina Arjoon, Zahrah Alli, Ananda Latchman, Indhira Harry and Kumar Kissson. Appreciation was expressed to Preadeep Samtani of Bhagwans and Barbara Belgrave of the National Cultural Centre who had sold tickets for the production for the last 20 years along with Kamini Narine of the Dharmic Kendra who had sold tickets and provided significant support for Naya Zamana for more than 15 years.
A plaque of appreciation and recognition was also presented to the National Cultural Centre where the production has been staged for all its years. Naino Latchman received special recognition for voluntarily assisting with the making of costumes for the production for many years.
The cast of Naya Zamana also made a special presentation to Choreographers Vindhya and Trishala Persaud. Dr Indhira Harry and Zahrah Alli, speaking on behalf of the cast, expressed profound gratitude to the sisters for being an inspiration to the dancers over the years and for being the creative forces behind every aspect of the production; be it Dr Vindhya Persaud’s choreography, scriptwriting and direction or in the case of Trishala, the fabulous costumes and sets that the production has become famous for.
The highlight of the evening was a 15-minute video presentation chronicling the Naya Zamana journey over the last 20 years. Kevin Kelly, CEO of Digicel, the production’s main sponsor, was in attendance and made complimentary remarks on the obvious growth and high standard of the production over the past two decades.
Tickets for Naya Zamana 20 are on sale at the National Cultural Centre, Red Mango, Bhagwans, E-Networks and the Dharmic Kendra. Interested persons can also call telephone number 227-6181.