Stage producer remembers Kescia Branche

Nov 12, 2017 News

It is with deep sadness that I post this photograph with Kescia Branche (in white) and Melika Edmonds from the Play “Crack Jokes” written by Odessa Primus which I produced at the National Cultural Centre in February 2016.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to her twin sister, Kassandra and to the family at her tragic death.
I knew Kescia and Kassandra since they were 12 years old attending St. Roses High School. They joined my ‘Youths in Drama’ workshop during the summer of 2007. They were all part of the group of young upcoming actors that traveled for many weekends performing in schools, in the countryside, in and around Georgetown doing the short plays and skits produced from the workshop.
Kescia also performed in the short film ‘Shattered Hopes and Dreams’ based on a young girl becoming HIV infected, which I directed and was sponsored by the National Association of the Performing Arts (NAPS.)
She was one of the group of young persons from the workshop who joined NAPS as peer educators and worked in the Village at the National Park during Carifesta 2009.

Melika Edmonds and Kescia Branche in the play, “CRACK JOKES”

Many times when they missed rehearsals I would call at home for them and their mother would say to me that they are unable to attend that day because they needed to study. I could not argue with such strict parenting.
The last play both sisters performed with the ‘Youths in Drama’ workshop was a short play I entered in the first National Drama Festival. They both became very vibrant and visible on stage in many other productions over the years.
A few years ago, while judging the national drama festival, I felt very proud at the level of her performances in the plays she was involved in. God rest her soul. (Gem Madhoo)