Review of Naya Zamana 24

Sep 11, 2022 News

…the beloved Indian cultural showcase

By Rehanna Ramsay

Kaieteur News – The 24^th production of the beloved Indian cultural extravaganza, Naya Zamana, was nothing short of spectacular. The theatrical showcase of well over 50 cast members which captivated the crowd of some 2000 persons at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) two weekends ago is still the talk of the town.

Naya Zamana 24 featured riveting musical and theatrical performances

The production team engaged in a carefully choreographed display of cultural presentations

Naya Zamana, the annual musical theatrical production by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha had returned after a two-year hiatus and it did not disappoint. From the melodious rhythms and harmonies of the sitar filled the NCC auditorium to the stunning display of Indian regality in the form of dazzling costumes, the stage of the Cultural Centre lit up vibrant musical and theatrical performances of a storyline that left the audience wanting more.

Already, diehard fans of the production are inquiring about Naya Zamana 25, but they just have to wait until next year to see what that holds. As explained by the show’s Producer/ Director, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, there is a lot of work that goes into the preparation for Naya Zamana.

In addition to her title as Producer/Director for the show, Dr. Persaud, who is the current Minister of Human Services and Social Security, also doubles as the choreographer/script writer.

Naya Zamana’s Producer/Director, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (at right) with her sister and the show’s Costume Director, Simantini Trishala Persaud

This year, Dr. Persaud and her amazing cast of young performers were able to once more captivate the audience with story-telling through dance and music. Dr. Persaud told Kaieteur News that after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she wanted to give the audience something extra-special—that came in the form of a production under the theme ‘AgniSutra’ – the thread of fire which essentially addressed several social struggles.

The production included, in addition to its signature dance and drama showcase, renditions from world renowned New York-based sitarist, Rishab Sharma, as well a return of the display of Ram Lela. Dr. Persaud said that the inclusion of the sitar was a treat for both the young performers and attendees of the show.

“The sitar is a stringed Indian musical instrument, a very complex instrument that very few young people gravitate to, so we figured that if we are to have a sitarist here, we should have the very best in the world. And so, we included Rishab Sharma who is the last disciple of legendary Ravi Shankar… Ravi Shankar is best known as the most iconic sitarist in the world and for his musical contribution to American pop bands like the Beatles,” Dr. Persaud explained. She added that Sharma certainly lived up to his title as the best in the world as he wowed the crowd with his rendition of classical sitar as well as contemporary music.

“The audience was regaled with very modern renditions of music like the Game of Thrones theme song but he also played local tunes like Kaise Bani which was a favourite of the audience of well over 2000 people…” she said.

The well-loved production also featured classical kathak, south-style dance, and Bollywood theatrical presentations.

“It was contemporary and lyrical, it was a blend of styles, the costumes were superb and the sets were just as majestic,” Dr. Persaud said, as she sang kudos to the talented bunch of performers who made Naya Zamana 24 a success.

She noted that the show’s success must be credited to all those who put in the extra work to ensure that they were ready to perform. From the Costume Director, Simantini Trishala Persaud, to those who selected the talented main cast of Naya Zamana 24 which included Travez Piaralall, Aliyah Hassan, Anusha Doodnauth, Amisha Sarjoo, Malcolm Hintzen and Kayla Jahnavi.

Dr. Persuad told this publication that, “The cast comprised of over 50 talented young people who were so convincing in their roles that they ended up with their own fan following after the show.”

She added, “I must say that they showed commitment because they all were working and going to school while preparing for the show. They practised in the evening at the Dharmic Sanskrit Kendra, sometimes until wee hours of the morning. Many of the cast members blended their school and very heavy professions with the arts and I believe this goes to their credit.”

The story of Naya Zamana dates back to 1998 when Dr. Persaud and her sister Trishala Persaud were encouraged to stage an Indian-themed dance production. The show was a hit from the very start and since then, Naya Zamana, which translates as ‘New World’ or ‘New Generation’, has been dubbed an annual relish for many young talents and theatre-lovers.

While it is entertaining, Naya Zamana has become known for its relatable storytelling feature. Every year, the production seeks to address many of societal ills and struggles.

This year’s storyline was no different as it offered attendees a positive perspective on issues such as harassment in the work place, social media addiction, cultural identity, how to withstand challenges, and the proper way to manage anger.

Dr. Persaud said the storyline of Naya Zamana 24 was filled with a lot of positive messaging; it depicted the struggle of each person between darkness and light.

She asserted, “that because every person has that struggle we spoke to how we should always gravitate towards the light and how you can find the light in you and bring it out because I believe inherently we are good people but we just need to find a way to express that at all times.”