University of Guyana Strengthens Regional Cultural Ties Through Partnership with the Embassy of Colombia

Culture, Youth and Sport, successfully hosted a cultural exchange programme titled “Sounds and Stages of Origin: Weaving Cultural Networks between Colombia and Guyana.” The events were held at the World Trade Centre, the Theatre Guild and the National Cultural Centre on October 27, 28 and 29 respectively.

This initiative explored the shared Caribbean heritage of both nations and brought together artists, educators and students. It featured renowned Colombian playwright and actress Marilyn Leonor Biscaino Miller, who led interactive workshops, creative sessions and performances in Georgetown. Miller’s visit marked the beginning of a formal artistic collaboration between Guyana and Colombia, with a focus on theatre as a tool for cultural diplomacy and education.

Over the three-day programme, participants examined the role of storytelling and performance in preserving collective memory and strengthening cross-cultural understanding. Activities commenced with an opening ceremony at the World Trade Centre, continued with a creative workshop at the Theatre Guild of Guyana and concluded with a dynamic public performance at the National Cultural Centre.

During the opening ceremony, His Excellency Ambassador Graybern Livingston, Ambassador of Colombia to Guyana and CARICOM, reflected on the deeper significance of the collaboration, stating: “Culture is diplomacy in its most human expression… Through theatre, music, and storytelling, we connect communities, preserve memories, and build trust that sustains friendship among people.”

Representing Guyana’s theatre community, Guyana Prize-winning writer Mosa Telford charted the evolution of local theatre, highlighting key periods, figures and movements that shaped the dramatic arts from the colonial era to contemporary times.

Ms Bonita Hunter, Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Education and Humanities, delivered remarks on behalf of the University of Guyana, underscoring the importance of the initiative to the University’s cultural and academic mission. “The University of Guyana is honoured to be part of this collaboration,” she stated. “Through the arts, we nurture critical thinking, creative expression and intercultural understanding, key components of our vision to develop graduates who are both culturally grounded and globally engaged,” Ms Hunter noted. 

A major highlight of the exchange was the Collective Creation Workshop held on October 28 at the Theatre Guild. Young artists, educators, theatre practitioners and university students collaborated to produce an original short play titled “Awee Culture, Awee Life.”

During the four-hour workshop, participants examined themes of Guyanese identity and the influence of technology on young people, using storytelling, folklore, cultural forms and rural family life as key points of reflection. The play emerged through a process grounded in improvisation, movement, breath work and voice work. Participants utilised emotion, memory, rhythm and embodied exercises to shape both the narrative and the performance style.

The play was dramaturged by participants in collaboration with Ms Marilyn Miller. It was later showcased at the National Cultural Centre alongside Miller’s acclaimed monologue “Comeback… Comeback,” which celebrates the resilience and spiritual strength of Raizal women from San Andrés.

The Embassy of Colombia noted that this initiative represents the first phase of a broader cultural collaboration. Later this month, the partnership will continue with a music exchange, uniting Guyanese and Colombian musicians for another joint performance and workshop.

The University of Guyana remains deeply committed to fostering artistic innovation, intercultural dialogue and meaningful community engagement. This collaboration forms part of UG’s broader goal of establishing four Centres of Excellence in the Humanities within the Faculty of Education and Humanities. These centres aim to advance education and deepen cultural diplomacy through creativity, research and regional and international partnerships.

Please see link to the full performance here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u2Hz8hucXF2cUjdNYpIKjEkWWmAUR3XD/view?usp=drive_link