By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Latiefa Agard, one of Guyana’s most promising young actresses and poets, continues to make remarkable strides in the theatre and creative arts scene, capturing attention for her versatility, depth, and passion.
Currently a Theatre Arts and Visual Arts teacher at Christ Church Secondary School, Agard’s journey began at the Purple Arts Production Children’s Drama Workshop, led by veteran actress and playwright Simone Dowding. She recalls that her first workshop experience was transformative.
“It was on a Saturday morning that I saw the advertisement talking about the elements of stagecraft, directing, writing, and costumes… I participated and had a great time. I was able to learn a lot,” she told Nightly News.
That early exposure sparked her love for acting, poetry, and dance, eventually leading her to the stage in Ronald Hollingsworth’s play ‘Til I Find a Place 2’, directed by Sharon Cadogan-Taylor. At just 15 years old, while a student at St. Rose’s High School, she played an 11-year-old girl caught in the emotional turmoil of parental conflict — a performance that showcased her maturity and emotional depth.
She was privileged to share the stage with Michael Ignatius, Sonia Yarde, and Sean Thompson, and describes that experience as the defining moment of her youth.
“Because I was able to witness those unfiltered emotions, I thought those acting opportunities were the high point of my childhood,” she reflected.
At the time, she was also studying dance at the National School of Dance, where she was later promoted to Associate Member of the National Dance Company.
From Local Stages to National Spotlights
Agard’s growing confidence saw her performing at major events hosted by the Ministries of Education and Health. One of her most memorable moments came when she was chosen to perform a skit during Hollywood actress Letitia Wright’s visit to Guyana.
“I was selected to do a skit portraying a younger version of Letitia Wright. It was such an honourable moment because I was able to show that Guyana has talent and creativity,” she said proudly.
Her standout performance as an unborn child in Professor Paloma Mohamed’s award-winning play ‘Duenne’, directed by Henry Muttoo, deepened her appreciation for research and interpretation in acting. To prepare, she studied the folklore of the “douen,” a mythical child spirit — embodying the role of a curious spirit attempting to connect with her mother.
“Mr. Muttoo would always ask probing questions. He reminded us that actors are vessels — we tell life stories, and that is an important and valued job,” she recalled.
Versatility in Theatre and Poetry
Agard has since starred in several plays at the Theatre Guild’s One Act Festival, including “Fashion Cuts” (Frederick Minty), “Before Her Parting” (Mosa Telford, directed by Colleen Humphrey), and “Keeping Up” (Brandon Singh, directed by Anastacia Shako Van-Tull). Each, she said, offered new challenges and growth opportunities.
Her passion for performance extends into spoken word poetry, where she gained recognition for her daring piece “Baker Boy”, performed at the Musings of a Poet showcase by Tashandra Inniss. The poem’s sensual and evocative imagery earned both laughter and admiration from the audience.
“I think poetry allows me to connect with emotions and themes that acting sometimes can’t. It’s another form of storytelling,” she shared.
Agard also won accolades at the Youth Slam Climate Change Poetry Competition (2023) and has explored modelling and stage performance training with the House of XTSY.
Championing Recognition in the Arts
While she celebrates the resurgence of local theatre, Agard is passionate about the need for greater recognition of playwrights and backstage professionals.
“It’s nice to read about the plays and see reviews, but what’s more rewarding is when those people — the writers, directors, and stage crew — are acknowledged for their work,” she said.
She praised Al Creighton’s tireless efforts in highlighting the works of Guyanese theatre practitioners and called for more consistent award platforms for excellence in the arts.
“Every opportunity has been humbling and a chance to improve my craft. I just hope that more Guyanese tune in and support local plays,” she concluded.
