A further $10 million is needed for the Theatre Guild restoration project, which is set for completion by April month end as new installations and other building plans take shape at the playhouse.
The budgeted $33 million has been exhausted, Chairman of the Board of Trustees David de Caires reporters yesterday, adding that trustees were forced to turn to the public yet again for financial support and also hold additional fundraising activities to remain on schedule.
Currently the restoration committee is working on a $50 million budget, which was bumped up largely to see new features being added to the building. De Caires explained that the dynamics changed as the building progressed and pointed out that the new plans include a driveway and landscaping in addition to air conditioning and soundproofing. He said they were now short on resources and hoped the public would respond favourably.
Lighting equipment was ordered from Miami and is due in the country shortly. De Caires revealed that Government through the Guyana Revenue Authority has granted a substantial concession by waiving the duty on the equipment. “We are extremely grateful for this and as soon as the lighting equipment is here it would be installed,” he added.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony who toured the building yesterday said a considerable amount of work has been completed with some more to go. He said the changes that the theatre has undergone since his previous visit were tremendous, adding that he was impressed. Anthony said a lot more resources were required to finish the project and appealed to Guyanese to support the rebuilding.
Anthony commended the trustees and said further that government is committed to seeing the theatre open months before Carifesta as it was an important part of Guyana’s history.
Yesterday the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) donated $500,000 to the project as part of its continued commitment to the restoration of the theatre. Deputy General Manager Terry Holder said the company had donated a substantial amount of money to the Theatre Guild years ago and had challenged its members back then to commence a restoration project. He said the donation yesterday was meant to pave the way for other corporate entities to show further support.
In another two days, a Valentine’s Day fundraiser will be held at the Kingston playhouse under the theme, “Love Thou Art” with special performances by Margaret Lawrence, Ron Robinson, Simone Dowding, the Woodside Choir and Parkside Steel Orchestra among others. Tickets cost $1,000 and include a barbecue. The event begins at 5 pm and goes until 8 pm.
Additionally members of the public are being urged to contribute to the Build-the-Guild project bank account at Republic Bank account number 655-258-2.
