By Deandra Daniels
Keon Heywoood is a vivacious 36-year-old who can be described as an artist by heart and soul and someone who embodies all aspects of theatrical performances on every stage he graces.
In his own words, “music is my first love… I know that I’m naturally gifted in that.”
As a Christian child who was active in church, he would play the drums and sing much to the delight of the congregation. His entry into the arts started with dance some 20 years ago.
“I’m still unpacking what drama and performance and theatre is for me personally because it’s always unfolding as you engage with a choreography, a play, a poem or musical. It always unfolds a new dimension, for me it is a means for me to commune with my God.
“It’s a means for me to empty myself in a space, time or context in a performance to create that feeling for my audience so they can experience my life and connection to God,” Keon related.
As a child, Keon had the ability to ‘hold down a crowd’. Some days he accompanied his father to his business in Stabroek Market where he was egged by vendors and passersby to dance. He was urged to ‘whine’ and ‘frolic’ and recalls that his father would put a stop to it because he did not think it was an activity appropriate for his son.
Keon played football instead, and he was probably the worst player on the team. One day while at football practice he observing a group of dancers who were sharing the same space and with an intrigued mind, he got involved.
After stints at several dance agencies, including the National Dance School, Keon is now trained in many forms of dance.
Then in 2010, after a year of positive pestering, a colleague of his persuaded him to join the Theatre Guild Wednesday Night Workshops for acting.
“I wasn’t really interested, then one Wednesday night I just decided to take myself up and come to the theatre guild and I have been here ever since.”
As Keon grew in the arts, studying theatre and securing a certificate in dance before being inducted into the National Drama Company, he explored his skills and discovered his talent for poetry writing.
“I don’t generally say oh I went here and did this and that. Let the proof of the pudding be in the eating.”
As proven in his piece ‘Journey to Eldorado’, Keon not only performs his poetry as is but adds elements of music to bring it to life and make it more relatable to the audience. He makes beats with his feet, hands or mouth to make it more theatrical and engaging, a gift only a true performer can present.
Keon is member of the management committee at the Theatre Guild Playhouse.
“My first introduction to the theatre and the stage was as a dancer in Malcolm DeFreitas’s rendering of ‘Mackentali’, I worked as an assistant stage manager and he created a role for me in the production as a dancer.”
His first actual acting role was in the play ‘Shadows’ by Mosa Telford.
In the broader scheme of things, Keon believes more investments are needed to push Guyanese artists in the form of creating spaces for them to sharpen their skills.
“What happened to the people in Berbice, Essequibo, Up the bank, Lethem and Region 1 and so on? They need the exposure and one of my hopes and dreams is to ensure that spaces like the Theatre Guild are spread across this country so they can be nurtured and trained as artists.”
In his advice to young upcoming performers Keon stated: “One of the first things I noted when I began to get more serious about the arts.
“What I would say to a young and upcoming performer is to know yourself, understand who you are because that is part of what you will be offering as you explore the world of the creative arts.
“You will encounter many different people of different persuasions and unless you are grounded in who you are, you may be influenced and it may not necessarily be in a positive way so having that firm feet on the ground is important.”
He also urges artists to take the time to invest in themselves because valuing your art and craft takes time and effort.
