Theatre Arts Awards 1999 Pearce, Chung win top acting trophies Stabroek News April 20, 2000 Francis Pearce who acted in Judas and Samantha Chung who came in Waiting for Gillian were judged Best Actor and Best Actress respectively for 1999. The duo were presented with awards at the Theatre Arts Awards (TAA) at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) Monday evening. "In Waiting for Gillian I felt as though I came into my own as an actress," said an excited Chung who was chosen over Jennifer Thomas and Kim Lucas. Roars of applause came from the small audience assembled at the NCC when Pearce was announced Best Actor over Richard Narine and Fitzroy Tyrell. Best Actress: Samantha Chung accepts her award for Best Actress from a representative of the National Bank for Trade and Industry (NBIC). "I'm glad to be chosen over Richard Narine. I'm thankful to my wife and kids for allowing me to be in theatre," Pearce said in his short acceptance speech. Sean Barnwell was given the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Waiting for Gillian and Lavonne George received the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the same play. Paloma Mohamed was the winner of the night, receiving three awards: Best Set for the play Judas, Best Guyanese Play and Best Director for Tyfocious Rikitiks. Ron Robinson accepted the award for Best Variety for the Link Show 18 while Young Musicians on Stage got Best Children's Production. Billy Wade was judged Best Male Singer and Tiny Duggan Best Female Singer. Dance Craze got the award for Best Costume and Nrityageet 20 for Best Dance Production. Waiting for Gillian was declared the Best Production for the year 1999.