The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamian theatre and arts community is mourning the loss of renowned Grand Bahamian playwright Gea Pierre.

Ms Pierre, who had battled lupus and other health complications for years, spent more than three decades captivating audiences through original Bahamian storytelling. Her productions — such as Forever Us, March On – The Story of Us, The Playbook, and the wildly popular four-part series Crazy Love — were celebrated locally and internationally.

Her production company, Out of the Ashes Entertainment, brought Bahamian theatre to stages in New Providence, Abaco, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ms Pierre was also the founder of Gea Pierre Productions and earned numerous accolades throughout her career.

Mark Gardiner, who worked closely with her, remembered her as a gifted yet humble figure who often stayed out of the spotlight, even as her work commanded centre stage.

“I knew the name through plays and shows she wrote for the Grand Bahama Players. I never knew who she was because she was so shy; she always stayed in the background,” he said.

Mr Gardiner, who joined her production company in 2015, said Ms Pierre created a nurturing environment and had a rare ability to make people feel seen and supported.

“I will miss the laughter, the talks, picking her creative brain. I am going to miss that most. Gea and I shared a very special friendship,” he added.

Mr Gardiner noted that her declining health had kept her from travelling with the company over the past year. He often took on the responsibility of managing logistics and ensuring the show went on in her absence.

“She may have only seen one show last year. We knew that when Gea got ill, she would isolate herself, recover, and then come back stronger. But this time, the isolation lasted longer than we had anticipated. It was basically the entire year,” he said.

He said Ms Pierre demanded the highest standards in her productions — nothing was left to chance. She was meticulous about everything from set design to wardrobe, insisting that every detail reflect excellence.

Even in moments of recognition, she remained modest. Mr Gardiner remembered how she would offer a shy wave and quickly retreat backstage after curtain calls, often needing encouragement to remain onstage.

Despite the pain of her loss, he said the team is committed to carrying her legacy forward.

“We are all hurting — past and present members,” he said. The shock and disbelief are one thing, but knowing we have to keep this legacy going without her is another. But she left the outline for us. No one can write like Gea, but we will get as close to it as possible.”

Remardo Russell, a long-time cast member, said Ms Pierre “was the best Bahamian playwright in the country.”

Mr Russell, who performed in several of her productions, including all four instalments of Crazy Love, said its popularity was so strong that audiences demanded the story continue after the first sequel.

Ms Pierre’s artistic journey began around the age of 13, writing poetry and being introduced to theatre by Arthur Jones of the Grand Bahama Players.

Patrice Johnson, a fellow director and veteran thespian, said Ms Pierre modernised Bahamian theatre, blending professionalism with innovation.