It is with shock and great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our young stage actors and filmmakers – Anna-Lisa Wickham. Information came to the T&T Performing Arts Network yesterday, that Anna-Lisa was taken to Mt. Hope Hospital in the late evening of Sunday 23rd August for a non-COVID related illness, but succumbed to her condition the following day. She was 24.
Anna-Lisa became involved in theatre when she was in form three and “has not been able to stay away from acting since“, so read her performer’s bio for one of her last theatrical productions.
In 2017 she graduated with a BA in Film Production and a Minor in Theatre from the University of the West Indies. After University, she continued to develop her craft and eventually graduated from LP Entertainment Theatre’s Voice Acting program with Lylah Persad in 2018, and Necessary Arts School’s 24th Cycle with Penelope Spencer in 2019.
She said, “The stage is one of the places [I] feel free to be expressive without being judged,” and lived by the quote “Be different in order to make make a difference.”
Her credits included:
- ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2014) directed by Zwena Joseph [Play];
- Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage” (2015) directed by Deborah Maitland at DCFA (New Directors’ Forum) [Play];
- Don Difonso’s “Emperor’s Nightingale” (2016) directed by Deborah Maitland;
- Diana – School Tour (2018) directed by Lylah Persad [Play];
- The Rodey Show, S1 Ep 5 – Know it All Pinky [TV Series];
- “It Still Haunts Me” – her first narrative film, which was selected for and played at the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival in 2017
She is perhaps best known for her role as ‘Lizzy’ (the 13 year old daughter of Sam and Betty Lou Blondel) in BV Theatre Project’s 2016 and 2019 productions of Dr. Efebo Wilkinson’s Bitter Cassava, and for her 2016 entry to the Trinidad + Tobago Film Festival – “Living Without You” which was nominated for for Best T+T Documentary Short at ttff/16.
Anna-Lisa Wickham as ‘Lizzy’ BV Theatre Production’s Bitter Cassava | Photo courtesy: Dr. Efebo Wilkinson 
Anna-Lisa Wickham as Lady Ming in ‘The Emperor’s Nightingale’ | Photo courtesy: Deborah Maitland 
Anna-Lisa Wickham as ‘Madam Culture’ in Necessary Arts’ ‘Trials & Triumphs’ | Photo courtesy Penelope Spencer 
Anna-Lisa Wickham and the Cast of ‘DIANA’ – School Tour | Photo courtesy Lylah Persad 
Anna-Lisa Wickham in rehearsal for ‘Bitter Cassava’ | Photo courtesy: Dr. Efebo Wilkinson
Her last stage performance was as ‘Madam Culture’ in Necessary Arts’ Cycle 24 Graduating Showcase ‘Trials & Trumps’ which played at the Little Carib Theatre in December of 2019.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and anyone who has been touched by the life and work of Anna-Lisa Wickham.
TIP: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be unable to be with a loved one when they die, or unable to mourn someone’s death in-person with friends and family. If you need help dealing with your loss, the CDC has made some resources available for coping with grief and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. CLICK HERE.
This article will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 