EVEN as masquerade band leaders are clamouring for a more energised effort to support and uphold the tradition of the art form, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is engaging in several strategies to ensure survival and continuity of the traditional art form.Mrs Jacqueline Waldron, leader of Guyana’s most prominent masquerade band – Fyah in the Land – recently voiced grave misgivings concerning the lack of emphasis being placed on promoting and strengthening the tradition. She cited the important part it plays in Guyanese culture, and said it should be given prominence similar to other entertainment ventures.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, Mrs. Waldron noted her acute displeasure at the manner in which the relevant authorities and associated bodies have treated the art form over the years. She is of the view that promotional efforts to showcase masquerade should intensify, and she declared that significance of the art form has dwindled because of a lack of focus and poor incentives being offered to participants during the Mashramani masquerade festivities.
Mrs. Linda Griffith, Director of the Masquerade Committee of the Culture Ministry, noted in an interview that the ministry has been doing all it can to ensure that the tradition of masquerade is treated with respect and given deserved recognition.
She said that, over the years, the tradition has dwindled because participants have not taken time to learn the correct techniques associated with masquerade, and have been showcasing ‘wishy-washy’ presentations either because they were inexperienced or because they just did not bother to properly acquaint themselves with the art of masquerade.
This, of course, has contributed to the drastic decrease in masquerade bands around Guyana, and has resulted in the Culture Ministry being unable to stage a competition in this regard.
While several ‘inappropriately dressed’ and untrained groups have been seen around the city trying to make a quick dollar at Mashramani and Christmas time, their displays have been lame representations of what the art form should dictate in this modern day, she said.
As a result, the ministry is engaged in formulating strategies to better the tradition this year, and ensure masquerade is resuscitated.
A detailed CD has already been prepared for distribution to those tiny groups seen around the city at Mash time, to ensure dancers are acquainted with the proper and correct moves. That aside, UNESCO is collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to, this year, set up two large youth masquerade bands in Regions 2 and 10. Those groups would be headed by experts Larry Mc Kenzie and Jerome Cumberbatch and would ensure that youths are properly taught the traditional dance routines.
A relatively new Mash band will be produced this year to depict masquerades from around the country, and will be showcased at the Mash 2014 festivities. Added to that, there are teaching sessions presently ongoing in the two regions to ensure youths learn the intricate art of flouncing and displaying to make them better dancers.
The ministry has been working with teachers and students in several schools to further enhance the fortunes of masquerade, and this year a massive ‘Masquerade Flounce Off’ will be staged in Ann’s Grove Village, East Coast of Demerara, on February 9, 2014.
There are, however, plans to stage masquerade contests in 2015, providing groups are well equipped and ready for competition.
(By Alex Wayne)
