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THE Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) of New York, Inc. and Guyana’s Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports will organise and host a symposium in Guyana aimed at preserving the legacy of the masquerade art form in the country. 
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, stated that the symposium, “Masquerade Lives”, will serve as stimulation in the context of the Mashramani celebrations scheduled for February, 2013. The symposium is scheduled for December 13 and 14, 2012.
President of the GCA, Vibert Cambridge, said that many have indicated an interest in the symposium, and while the hub will be at the Ministry of Culture, sessions will be held at the Umana Yana and villages in Berbice, Essequibo, and West Coast and West Bank Demerara among other areas. This, he posited, would enable persons to recognise whether there is any difference in the art form from area to area.
“Masquerade Lives” is intended to create a space for public education and the examination of the deep heritage associated with Guyana’s masquerade traditions. Special attention will be paid to the origins of the art form, its historical and international connections, and the reasons for its decline. Sessions will also focus on masquerade’s aesthetic dimensions, including costumes, dances, music and the performances.
While focused on contributing towards a strategy for the rehabilitation and promotion of this tradition, the symposium will also help in preserving Guyana’s folk heritage both at home and abroad. Participants will also identify and pay homage to Guyana’s masquerade pioneers, such as Joe Flounce, Bandula, the Blacketts, Boysie Sage, Bundarie, Putagee and others. (GINA)
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, stated that the symposium, “Masquerade Lives”, will serve as stimulation in the context of the Mashramani celebrations scheduled for February, 2013. The symposium is scheduled for December 13 and 14, 2012.President of the GCA, Vibert Cambridge, said that many have indicated an interest in the symposium, and while the hub will be at the Ministry of Culture, sessions will be held at the Umana Yana and villages in Berbice, Essequibo, and West Coast and West Bank Demerara among other areas. This, he posited, would enable persons to recognise whether there is any difference in the art form from area to area.
“Masquerade Lives” is intended to create a space for public education and the examination of the deep heritage associated with Guyana’s masquerade traditions. Special attention will be paid to the origins of the art form, its historical and international connections, and the reasons for its decline. Sessions will also focus on masquerade’s aesthetic dimensions, including costumes, dances, music and the performances.
While focused on contributing towards a strategy for the rehabilitation and promotion of this tradition, the symposium will also help in preserving Guyana’s folk heritage both at home and abroad. Participants will also identify and pay homage to Guyana’s masquerade pioneers, such as Joe Flounce, Bandula, the Blacketts, Boysie Sage, Bundarie, Putagee and others. (GINA)
