I’M in Port of Spain for CARIFESTA XIV. I have not seen much of the city as yet, but being in Port of Spain is a dream come through. I have always aimed to travel here and earlier this year, I missed two opportunities to be here, which is why I am grateful that this CARIFESTA experience has come up. Trinidad has always been a part of my childhood lore. The country is such a close neighbour of ours that there were always stories about this place – coming from my grandfather, my neighbours, etc. In the beginning, the stories were the items that make up a child’s fancy – the pitch lake, saltfish buljol, and the concept of a ‘twin’ island were fascinating to me for some reason. Now as an adult, the allure is still there, but the reasons are different. I am fascinated with the country’s booming cultural landscape, the focus on the literary arts, and the way the nation has become an iconic representation of what it means to be Caribbean. I plan on making the most of my stay here, and of course, there will be an emphasis on the literary and theatrical things to do here.

I am a part of the Performing Arts contingent, which includes the National Drama Company of Guyana. We are due to perform several theatrical productions that by now have probably familiar to the Guyanese public, but are unknown to the people of Trinidad. Having an oeuvre of work that can be taken around to different countries is an essential element of theatre groups and companies because it reduces the stress and workload of constant creativity for the sake of creativity. It is okay to hone and have sharp, intelligent, beautiful pieces that can be put on display whenever called upon, even as other work is given its due time to develop and grow in the background.

One of the plays that we will be staging is Al Creighton’s dramatisation of Wordsworth McAndrew’s poem, “Ole Higue.” This is an important performance because it’s one of the first pieces coming out of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama. It is a rhythmic, poetic ode to both McAndrew, our folklore, and the art of theatre itself, displaying spools of cloth and using them in numerous ways and relying on the ritualistic Caribbean technique of using actors as set pieces. Added to that is also the central dynamic performance of the ole higue, which has always been played by the extremely talented Tashandra Inniss.

Another play that we will staging is that of “Stickfight,” also directed by Al Creighton. This one highlights the stickfighting tradition, which was popular in various parts of the Caribbean throughout history. Filled with song and choreography, this short play presents a battle between the ‘King’ and the ‘Pretender,’ with appearances from other Caribbean characters such as the ‘Queen of the Carnival’ and ‘Death’ and ‘Dancer Boy.’ It is an opulent affair, rich in music, dance, and drama.

Sonia Yarde’s “Baccoo” will also be staged. This is a very short but effective play that dramatises the passing on of our stories to the future generations, while also highlighting an important folk figure from Guyanese folklore.

Rounding out the performances are “The Tadjah,” written by Nicholas Singh and directed by Esther Hamer. This one is important because it is one of the very few Guyanese plays that highlights some segment of the Muslim experience. It tells the story of Hussain and Yazid, which is one that is crucial to an understanding of Islam. “Laugh of the Marble Queen” written and directed by Subraj Singh will also be staged, in the hopes that it gets the reception that is has received in Guyana. The play is a postcolonial drama that highlights several of the connections between Guyana’s history and very modern issues that plague the country. It aims to showcase many of the ways in which we have not managed to move forward from the colonial issues that stem from our colonial history.

The National Drama Company has been rehearsing for months. We have also been making props, costumes, set pieces, in addition to other rehearsals to dance, musical performances and poetry are either integrated into our performances or meant to be stand-alone pieces. Furthermore, this is a great opportunity for us to show the cultural hub of Trinidad all that the National Drama Company of Guyana is capable of.