Ole time mas’ thrills St James

TUESDAY night’s presentation of traditional mas’ staged by the St James Social and Cultural Committee at the St James Amphitheatre, St James, was a hit among the large audience that turned out to witness the portrayals. Carnival revellers participating in the 5th Annual Traditional Mas (Individuals) Competition with the theme “Keeping the Heritage Alive,” brought historical characters such as Pierrot Grenades, Dame Lorraines, Baby Dolls and Fancy Sailors to life in the preliminary round of the contest.

A three-member adjudication panel presided over the night’s show, which heralded the organising committee’s contribution to Carnival 2005. For almost two hours contestants entered in 11 categories of the ole mas’ competition entertained the public in colour and style exhibitions. However, a technical glitch in the audio system caused much headache among competitors appearing in the categories for Pierrot Grenades, Baby Dolls and Midnight Robbers.

These characters were required to offer speeches as part of their presentations. But most of their recitations were inaudible. That aside, the other aspects of the programme proved to be quite eventful. Grace Fernandez, chairman of the organising committee said the staging of the Traditional Mas (Individuals) Competition was her organisation’s attempt at preserving the origins of Trinidad Carnival. She lamented that the Blue Devil scheduled to appear on the night’s playbill could not present their work “since their costumes weren’t ready.” The gorilla band was rowdy as usual and patrons lauded the portrayals of bat, bear and cow mas’, which are all considered a dying part of Carnival. Moko Jumbies also formed part of the night’s competition. Anthony Aleong hosted the show and there was a guest performance by Black Sage.