Georgetown : The 10th Annual Masquerade Symposium which opens today at the Umana Yana has been organised by the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) of New York, Inc. and Guyana’s Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and is aimed at preserving the legacy of the masquerade art form in the country.
the Symposium under the theme “Masquerade Lives” is aimed at encouraging support for the preservation and conservation of the art form by creating a space for public education, the examination of the deep heritage associated with Guyana’s masquerade traditions, especially its origins, history, international, connections, and aesthetic dimensions such as costume, dance, music, craft and performance.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony has expressed full support for the move towards the preservation of the art form noting that without similar attempts the unrecognised cultural traditions of Guyana will slowly diminish and disappear all together.
Short films with storylines based on the art form will be shown during the four days and will be accompanied by reflections by leaders of Masquerade Bands from various regions. There will also be lectures by Cultural experts from Guyana and the Caribbean who are overseas based.
President of the GCA Vibert Cambridge said that many have indicated interest in the symposium which would enable persons to recognise whether there is any difference in the art form from area to area.
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.
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