"The film uses the small space of Trinbago to highlight the way in which the original culture can be used to demonstrate our common heritage. The portrayal goes deep into the folklore and proved that we have been creative people though never a part of the colonial heritage. Now the wheel has come full circle, showing the enormous harmony in our diverse heritage…"
This is how Professor Brinsley Samaroo describes ‘Ah Payap, Story Fuh So! The Hidden Cultures of Trinidad and Tobago' the new nation story written by Eintou Pearl Springer and told by Eintou and Ravi-Ji. The DVD of ‘Ah Payap' will be formally launched on November 24th, at NALIS Port of Spain from 6pm at which time Professor Samaroo will share his full perspective on the piece.
In addition to the showing of the DVD, members of the audience will be treated to various aspects of our local culture from Parang and Tassa to African Drums and Pichakaaree.
In ‘Ah Payap' Eintou a veteran storyteller of over thirty years, transports the viewer through a rich and exciting discovery of the ‘Hidden Cultures' of Trinidad and Tobago, using the story as her vehicle. Eintou is joined in this storytelling expedition by her long-time friend and spiritual brother, Pundit Ravindranath Maharaj, affectionately called ‘Ravi Ji'. Ravi, himself an expert of the oral tradition, brings his own brand of humour and knowledge to the experience.
These two elders take us deep into aspects of our culture which have been an integral part of the social and cultural mosaic of their generation – from Dancing the Cocoa and Paranging house to house, to Pichakaaree singing and Stickfighting.
Special acknowledgment is given to the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Development Company for their support of this venture, and to NALIS and the National Museum and Art Gallery for making the launch of the DVD possible. And of course, we pay utmost respect to the wonderful keepers of our traditions who took the time to share their world and knowledge of their craft.
You can send us your RSVP to this event on our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter see our videos on You Tube: Idakeda Group Online or contact us to work with your organisation, school or community. And as always –
Stay with us on our Journey …
