Trini Revellers in the Spotlight

Les Paysans, a section in Trini Revellers, representing peasants.

The few costumes I have seen so far from Trini Revellers have been impressive and I am looking forward to the band launching next Saturday at Pier 1. Today's Trinidad Guardian has a nice article on the band's philosophy as well as the idea behind the theme for 2007 "French Revolution".

Trini Revellers recreates French Revolution

By Stephanie Serac

Trini Revellers is set to continue its revolution of T&T’s Carnival. Already capturing three consecutive Band of Year titles, the Woodbrook-based band will recreate the French Revolution of 1789 for its 2007 presentation.

The French presentation follows on their successful interpretation of the the Roman Empire this year.

This time around they will explore one of the most important pieces of European history as they retell the stories of the great battles that ended the monarchy.

The 24-section band, with 150 masqueraders in each section, will recreate the historic characters during the decade-long succession of wars and battles.

The costumes depict all the stakeholders of the revolution from the poorer estate owners and peasants to the richer estate owners, noblemen and members of the clergy.

The presentation also will depict famous historical moments like the frost and hail that brought famines across France and the fall of Bastille, the main prison in which all who opposed the reign of King Louis XVI were held.

The memorial of the battle, called Bastille Day, is celebrated every July 14 in France.

There is a believable realism to Trini Revellers’ display as it captures the look and feel of the era in the costuming.

From the sans culottes, the monarchy and the peasantry, the costuming is credible.

NCBA public relations officer, David Cameron, said the band always tried to be creative and present a mas that was outside of the box.

“Traditionally, T&T Carnival depicts creativity, fantasy and local history in mas.

The band has always tried to bring up some historical theme in order to educate,” Cameron said during an interview at NCBA office, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, last week.

He said escaping the “bikini mas” syndrome has always remained top priority.

In the ’90s, bikinis and small costumes began to be more fashionable than education.

“Our aim is to bring back true portrayals into mas. You can attract young people with authentic things,” he said.

Enrico Rajah is the creative mind behind the band’s last three presentations and will once again work closely with designers Aaron Schneider, Geraldo Vierra Junior, Janice and Jeffrey Gillette, also producer of the band, on next year’s display.

Rajah, source of inspiration of Trini Revellers, said after receiving overwhelming feedback on his Roman Empire display he decided to turn again to European history for his 2007 presentation.

“I had the idea of Rome Empire and I was amazed to see all that Rome has given to the world. It’s the same for the French Revolution so I decided to stay in Europe this year again,” Rajah said during an interview at St Mary’s College, Port-of-Spain.

The geography and French teacher, who was in the middle of a lesson plan for his second form French class, said the Caribbean was also involved in the Revolution since a lot of French refugees came to the islands.

“Part of this history concerns T&T. A lot of French came in Trinidad in 1780s.

“The Governor Jose Maria Chacon had to deal with some disturbances between Republicans and Royalists during this period before the English took Trinidad in 1797,” Rajah said.

The French Revolution became the model for liberation movements from Africa to Cuba.

It inspired Haitian revolution in the island of Santo Domingo (1791-1803) led by the slave named Toussaint L’Ouverture and led to them becoming the first independent nation of the Caribbean.

“Out of the violence came good. It inspired other people to end feudalism” Rajah said.

The band also portrays French Queen Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI, Robespierre.

“France was in debt and supported United States in its Independence War.

“Queen Marie-Antoinette was vilified, cartoons were written about her, rumours began saying she was looking for men but I don’t think she was so stupid to say, ‘If there’s no bread, let them eat cake, Rajah said as captivated in History.’”

Eight music trucks, two live bands and six DJs, along with security, will accompany masqueraders on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Cameron said.

The official launch of Trini Revellers 2007 Carnival presentation French Revolution: La Revolution Francaise is scheduled to take place at Pier 1, Chaguaramas, on October 15.


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