Mac Farlane takes mas to Buccoo Reef

By VERDEL BISHOP Tuesday, September 29 2009

WITH the originality and drama for which his Carnival presentations are well known, award-winning mas designer Brian Mac Farlane used the scenic Buccoo Reef in Tobago for the launch of his 2010 presentation, “Resurrection, The Mas”on Sunday.

The world famous venue served as a backdrop for a historic launch in which Mac Farlane linked the purity of nature, and mas in its purest form.


He merged two themes – dying Mother Earth and the death of traditional mas, then dramatised their symbolic “resurrection”.


In explaining the concept behind the presentation, Mac Farlane said as an artist he has a responsibility to address issues of the society, globally and locally.


“Mas as we know it has died and our wonderful reef has been affected by many issues. One tenth of the reef is dead forever. I believe that as artists, the responsibility is very heavy on our shoulders that we express and bring to the forefront issues of the society. Why would we even call ourselves artists if we are not responsible?


“The concept Resurrection, The Mas, is an attempt to resurrect traditional mas characters in their purest form.”


The launch began with a lively reception, at Pigeon Point, complete with traditional bele dancers dressed in earthy bronze and gold costumes.


The beautifully dressed dancers set the tone for the launch, with the entire entourage taking a boat ride from Pigeon Point to Sandbank Island.


From far off, silhouettes seen on the strip of island in the middle of the sea, looking as if they had risen from the bottom of the ocean.


As the group approached the island, the characters came to life – the midnight robber cavorted, the Dame Lorraines danced with their babes in arms, while fancy sailors and other traditional characters carvorted, accompanied by the Laventille Rhythm Section.


The final phase of the launch took place at a private villa in Buccoo Village where the16 sections were unveiled.

T&T NEWSDAY