Vulgar Fraction Independent Mas' Group, led by designer Robert Young of The Cloth, will host its second annual post-Carnival gathering of independent mas' designers, entitled: Mas Assembly: Conversations on Carnival. The event will take place at The Cloth Propaganda Space, 24 Erthig Road, Belmont on Tuesday, March 13, from 7 pm to 9 pm. The programme will comprise presentations on the significance of independent mas and costume construction by Robert Young, Ashraph Ramsaran of Cat in the Bag Productions, Lupe Leonard of the children's band Alice Yard Players, along with representatives from the bands Mas' Jumbies and Jouvay Ayiti.
There will also be a screening of Martiniquan choreographer/dancer Marlene Myrtil's performance piece "Blues Ecarlate" based on research centered on the role of the Trinidadian woman in Carnival celebrations. "Vulgar Fraction has consistently advocated a return to true creativity, art and design for masqueraders but the process becomes even more interesting when each person gets involved in designing and building part of their own costume themselves," said Robert Young. For the past 15 years Vulgar Fraction has maintained a presence at Trinidad Carnival and has provided potential masqueraders with a variety of design components they can use to decorate their costumes themselves-a practice similar to elements of the sailor mas' tradition. Mas' Assembly: Conversations on Carnival 2012 is free and open to the public. Musical entertainment and light refreshments will be provided.