D escribed as a bumper two months of sweeping art, fun, reflection, introspection, education, history, connection, and reconnection, the third annual Season of Anansi Folklore National Festival culminated on June 5 with a very emotional ceremony, Tribute to the Storytellers.
At the Little Carib Theatre, Woodbrook, host Rubadiri Victor took patrons through the history of storytelling globally to the present day, spotlighting the resistance to slavery, indentureship, and colonialism that fuelled Caribbean cultural traditions. There were also live and recorded tributes to honourees from friends, family, and scholars.
The highlight was the honouring of iconic elderly and younger storytellers Paul Keens-Douglas and Auntie Thea (Theodora Ulerie), who received works of art reflecting them through time done by Randall Wattley. Rapso artiste Brother Book (Hollis Peters) was honoured posthumously while Roger Alexis and Ro’Dey (Rodell Cumberbatch) were also honoured.
Popularly known internationally as Mr Tim Tim, Keens-Douglas celebrates his golden jubilee as a storyteller this year. He was also honoured for being one of the most pivotal artists the Caribbean has ever produced.
Auntie Thea has kept West African and Caribbean storytelling traditions alive for decades.
Brother Book was remembered for his dutiful commitment to the East Port-of-Spain and his poems Message to the Young Intellectual and The Little Boy From The Shack.
Alexis is known for his irreverent puppet series Santana, and Ro’Dey, who was absent, for his pioneering work in translating stage comedic routines into brilliant filmed sketch comedy, many times portraying the characters himself.
Keens-Douglas recited Pan Rap, Auntie Thea told of Anansi and the Sun God and Alexis reflected on the origins of Santana.
Other highlights of the festival, which was launched on April 16, were a National Bookstore Reading Tour; a three-week international multi-media exhibition, and The Black Infinite: The Rise of Afro-Futurism that ended on June 7. A play, Anansi and the 10 Dragons, was also staged at Queen’s Hall by the Wire Bend Folklore Theatre.