The focus is the origins of Leicester Carnival through recounting the experiences of immigrants from the Caribbean locating in a new environment, and the need to recreate the joys of Carnival as experienced in the Caribbean.
Six young people and adults from the community participated. Through a series of workshops young and old discussed and agreed outcomes. The adults were instrumental in working with young people to research the origins of Carnival from slavery days to today. Various sessions focused on mask making, costume design and how to display the costumes. Some of the costumes were used in subsequent Carnival parades on the streets of Leicester.
Apart from mask making and costume design participants also wrote and produced their own play set in Africa and Antigua, which explored the horrors of slavery on family life and culminated in a celebration in the final scene of Antigua Carnival Celebrates the Emancipation of Slavery.
Through participation in the project a common understanding and respect for each generation's experiences was achieved. Through speaking and listening, young and old were able to make sense of their experiences in their pursuit of a common goal.
Both generations were seen as stakeholders. Buy-in, ownership and participation were essential. Although the project has evolved, the learning and practices developed have been sustained through greater community involvement in the work of the organisation.
- More information can be obtained from: capta2004@yahoo.co.uk.
