Trinidad: Carnival - Making Mas

Summary

Robert Lakhan, a producer of carnival with over 60 years of experience, shares his journey in the carnival scene, initially drawn to the calypso tents and later becoming involved in his father’s band, Good Hope and Associates. He describes the passion and dedication behind designing costumes, the tight-knit community of the band, and the hard work that goes into preparing for Carnival. Despite being a smaller band, Good Hope and Associates prides itself on its familial atmosphere, where everyone knows each other, making it a unique and welcoming experience for participants.

Takeaways

• 😀 Robert Lakhan has been involved in the carnival industry since 1962, starting at a young age.
• 😀 Initially, Robert was interested in the calypso tents, but later became more involved in carnival production after his husband passed away.
• 😀 Good Hope and Associates is a long-standing carnival band, founded by Robert's father, who is also the band leader.
• 😀 Robert has been involved in the band’s activities from a young age, helping with design and logistics.
• 😀 The process of making costumes involves designing, sourcing materials, and ensuring balance and movement in the designs.
• 😀 Robert criticizes newer carnival bands for lacking knowledge in traditional costume design and production methods.
• 😀 The carnival preparation is intense, often requiring long hours, sometimes working overnight, leading up to Carnival Tuesday.
• 😀 The Good Hope and Associates band is known for its close-knit, family-like community, where everyone is friendly and looks out for each other.
• 😀 Good Hope and Associates is a 'mini band,' with 60 members, and its members know each other well, unlike larger bands.
• 😀 The sense of camaraderie in Good Hope and Associates is strong, with members helping each other, particularly during Carnival events.
• 😀 Robert emphasizes that Good Hope and Associates is a 'love band,' where everyone feels like family and enjoys the experience together.

Q & A

What motivated Robert Lakhan to get involved in carnival production?

Robert Lakhan was initially interested in calypso tents during his youth but became more involved after his husband passed away. With nothing else to do, he decided to participate in carnival production.

How long has Good Hope and Associates been in operation?

Good Hope and Associates has been active for over 30 years. The band was founded by Robert Lakhan's father, and Robert himself has been involved in it since he was a child.

What role did Robert Lakhan play in his father's band?

Robert Lakhan has been involved in his father's band from a young age, helping with tasks and offering ideas. He worked alongside his father, learning the ins and outs of carnival production.

How does the carnival costume design process work?

The process starts with creating a design, followed by sourcing materials like fabric and rods. Designers must choose materials that will ensure the costumes have the right balance, flair, and movement.

What challenges does Robert Lakhan mention in the costume-making process?

Robert mentions the time-consuming nature of the work, often requiring long hours until late into the night to ensure everything is ready for Carnival Tuesday.

How does Robert feel about the current generation of carnival producers?

Robert expresses that many modern carnival producers lack knowledge in designing and making costumes. He emphasizes the importance of year-round work and dedication to the craft.

What is the atmosphere like at Good Hope and Associates' camp?

The atmosphere is described as friendly and united. The members of the band work closely together, supporting each other, and it feels like a family environment.

How does Good Hope and Associates compare to larger carnival bands?

Good Hope and Associates is a smaller, more intimate band with about 60 members. Unlike larger bands, members are more connected and friendly, creating a closer-knit experience.

What does Robert mean by 'Good Hope and Associates is a love band'?

Robert refers to Good Hope and Associates as a 'love band' because of the strong sense of community and camaraderie among its members. Everyone knows each other, and the bond between them is rooted in mutual care and respect.

What makes Good Hope and Associates special compared to other bands?

The special quality of Good Hope and Associates lies in its close-knit community. The members come from the same area, support one another, and share a deep sense of family, which makes the carnival experience more personal and meaningful.