Storytelling Masterclass 2023 - Invoking Ancient, Modern, & Futurist Folklore
Photography by Rubadiri Victor, Trinidad Carnival 2023
Join us for our storytelling Masterclass 2023, a theoretical and practical exploration of storytelling practices and traditional mas (costume) characters from Caribbean carnival.
Saturday 25 March, 10 am - 4 pm, The Hat Factory, Luton, LU1 2EY
10 am – 12:30 pm
Join UKCCA’s special guest Rubadiri Victor, a multi-media artist visiting the UK from Trinidad & Tobago. Enjoy a theoretical talk and presentation exploring the storytelling traditions of the Caribbean and the mas (costume) characters of Caribbean carnival.
Examine how elements of the landscape, the seasons, daily life , the socio-political and the human need for creative expression influences traditions of storytelling and the creation of characters. Contribute to group discussions and ideas generation with cultural and personal influences to create your own character and explore storytelling methods.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Caribbean lunch. Please let us know of any dietary requirements.
1:30 pm – 4 pm
Rubadiri will lead a practical workshop in mas (costume) character creation with the simple materials of wire and fabric. Explore how storytelling and physical form can bring to life your developing character.
Spaces for the Masterclass are limited, booking is essential
Thank you to our funders Royal Opera House Bridge and Arts Council England, partner The Culture Trust Luton and supporter Festival Culture Research and Education (FCRE)
Rubadiri Victor
Rubadiri Victor is a multi-media artist from Trinidad & Tobago working in 8 mediums (painting, theatre, music, film, photography, carnival arts, writing & publishing, design & curation, and lecturing). He is founder of the Artists’ Coalition of Trinidad & Tobago- T&T’s primary artist representative body. Many current State policies and programmes for the Creative Industries were authored or leveraged by Rubadiri and his group. His multi-media work and multiple apprenticeships with Elder Master Artists informs his art and activism, and has led him to become a scholar with new critical takes on contemporary cultural theory
He's author of ‘Meditation on the Traditions’- a photo-essay on Trinidad Carnival's traditional masquerade- and publisher of ‘Generation Lion Magazine’.- the largest glossy magazine in the Caribbean. 'Passion Fruit'- an anthology of his newspaper columns from the country's 2 largest dailies- is to be published later this year. He is currently in the middle of co-authoring and publishing a 4 coffee-table book series called THE UNDISTURBED CULTURE SERIES with celebrity and street photographer Dexter Browne- the mentor of slain Hip Hop Icon Nipsey Hussle.
Rubadiri is also founder and Artistic Director of the ‘Wire Bend Folklore Theatre’. The troupe combines costumes and sets created by traditional Master Artisans with interactive digital animation and new media onstage to depict ancestral and contemporary folklore.
Rubadiri’s books ANANSI & THE 10 DRAGONS and ANANSI & THE BOOK OF NIGHT are the first and second parts of an epic 21-part ‘New Adventures of Anansi’ series depicting the adventures of 3 generations of the Anansi Family. The third book ANANSI IN THE LAND OF MONSTERS & OTHER STORIES will be released after Carnival 2023.
Explore Rubadiri’s work and bio here.
FAQs
What is a Masterclass?
Carnival masterclasses are an opportunity to learn new skills by working with professional carnival artitsts with differnernt specialisms. All equipment and materials are provided giving you the opportunity to try new things and experiment.
Who is a Masterclass for?
Anyone 16 + who has an interest in learning and exploring theoretical and practical storytelling practices and traditional characters from Caribbean carnival.
Carnivalists, storytellers, actors, art students, professional and amateur artists, futurists, animators, cosplayers, puppeteers, illustrators, graphic novelist, film makers, directors, creative writers.
Where will it be held?
The Hat Factory, Luton, LU1 2EY
How much does it cost?
The masterclass is free thanks to the support from UKCCA funders Royal Opera House Bridge and Arts Council England.
Do I need to have existing arts skills?
Yes, but there is no specific level required, carnival welcomes all levels.
Do I need to have existing knowledge of Caribbean carnival?
No, the masterclass will explore Caribbean carnival traditions and mas (costume) characters as a focal point but the themes make tangible links to lots of other traditions and art forms for you to make your own connections with.
Spaces for the Masterclass are limited, booking is essential