They Can’t Stop the Carnival: Producing Carnival Theatre in a Global Pandemic
Defying the “covid cancellation” of Carnival in my homeland
Last year my comedy buddy and I produced a Christmas Covid Comedy Show and as anticipated we didn’t make any money. It was important for us to test the waters and see if people were willing to come out. We learned that people are willing to come out, especially if they feel like the producer is taking the risk of infection seriously. Not enough came out to our comedy show for us to make money but hope lives on.
Theatre venues are once again open for business…at less than 50% capacity in most cases so the profit margin would be slimmer. It also means less competition during a traditionally very busy period for show options. I’m skeptical of our official infection rates as almost everyone I know has admitted that they probably won’t get tested if they suspect they have covid…unless they think they might be very sick. So I really want to make sure the venue I worked with took the virus seriously. I also knew I was looking for a venue that would partner with us to reduce risk and improve chances for success.
Through a cast member, I managed to link up with Sonja Dumas a multi-hyphenate creative I admire, who is also on the board of the Little Carib Theatre. They were looking for a Carnival Theatre something and we had been working on the show since June 2020 with a vague idea that it might be possible. Well as they say in Trinidad, we two eyes make four and the show was on!
A theatrical show requires many people working together. Cast, crew, marketing, ushers, box office, make-up, music production, costumes, and much more. I’m fortunate that all these elements and skilled people are at my fingertips. Even keeping the crew and cast small over 15 people are directly involved.
The hope is that this show can generate income and put some money in the pocket of these hard-working performing and technical artists.
I’m most worried about a rise in cases locally and venues being forced to close due to lockdown. I want to make sure no one gets covid at my event and I want everyone to stay well and safe.
We do have an online option for free on WACK 90.1 TV at 3 pm on Sunday 7th so there is that very safe option. But I also know that many people are starving for an occasion and event a reason to leave their home and go out to celebrate Carnival in some way. This show is that for me and hopefully for the audience too!
I’ll let you know what happens…
