The Opening Ceremony for Carifesta X promises to be “a live theatrical show on a cricket field,” Artistic Director Dr Paloma Mohamed says.
Mohammed said though only about 6,000 Guyanese will be able to attend the show in the Guyana National Stadium at Providence as about 4,000 seats will be removed to facilitate construction of a large, multi-million dollar stage. She said too another 3,000 seats have been set aside for the visiting contingents.
In order to compensate for the limited seating, Mohammed said attempts are being made to erect big screens in the parking lot so persons can still view the ceremony. She also said that the affair is expected to be televised live both locally and regionally, so persons can enjoy the activities from the comfort of their homes.
Entrance to the Opening Ceremony is free but the event is ticketed. This means that only individuals with tickets will be allowed to enter the stadium. Tickets, for this and other Carifesta events are expected to be issued by the Carifesta Secretariat some time this week. The Opening Ceremony is billed for August 22.
Titled ‘Celegacy’-“celebrating of legacy,” the event is expected to feature a 100-member national steel orchestra, a choreographed appearance by 1,000 Guyanese children and a 500-member choir. In addition to the local performances, delegations from Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname and Trinidad are scheduled to perform at the Opening Ceremony. A special, combined country item will also be featured.
Despite the list of cultural items slated for the programme, Mohamed insists that it will not be a concert-like affair, and that it would have its own uniqueness and flair. Stabroek News was told that the ceremony will also showcase parachute jumping by members of the joint services and a spectacular fireworks display. Although reluctant to release more details, Mohamed said that the Opening Ceremony will be one of which Guyanese can be proud.