Dear Editor,
The just concluded three-day Mash 2013 schools competition in Region 10 was good, and I mean really good – excellent. It ended on a high note thus leaving Lindeners in high spirits, with great expectations as performers polished up and tightened loose ends in preparation for the big day – the nationals. This three-day activity was well attended by Lindeners − gobbled up. Lichas, where the dramatic poetry and calypso competition was held on the first day, was filled to capacity, followed by the next two days at the MSC ground which was no different with capacity support and much enthusiasm. In every area and category there were remarkable improvements; there was hardly a dull moment which the audience acknowledged with prolonged loud screams and applause. In the field of dramatic poetry the pieces were nicely crafted and beautifully done. As expected some were on the serious side and dealt with the ills of our society, while others stayed on the lighter side in the spirit of the Mash celebrations. Leslyn Dodson of Watooka Primary was captivating in her delivery “Only the good die young.“ Here is a child with potential and she held the audience fixed; equally gripping was Aayonsae Agard of One Mile Primary with “Help me” which raised the hairs of some even as water settled in the eyes of others. Then there were Jamiah Whittington doing “Old Age” another creditable performance, “Nursery Days” by Daniel Murray, MHS Niomi Alsopp “Abortion” − another fine piece with good articulation − among others.
The calypso competition had two up-tempo contrasting pieces which got the audience’s attention whipping them up from their seats into a frenzy as (MHS) Mackenzie High School lead singer Konecia Nelson and back-up team belted out “Rejected by father.“ It was a rather intense performance and serious advice to young men on carelessly abandoning their responsibility as fathers. And let me make haste to mention that Kanecia Nelson is already a promising young talent in flight. Just as she did last Mash, she has done once again, composing and singing the calypso “Rejected by father” which brought first place in the 11-13 category. And so too as I was told was the student from New Silvercity who performed “Who’s to blame?“ “Feeling the heat” from One Mile Primary, “Breaking away,“ “We Mashing” were all nice pieces, and it’s just not OK that these young talents are only brought to the fore thus once a year, that’s not the way talent is groomed.
As mentioned above, the two days of competition at MSC were a treat; the costume display, dances, physical display, flouncing/masquerade were splendid. We saw some very creative usage of colours, wonderful blending − bright, stimulating, inspiring and joyous, in true celebratory fashion. They were beautifully designed and radiant, and patterns varied as much as the dances, in spite of some common and repetitive sequences. In all categories the spirit of Mash was felt in the dance presentations. In my judgment the dancers − all girls − from Kwakwani to Silvercity and Christianburg, and Amelia’s Ward to Bamia were a grand combination, and it was so good that almost the entire selection of music was local. The addition of hip-hop to Mash celebrations seems a most welcome one; the youngsters it appears were just sitting on a fence waiting, and it’s just amazing the way they have mastered this style of dance. The MSC ground went crazy when they took to the stage; the boys from Wisburg, Multi and MHS created quite a storm, and there’s no need to ask what to expect come Mash 2014 − the die is cast. A poignant and wonderful entry that warmed the hearts of all was the differently abled from the Linden School for the Handicapped. Though deaf, .they executed a marvellous performance with almost faultless dancing to Teddy Pendergrass’ “Wake up everybody,“ receiving long thunderous applause at the end.
In the physical display department, again there were improvements aplenty; the enthusiasm, the love for it was there. Regma Primary continue to shine in their creativity and set the bar high, as others are rising to the challenge, Regma’s outstanding display over the years has left such an impression that spectators patiently sat in anticipation of great things and this time again they didn’t disappoint. With measured moves the MHS crew maintained a commendable level.
But it seemed that the boys from Kwakwani, the largest male contingent, didn’t just take that long journey to MSC for mere fun; these young men had their act well together; an orchestrated game plan; the flexing of muscles and body movements well coordinated and harmonized as they sprang, jumped, twisted and stretched themselves, at times in unison forming pyramids and various other patterns, all to the delight and excitement of everyone. Theirs was a superb performance that energized the crowd, and indeed a force to reckon with at nationals.
For those so concerned about masquerade disappearing from what was seen at this region’s Mash competition, there is some hope that it is not so; there were a reasonable number of both flouncers and masquerade bands, both girls and boys. One observation: the Ministry of Culture in seeking to find people to train youngsters, must emphasize that they be told of its origin, not only the steps, but the reason behind it all − the entire gamut − thus they will better understand and appreciate this unique dance form.
I must say that I was somewhat taken back and amused when I saw the event “jump the rope” which I know as “skipping.“
No doubt there were a few things out of line which in time as we move upwards can be corrected. Also what was noticeable was that this entire competition from nursery to secondary was predominantly female participants; boys were completely outnumbered, even in the flounce and calypso. Teachers along with those who worked with the students must be commended for a job well done. Repeat: these children are full of potential; the skill, talent and zeal that were seen ought to be encouraging enough and should be honed and nurtured so that we live and see expression of them daily. They are all great poets, dramatists, acrobats/gymnasts, dancers, singers, etc, so why then only once a year unless we’re just playing. It is so ironic that while we are getting better and better, we still appear to be starting over at the same time come every Mash.
Congratulations to yet another performer from the dusty town, our junior calypso winner N Alsopp.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
