At the end 2023, the Guyanese cultural community mourned the loss of Rudolph Vivieros, widely known as “Potagee”, whose passing, according to Stabroek News’ Arts on Sunday columnist Al Creighton, mirrors the dimming of the lights on the age-old tradition of masquerade.
In his article titled “Drastic measures must be taken to arrest the decline of masquerade,” (SN 01/07/24), Creighton noted that as society becomes increasingly focused on technology, the recognition and remembrance of such traditions as masquerade fade away.
Potagee, a revered figure synonymous with masquerade in Guyana, played the flute, also known as the fife, in masquerade bands. His skill and talent represented the fading corps of masquerade practitioners who kept the tradition alive when it was at its peak. The tradition holds little significance in contemporary society.