SUNDAY 01ST NOVEMBER, 2015 NAVET RECREATION GROUND, RIO CLARO ADDRESS BY HONOURABLE RUSHTON PARAY MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, MAYARO
Sitaram, Namaste, Good Night and thank you for the invitation to address you all on this occasion as we culminate and bring closure to another successful year for the staging of Ramleela Celebrations here in the district of Rio Claro. Firstly, let me acknowledge the sterling contribution of the organisers, (Rio Claro Ramleela Festival Committee) who have remained resolute, resilient and very patriotic in the preservation and propagation of Ramleela (ancient folk theatre) here in Rio Claro for the past fourteen (14) years.
Ramleela in Trinidad and Tobago
A religious tradition which was brought to these shores by our ancestors more than one hundred and sixty five (165) years ago.It is traditions such as Ramleela which remains an important ingredient in the melting pot of our unique multi pluralism and cultural diversity as a cosmopolitan nation in the Americas.In over thirty five (35) communities here in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ramleela is still practiced and displayed, generating healthy community bonds, respect for religious customs and traditions and producing a wealth of untapped talent, artistic skills and creative development by ordinary villagers with no previous training.
I understand that Dow Village, California in Central Trinidad recorded its first Ramleela celebrations in 1881. Felicity, Cedar Hill, Barrackpore, Aranguez, Fyzabad and Sangre Grande are also renowned for hosting the Ramleela story and drama.Ramleela is indeed an epic story of the re-enactment of the exploits and travails of the divine king Lord Rama and his journey as he appeared on earth thousands of years ago, according to the Holy Ramayan.This rich folk story with great spiritual connotations highlight Lord Rama’s willing acceptance of fourteen years in exile in Lanka Purri, in order to uphold his Father’s word and his eventual victory in war over the evil king Ravana (Rawan).
The Play
The Leela (or play) elaborates the various occurrences and encounters that took place during his descent in Treata Yug, and it includes the deliverance of his devotees, the redemption of sinners, blessings to the saints and sages, his various lessons on humanity, and most importantly his restoration of Dharma (or the righteous way of living).This ancient theatrical production is never lost in a dull moment, as it is illuminated throughout by rich ceremonial processions and bright costumed characters, and its originality is preserved by way of its narrative in the language of Awadhi, Sanskrit, with translations in English and local Trini dialect to make it relevant and appealing.
Most notably featured in the Ramleela is the famous City of Ayodhya where Lord Rama returned from the battlefield after defeating King Rawan. It was here that Lord Rama was coronated and celebrated by the villagers who praised him and lit deyas to express their overwhelming joy. Tonight as we bring the curtains down on Ramleela via the burning of the effigy of the defeated villain Rawan, we are forever reminded of the Triumph of Good over Evil. No matter the tribulations nor challenges, and in the Season of Deepavali where Lights and the Illumination of the Deya takes reign over Darkness, Ignorance and Indifference, Let us be eternally cognisant of these virtues.
National Ramleela Council
In July of 2013, the National Ramleela Council T&T hosted the First Ramleela International Conference and looked at a number of topical issues which has the potential once analysed comprehensively and implemented, to sustain, modify and rebrand Ramleela here in Trinidad and Tobago and across the diaspora.
I speak here about;1) Developing Ramleela as a sustainable community and national tourism product.2) What is the state of Ramleela Studies and how can this be improved?3) How do we hone, harness and structurally develop the various components of production such as the acting skills, costume designs, script writing, props, stage management, music, lights, décor, fabrication, into Community based Creative Academies, so that we can produce more professionals and Ramleela can be expanded into other communities and exported from T&T.4) How do we preserve Traditions, but at the same time embrace Innovations for the festival to become more marketable to a wider cross section of the society.5) What are the approaches must we pursue in order to get the attention of mainstream media and due recognition by state bodies such as the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts.
Ramleela and the Community
The profound love and appreciation of religious customs and practices continues to motivate and empower committees such as the Rio Claro Ramleela Festivals Committee in protecting our great heritage and ancestral linkages in spite of limited funding, and not having a permanent home for the festival after many years.I commit to making the representation for you to bring successful closure to this pressing issue of land ownership for your activities.
Ramleela’s time has come for it to be marketed and rebranded from the folk theatre level at the community stage to national and international audiences.This approached if pursued will definitely contribute towards the building of the Creative Economy starting at the community level. Let me once again thank you for the invitation to address you. Shubh Divali to one and All. Sitaram, Namaste.
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