It was billed as a grand event that fizzled and left many disappointed. The great show that drew an island nation to their television sets on Carnival Sunday night struggled to keep viewers glued to their television sets. In the end most felt it was better to get some sleep and get up early for J'Ouvert celebrations. Sacrilegious I say... we are left wondering, what went wrong?
OK, let's say this now... the Dimanche Gras night failed because it was 'boring' according to many who viewed the show. The problem, in my humble opinion, is that the Dimanche Gras was always about some competitive aspect of the culture and there was no competition just a show! Let me say this, it was a
'Best Village' take on the carnival. No one wants that experience on Carnival Sunday night! So what needs to be done? I am certain that there are many ideas out there to enhance next year's show however to make it work and get people to go to the show with the expectation of a winner they need to bring back the competitive aspect to the show.
In other words I would like to see the King and Queen of the bands competition added to the program. Along with that they should also have the finals of the Extempore calypso competition as well as the Social and Political competitions. I would also add the finals of the Limbo competition to the program and fill in the rest of the night with aspect of the historical develop of the Carnival festivities. From the drumming aspect leading to the Tamboo bamboo experience and an appearance of the pan around the neck players to accentuate the history of the festival.
In the end, people will get the competitive aspect, have winners crowned and come away feeling that they got their monies worth. One last thing about the show... the lighting needs to be improved! Damn come on the stage lighting and audio issues is a gripe for people viewing the show on television and via streaming media!