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From: "Kammie" <>
Subject: [SoAfricaHistory] Cape Carnival /Kaapse Klopse Workshop
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 00:22:00 +0200


Hi SA HISTORY List participants

This is an extract from the District Six Museum e-newsletter -
Public Education Programme (PEP) Notice

RE-IMAGINING CARNIVAL

Discussing Carnival in Cape Town

The District Six Museum will host a discussion about its "Re-imagining
Carnival" project, kick starting a provocative discussion about future
possibilities for the Cape Carnival festivities in Cape Town.[added]

Every year thousands prepare themselves for New Year's celebrations in Cape
Town. These thousands including musicians, singers, dancers and tailors are
connected to the tradition of the "Kaapse klopse", which stretches back to
the 19th century. The museum has been concerned about questions that arise
due to the lack of knowledge surrounding this tradition. Why do the klopse
paint their faces? Is there a connection between the city's slave heritage
and the carnival? What is the relationship between the Kaapse Carnival, the
Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the carnevale in Rio de Janeiro?


The museum has concerned itself with these questions and through its
research and development project, Re-imagining Carnival, hopes to unravel
the heritage of the carnival.


The project has examined amongst others the role played by the "blackface"
in the tradition of the minstrels, and also the carnival's roots in the
traditions of the 'black Atlantic'.


The discussion and short video documenting the creation and performance of
this procession will focus on, amongst others:

a.. The demographic inclusivity of the existing carnival;
b.. The possibilities of including new troupes in the existing carnival;
c.. The accommodation of new ideas where costume and music are concerned;
d.. Is the existing carnival reinforcing class relations and stereotypes?
e.. Can the existing carnival be developed? Should re-imagining happen
parallel?
f.. What does the re-imagine carnival look at?
As officials begin to call for the "Minstrels Carnival" to be a centrepiece
in attracting greater tourism to the area, the need to critically engage
with the city's carnival tradition provides opportunities to potentially
nurture a space which is truly transformative and celebratory.

Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Time: 17:45 for 18:00

Place: District Six Museum, 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town


D6 Museum is at 25 A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town. Opposite the Caledon
Square Police Station. For additional information contact the museum at
27-21- 4667200 or check out the website at www.districtsix.co.za






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