Traditional Masquerade in Saint Lucia is a form of intangible cultural heritage, encompassing music, dance, chants, rituals, costume and community knowledge passed down through generations. It reflects African ancestral heritage, European influences, resistance, celebrations, storytelling and identity.
Despite its cultural importance, traditional masquerade has faced challenges including declining transmission to younger generations, limited documentation and reduced understanding of its folk form, history and symbolism. Youth in Arts Theatre Company has, for the past ten years, used the information gathered from past community practitioners to revive the folk form through the formation of YIA Masqueraders who teach both primary and secondary school students in various communities, biannually launch groups who once had a history of performing the Masquerade through lectures and performances. The Company also uses the origins of the Masquerade to teach the history of the island to new generations of youngsters, to fill la void left with the non-existence of formal teaching of local history in schools.
“Murder in the Masquerade” is a short film project designed as a preserving and safeguarding measure to document, promote and transmit traditional masquerade practices through contemporary media. By using film as a documentation and educational tool, the project aims to safeguard this important cultural form through awareness-raising, education and intergenerational transmission. The project forms part of Youth in Arts Theatre Company’s ongoing initiative, “Save Our Masquerade”, which focuses on youth involvement as a primary strategy for cultural continuity. The Premiere of our Legacy Film is January 2027.
The Script was originally written by YIA Theatre Company senior actor, writer, facilitator and Director Monique Auguste and rewritten for screen by YIA Theatre Company Director Michelle Theobalds assisted by Writer Gemma Weekes, ensuring both cultural continuity and creative adaptation.