Participants wow audience at children’s Mash competition opening
A massive display of energy and colours permeated the National Cultural Centre on Monday, as the Education Ministry officially opened its 2020 Regional Children’s Mashramani Competition. Over 20 primary schools from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) participated.
First place winners Graham’s Hall Primary
The competition, which makes provisions for the participation of primary, secondary and nursery level students is aimed at encouraging schools, parents and communities to work together in a creative, artistic manner to provide a display of talents by students and to foster a sense of pride to their national identity.
Parents, teachers and other students present at the opening ceremony were treated to introductory performances of dance and calypso, which ignited the rousing atmosphere that remained consistent as the St Pius Primary, Sophia Primary, North Georgetown Primary, Westfield Prep, and Smith Memorial followed with flamboyant performances in the ages five to seven category.
Some of the young participants performing their dances
Meanwhile, in the eight to ten category, Comenius Primary, North Georgetown Primary, Smith Memorial, Stella Maris Primary, and Graham’s Hall Primary among others equally garnered the cheers of the crowd during their performances.
However, Graham’s Hall Primary outshined their competitors, copping first place and will be representing the Georgetown Education District at the National Children’s Mashramani Competition against other districts. Their winning masquerade band performance was choreographed by Nikouma Philadelphia and Britney Duncan. Some of the performance categories for both age ranges included: fantasy, ring games, religious beliefs, masquerade band, and dramatic poetry, interpretive, legends and traditions, and social commentary.
The competition continues today with dramatic poetry and calypso, up until January 31, with choir presentation and jingle competitions specifically focusing on the violence in schools; masquerade dance; physical display and costume. While on February 7, the nursery mashramani day of activities will be hosted.
Some of the performance categories for both age ranges included: fantasy, ring games, religious beliefs, masquerade band, and dramatic poetry, interpretive, legends and traditions, and social commentary.
