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Mourning a master
‘Returned costuming to glory days of the past’
Published:
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Geraldo Vieira 1938 - 2012
Several members of the mas fraternity are expressing their immense sadness at the death of veteran masman, Geraldo Vieira who passed last Friday after a year-long battle with cancer. Vieira who was 73-years-old at the time of his death, is locally recognised as a versed mas engineer and regular masquerader. He was perhaps first recognised in 1959 for his production entitled “Fruits and Flowers” with well-known designer Lewicito ‘Cito’ Velasquez who died in 2006. Vieira later went on to make a distinguishable contribution to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival through the moulding, manufacture and masquerade of costumes.
Designer and event manager Randal Halfhide described Vieira as a “master craftsman” whose techniques in moulding were exceptional. He added that Vieira was the embodiment of true craftsmanship stating that he was “heavily involved in his mas from the beginning to the end- from designing to wearing the costumes.” Similarly, Dave Cameron, bandleader of the popular Carnival band Trini Revellers, described Vieira as an “icon in mas who was involved in the artform for more than 60 years.” In 2006, Vieira secured the King of Carnival title with his portrayal of The Might of Rome from the band Trini Revellers. Cameron noted that throughout the years, Vieira had contributed to the design and construction of numerous costumes for participants as well as costumes for kings and queens of the band. He also articulated his admiration for the technical expertise which Vieira possessed in moulding and plastic work. When asked to comment on the great loss he felt after Vieira’s passing, award-winning masman Brian MacFarlane offered insight not only into Vieira’s extensive commitment to mas but also into his kind and generous nature. MacFarlane stated that if ever a king or queen’s costume broke or got into some difficulty before it was required to parade across the savannah stage, Vieira was always the one looking hurriedly for materials to help repair the costume to functioning condition. MacFarlane added,”
He was always a giving person, making sure that everyone would at least have the opportunity to compete and show off the costume they had prepared.” MacFarlane also reflected on the countless years of “fond memories” which he shared with Vieira. He stated that in recent years, Vieira had expressed to him a serious concern about returning Carnival and costuming to the “glory days of the past” by going back to elaborate designs and costumes which truly reflect the culture of Trinidad and Tobago which he held dear. Echoing this human portrait of Vieira which was presented by Mac Farlane was veteran children’s mas designer, Rosalind Gabriel. Gabriel stated, “What made Geraldo Vieira very special was that he never turned anyone away. Even though he would be competing in a particular category, he would put everything down to help anyone who needed it.”
Gabriel stated that she would feel his loss particularly with regard to his technical knowledge of construction materials for Carnival costumes. She stated, “Anything we didn’t know how to use, we used to go to him.” When interviewed, these masmakers stated that although they were aware of his illness, they were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Both Cameron and Gabriel shared that they had been told that he spent some time in Venezuela as he pursued medical treatment. At time of his death, Vieira was an executive member of the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA), as well as the representative for the king category of participants. In the simple words of Vieira’s friend and colleague, Brian MacFarlane “He is surely going to be missed.”
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