The Village of Moriah, Tobago came alive on Saturday when the community staged a re-enactment of the Tobago Ole Time Wedding as part of the Tobago Heritage Festival.
This wedding was another fine example of outdoor theatre done on a grand scale involving both players and audience alike.
The wedding attracted a number of local and foreign tourists who made the trek along the Northside Road to Moriah, they hen walked from Broad Junction to the Church. The wedding commenced after 1 pm at the Moriah Moravian Church Hall.
The players dressed in Colonial style costumes trickled in slowly. The macco (played by Rebecca Nedd) not only looked the part, she also had the correct raspy vocal tones to interject negative comments about the bride with impeccable timing as she lurked outside the church.
The bride (played by Shameka Proctor) and the groom played by (Kwesi Johnny) dance through the streets of Moriah on Saturday.
VINDRA GOPAUL
By the time the bride arrived with her father, the church was overcrowded with visitors who were earlier given a synopsis about the Traditional Wedding from Dr Eastlyn Mc Kenzie. She outlined some of the history behind the beloved tradition that draws the Tobagonian community closer together.
As the ceremony began, the Pastor (played by Philbert “Spanish” Joseph), injected doses of humour in his presentation. The Bride (played by Shameka Proctor) and the Goom (played by Kwesi Johnny) eventually tied the knot and signed the register. After the wedding Massa and his wife (played yKwesi Des Vignes and Kistian Solomon respectively) left the church in a carriage drawn by a van, which would have been a horse in the olden days. Massa led the wedding party through the village to the home of the bride where traditions such as walking around the house three times and other celebrations took place.
The bride (Shameka Proctor), second right, and groom (Kwesi Johnny), second left, with Massa, left (played by Kwesi des Vignes) and his wife (played by Kistian Solomon).
VINDRA GOPAUL
Along the path to the bride’s house, a rich street theatre emerged as onlookers immersed themselves in the experience and seemingly got carried away as they sought to take pictures with the Bride and Groom, believing at some point they players were a real married couple.
Onlookers got a treat as the wedding party did traditional dances including the Heel and Toe, Jig, Passe, Quadrille, Grand Change, Marrico and Castilian styles moves.
The costumes designed and put together by Debra Bethel, Sherine Marshall, Virginia Perterkin and Unis Winchester and completed with hats made by Ingrid John Jack and Kristian Solomon.
Street procession for the ole time wedding on Saturday.
Vindra Boodan
The macco played by Rebecca Nedd
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The breadfruit is carried on the head of a family member to symbolise the bride’s virginity.
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The Bride (played byShameka Proctor) and the Groom played by (Kwesi Johnny) dance through the streets of Moriah on Saturday
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This woman carried a coal pot on her head to signify the bride’s ability to cook
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Guests at the wedding
VINDRA GOPAUL