Acclaimed masman and event producer Brian Mac Farlane has criticised political leaders for their lack of interest in the people of this country.
He was speaking at the launch of his annual Christmas concert series, titled Christmas Joy With a Whisper of Hope, at the Hilton Trinidad, Port-of-Spain, on Thursday.
He said both the Government and Opposition constantly bicker and fight; and praise themselves. In doing so, he said they offer no hope to citizens.
“Instead of encouraging and uplifting, we are talked down to in a condescending manner, as if we have no purpose. We as a people know we have a purpose,” he said.
“Let’s not depend on the leaders. Let us each do our part. Let us each whisper to each other hope in the smallest of good deeds,” he added.
Mac Farlane said over the years, he has reached out to various regimes with the aim of expanding the arts and culture community.
“They keep talking about diversification and little do they understand that our culture is the perfect road to take for diversification. When you look at Cirque du Soleil, a multi-billion-dollar US company that started with a team of street dancers ... we could be doing that through our art and culture,” he said.
Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world.
Located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul on June 16, 1984 by former street performers Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix.
Christmas Joy With a Whisper of Hope will open at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, on December 10.
The concert series continues from December 14 to 16, with the grand finale on December 17.
Mac Farlane’s production team includes drama director Dr Helmer Hilwig, musical director Dr Charles Brunner, choir director Michael Hudlin and choir BMacnificent Voices.
His star cast includes Michelle Xavier, Le Andra Head, Wendy Shepphard, Marvin Smith and Alethea Beharry.
Tickets are available at the Queen’s Hall Box Office.