Eintou Springer’s play Kambule, which re-enacts the 1881 Canboulay riots, transformed Piccadilly Street in East Port of Spain into a vibrant cultural theatre. By 2.15 am, hundreds of people had filled the stands, well before the 4 am start time on February 28.
Those unable to find seating spilled out onto the roadway, eager to witness the pre-dawn event.
[caption id="attachment_1141537" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Performers get ready for battle during Kambule, a re-enactment of the Canboulay riots at Piccadilly Greens, Port of Spain, on February 28. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
In attendance were President Christine Kangaloo, acting Prime Minister Stuart Young, Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland and Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne.
Highlights from the play, performed by members of the Idakeda Group, included a dramatic scene where two jammettes argued over a man, nearly coming to blows. The altercation was halted by an elder who remarked that if they didn’t have a ring, they didn’t have a mister, a reference to Keisha Harris aka Lady Lava's popular song "Ring Finger," as the crowd cheered.
Another crowd favourite was the baby doll on the prowl, searching for the father of her child and leaving the doll she carried with a man to look after until the play’s end.
[caption id="attachment_1141532" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Chelsea Roach speaks to Newsday about her experience at Kambule, a re-enactment of the Canboulay Riots at the Piccadilly Greens, Port of Spain, on February 28. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
Atillah Springer, Eintou's daughter and one of the directors of the play, told Newsday the production holds deep significance for the communities in East Port of Spain. Despite the area’s strong cultural contribution to society, residents often face economic and social challenges, remaining marginalised.
“We still continue to observe this to this day. It is important to remind society these communities exist and deserve visibility, recognition and respect for their contributions to Carnival.”
Springer described the morning as emotional, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from the residents. “Members of the community have been here since the technical rehearsals. There’s a sense, when you walk through the streets, of a community that is happy to be recognised.”
Springer emphasised the importance of using the production as a means to teach and preserve cultural bonds. She said significant time was spent discussing history, exploring various practices, and teaching the many young cast members about their Carnival roots.
“We talked about important topics such as sexual violence, which the Baby Dolls represent.”
Springer said, the play delves into the spirituality of the people involved in the uprising and their cultural philosophy.
“They didn’t act just out of passion. Their actions were driven by spiritual and cultural imperatives. They had a philosophy, way of thinking and way of life that was essential to
