Carnival Unplugged II – A Steelpan Story - From “Behind the Bridge” to Barnet

Oct 29

Oct 29 Carnival Unplugged II – A Steelpan Story - From “Behind the Bridge” to Barnet

An unforgettable celebration of steelpan was hosted at the Arts Depot in North Finchley, London, on Saturday October 19th. The immersive theatre production, titled Carnival Unplugged II – A Steelpan Story, was written and directed by Trinidad-born founders Dianne Ramdeen and Justin Thomas of JUST IN CARNIVAL Arts and Culture CIC. The event captivated the audience with an evening filled with music, singing, dancing and much laughter, following the success of Carnival Unplugged I – The Story of Carnival, which was presented last year during Black History Month at the same venue.

The show’s theme, “Behind the Bridge to Barnet,” brought the vibrant history of the steelpan to life, tracing its journey from ‘behind the bridge’, East Dry River in Port of Spain to its global prominence. The performances brought to life the history and development of the steelpan, showcasing how it became culturally significant after African drumming was banned in Trinidad in the 1930s and how it eventually reached the world stage. Key milestones included the development of the early versions of the steelpan in the 1940s and 50s, the pioneering work of musicians like Winston “Spree” Simon, who is credited with inventing the first tuned steelpan, and the first ever Panorama competition in 1963, the year after Trinidad became independent.

The experience felt like being immersed in a pop-up storybook, with a live narrator guiding the audience through the chapters while real-life artists “popped up” on stage to perform. The production unfolded through six thematic chapters. The Rhythm of Arrival opened the show, spotlighting the transformation of discarded oil drums into musical instruments, a testament to the resilience and creativity of Trinidadians. A New Sound Emerges introduced the distinctive sound of the steelpan and its growing recognition in the music world. The Struggle for Recognition delved into the challenges faced by early pan musicians and women, while A Global Stage celebrated the instrument’s rise on the international scene, demonstrating its ability to transcend genres from classical to contemporary music. Innovation and Evolution showcased the continuous development of the steelpan through new techniques and compositions, culminating in Legacy and Celebration, which honoured the instrument's lasting impact and its role in inspiring future generations. This celebration resonates with the recent recognition of International Steelpan Day, highlighting the global appreciation for this remarkable instrument.

Ethan Thomas delivering an inspiring introduction to the show.

The evening featured a stellar line up of steelpan artists, including Marlon Hibbert, Debbie “Pan Diva” Romain, Dougie “Swizz” Dallaway, Romaya Sorzano, Samuel DuBois, accompanied by the narration of Kayleigh “Loudmouth” Lewis. The JUST IN CARNIVAL Steelpan Academy, composed of emerging talents, made its debut alongside these experienced performers. The steelpan performances were animated by a cast of talented musicians and dancers including Navina Nallamuthu (flute), Calvin Clarke (bass guitar), Faith Chidyausiku (clarinet), Valeria Benedetto Funez (dance), and Shona Muraldo-Parks (dance).
A special moment of the evening featured living legend Dudley Dixon, renowned for his decades of expertise in steelpan tuning and making. With a comical flair, he made a grand entrance by bringing several steelpans on stage himself, instantly engaging the audience. Wielding hammers and other tools, Dixon shared his insights into the intricate process of crafting a steelpan, offering an authentic and hands-on demonstration that many in the audience had never experienced before.

Debbie, Dougie, Romaya, Navina and Samuel.

As the night drew to a close, the audience danced out of the theatre to Michal Teja's DNA, played by all the performers in an iconic Trini-style 'jam session.' They left with a sense of joy and celebration, cherishing the unforgettable tribute to the steelpan and its remarkable legacy.