About the Film
She Playing With Fire is a vibrant tale set inside of a real masquerade “in the Northern home of the Caribbean”- Brooklyn, NYC. When Mark invites Kayla to Prospect Park, his romantic proposal plan spins into chaos as the spirit of Carnival pulls Kayla into the masquerade, and out of his reach. Pulsing drums and larger than life Carnival characters seduce Kayla “to play Mas”, but will she lose her chance at love when she plays a game with unexpected consequences?
Running time:
Directed by:
Story by:
Screenplay by:
Produced by:
Executive Producer:
Lead Actors:
In collaboration with:
9:22
Orion Gordon
Bianca Jacob
Orion Gordon
Bianca Jacob
Hazel Bryan
Orion Gordon
Ghrai DeVore-Stokes
Khadim Diop
JouvayFest
Pagwah Mas
From the Director
Carnival art is scholarly, satirical, playful, politically charged, public theater. I wanted to share a story that kept the humor, social commentary, rhythms, and warm colors of our Carnival characters, but juxtapose it with a relatable scenario- one that mirrors what's playing out in the masquerade. This is a short film set in modern day Brooklyn- a romantic comedy about a young Black couple who are just learning about themselves and these traditions.
Brooklyn is the home of immigrants from many corners of the earth. Take a walk down Flatbush Avenue and you will find someone from every Caribbean country. In a way, this film is also a love letter to the Caribbean people in New York, and the traditions they keep alive. I created this film to lift up a slice of North American culture that is visually stunning, but largely misunderstood. Mark, one of the main characters, is actually afraid of the Carnival characters at one point. It's funny, but it speaks to the idea that we often fear what we don’t understand.
Dame Lorraine
This character created by the former enslaved Africans in the Caribbean mocked the plantation owner's wives who used undergarments to emphasize their buttocks, small waists and large breasts... wearing a mask (made of fine mesh w/ a European features painted on it), gloves, broad flowered hat, umbrella, and large purse. This character was usually played by men..now all genders portray this character. There are ancestral traces of "Gedde" masquerade in West Africa.
King Jab
Comes from Jab Jab originating from the French word "J'ablo" meaning devil! A European religious character symbolizing bad and evil behavior and things. The formerly enslaved Africans in the Caribbean used this character to depict the evils of the slave master and plantation owners. In African religion and life there are no devils. There are also Jab Molassies their bodies covered with molasses or black paint carrying a whip and determined to scare the spectators. Ancestral traces in Cameron have similar masqueraders however they are Not devils.
Ndebele Bride
She is from Central South Africa from the Ndebele people famous for their bead work and colorful geometric painted houses. She is not a traditional J'ouvert character. They are cattle herders and farmers.
Baby Doll
A comedic and tragic female character who is constantly searching for the father of her child. Her role is to shame (pointing and shouting "you are the Daddy!) any man in close proximity into giving money for support of this child. She usually dresses in gaudy clothing carrying a large baby bottle and a baby in a blanket.
Flag Woman / Man
This character represents the spirit of the carnival band. They are in front of the band, vigorously setting the tone for the musicians and the spectators.
The Masquerade “Holy Matrimony”
"Holy Matrimony/Contradictions” Marriage of King Jab & his Ndebele Bride. A collaboration of JouvayFest & Pagwah Mas. The infamous and popular man about town, King Jab needs a woman who really cares about him, and not only his public stature. He visits Central South Africa and finds his Ndbele bride, and brings her back to Brooklyn for a grand public wedding. He invites his friends as well as the public. Of course, Ndebele Bride gets her American citizenship, and new life in the USA- a place where she can help her family. They are joyously married by the lake in front of the historic Audubon Boat House with a lively procession of the wedding party, accompanied by live music culminating in a big public gathering for the final ceremony.
THE MASQUERADE
Producers:
Executive Producer:
Venue:
JouvayFest & Pagwah Mas
JouvayFest
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York
WEDDING PARTY
King Jab:
Ndebele Bride:
Best Man:
Pastor/Priest/Bishop:
Flag Woman:
Baby Doll:
King Jab Witness/Maid of Honor:
Dame Lorraine:
Curtis "Bruiser" Noel
Sandra A. M Bell
Richard Pacific
Kendell M. Julien
Najami Lezama
Carol Victor
Natalie Lezama
Andy Saunders "Nappy"
MUSIC
Drummers for Wedding Ceremony:
Tassa Drummers for procession:
Earl Noel & Jomo
Hearts of Steel Rhythm
