Notting Hill Carnival (2001) - Mahogany Mas Band

We've been working with a company called Adzido, which is an African dance company, Ghanaian based mainly. They did a show called Yaa Asantewaa this year with us and we designed and made costumes. So some of the designs which we're using on the street originate from the show and it's something we've been trying to do, create a link between the carnival and the stage. So people that come to theatre remember and understand that carnival does have a theatrical, you know it's a theatrical thing. So if they come to see shows they would actually come to Notting Hill too for the same sort of drama that carnival can give. So important that the main characters should be something that you will remember, so when I'm designing I'm really thinking how I can find something to make people remember. 'Gosh did you see this one.' Because carnival, when you are designing, you're creating a sense of up-liftment. People should feel at the end of seeing the costume it should have taken their breath away in someway. So I'm hoping that people will en joy the band and enjoy the colours.