The Dragon Can't Dance

Carnival takes on social and political importance in this recognized classic. The people of the shantytown Calvary Hill, usually invisible to the rest of society, join the throng and flaunt their neighborhood personas in masquerade during Carnival. Aldrick, the dashing "king of the Hill," becomes a glorious, dancing dragon; his lovely Sylvia, a princess; Fisheye, rebel idealist, a fierce steel band contestant; and Philo, Calypso songwriter, a star. Then a business sponsors Fisheye's band, Philo gets a hit song, and Sylvia leaves the Hill with a prosperous older man. For Aldrick, it will take one more masquerade'”this time, involving guns and hostages'”before the illusion of power becomes reality.

Earl Lovelace is the author of five novels, including Salt (winner of the 1997 Commonwealth Writer's Prize); A Brief Conversion and Other Stories; and many plays and essays. He lives in his native Trinidad and is currently on the faculty of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington