By Sue-Ann Wayow
RAMEELA celebrations ended on a high note at Cedar Hill despite an actor being attacked while performing.
As the crowd gathered for the final night of the ten-night street play at the popular site in Princes Town on Sunday, a man walked up to one of the actors and hit him on his head with a garden tool. He has since been charged.
Danil Balia appeared before Princes Town Senior Magistrate Indira Misir-Gosine charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Tuesday.
The actor was portraying Meghnath, the son of Ravana, when he was struck.
The incident that was captured on video and widely on social media, paused the production for about 45 minutes.
Local Government Councillor for Corinth/Cedar Hill Shawn Premchand told AZP News, “While we had an unfortunate occurrence, we must always be cognizant that uncertainties do exist. This was beyond our control and had it been suspected earlier, prevention strategies would have been in place.
“None the less, though minor hiccup at the start delayed the night’s festivities but once it began, the crowd gathered looked on with excitement as the generations came together in one to showcase the vast talent and culture of our community.”
The Rameela celebrations in Cedar Hill has been in existence for more than 100 years and is one of the known places where the artform is practiced and propagated in Trinidad and Tobago.
Premchand said, “This year’s event was no short of an amazing display of the culture and heritage of the community. Being the first physical celebration post Covid-19 restrictions, it provided the opportunity for members of all walks of society and communities to come together in one, rekindling relationships between each other, and providing a great platform for networking.”
The councillor added that the Princes Town Regional Corporation through his office would continue to work in partnership with the Cedar Hill Youth, Social and Cultural Organization in future development works at the facility.
Balia has been remanded at the St Ann’s Hospital pending an evaluation and report. The court matter was adjourned
to October 25.
