The Midnight Robber: Carnival Masquerade Workshop

Join artist Jacob V. Joyce for an archive and carnival masquerade workshop exploring the Midnight Robber.

Renowned for elaborate costumes and dramatic, poetic speeches known as “robber talk,” the Midnight Robber emerged from the creativity of Afro-Trinidadian communities. Through wit, performance and extreme exaggeration, the character became a powerful expression of resistance: challenging authority, reclaiming history and imagining new forms of power.

Having previously worked alongside the Mystery Raiders band of Midnight Robbers in Port of Spain, Jacob invites participants to create their own contemporary Midnight Robber. Drawing inspiration from material held in the local archives, the workshop will explore how storytelling, costume and making can become tools for recovering overlooked histories and imagining new futures.

Jacob V. Joyce is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice amplifies historical and emerging queer and anti-colonial narratives. Their work is grounded in collaboration and conversation with activists, community groups and archives. Supported by C.R.E.A.M. (the Centre for Research in Education, Arts and Media), Jacob is currently a doctoral researcher exploring the practical applications of historical African heritage education movements.

When: Saturday 22 August, 2pm-5pm

Where: Kensal Library, 20 Golborne Road, London, W10 5PF

Find out more and book your free space here.