ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to address the healing potentials of the Trinidad Carnival as a foundation of self/communal therapy, negating the need for psychotherapists in the country. It reviews relationship of the art forms to the Trinidad individual and society. The chapter looks at sensous flow of uninhibited movement; counter-tension; effort study and effort conceptual elements involved in the Trinidad Carnival, and how theatre and music influence and drive the movement patterns. It examines benefits of the Trinidad Carnival as an interracial expression of positive characterisation and a possible coping system for psychic tension. The chapter focuses on the therapeutic modes of anticipatory psychic management, alternative catharsis and paradox meditation in this communal venture, which has the effect of submerging ethnic and social divisions. Ironically, cross-cultural communication is the current ‘flavour of the year’. The propensity of the Trinidadians to adapt and innovate in drama, music, song and dance is a strong factor in the development of their cultural arts forms.
