Tanti Merle at de Oval

“TANTI MERLE AT THE OVAL” by Amatee Persad

In my opinion, “Tanti Merle at the oval” written by Paul Keens Douglas highlights a history of Caribbean tradition that every West Indian should relate to on a day to day basis. Paul Keens Douglas is a renowned Trinidadian-born playwright, writer and performer who is recognized for his theatrical story telling which encompasses all the inherent Caribbean / African cultural forms and social traditions. As a poet he is known for telling stories about life not just in Trinidad but in the Caribbean and well beyond[1]. One of his famous and well loved characters is the formidable Tanti Merle whose antics include a pink parasol, a basket of treats and disrupting a cricket match. From her choice of taxi to her history lesson on her home country, St. Vincent, to nearly causing a riot at the oval in Port of Spain ‘Tanti Merle at de oval’ gives us a true depiction of Caribbean humor which according to Paul Keens Douglas ‘has been a major defence throughout our history against slavery[2] and colonialism[3]’. This Caribbean story depicts elements of Caribbean life which include; identity and religion, socialization and family life as a force within the region, and the role and impact of sports in the Caribbean.

As Caribbean people our identity and religion stems from our colonial history. Tanti Merle was written in the year 1976 where the emergence of playwrights and theatres was tremendous and of much significance to us as a people; during that same year Trinidad was declared a Republic[4] . Paul Keens Douglas narration of Tanti Merle features a dialectal language (Creole) which is stimulating, rhythmic and full of humor. The Creole language[5] is seen in the context of being an important tool of resistance and the use of it by Paul Keens Douglas signifies nationalism and patriotism with blend of colorful expression and heartening humor. Tanti Merle is celebrating her sixty-fifth birthday in 1975 and as a present she taken to...