Article
Feminist Review (2006) 84, 48–66. doi:10.1057/palgrave.fr.9400300
women, theatre and Calypso in the English-speaking Caribbean
Denise Hughes-Tafen
Abstract
The present essay discusses how women calypsonians in the English-speaking Caribbean use Calypso performances as a theatrical platform to offer a gendered critique of the nation and engage in a dialogue, which despite exhibiting pride in the nation, questions its various exclusions in ways that seek to redefine dominant constructions of the nation as 'we'. Not only do they offer a vision of the nation and its cultural aspects that is more inclusive, they also speak out against cultural and political oppression. I analyse specific performances by Singing Sandra (Trinidad) and Queen Ivena (Antigua) from my position as an 'indigenous-outsider' and 'outsider within' in order to demonstrate that Calypso performance is a post-colonial form of theatre in the English-speaking Caribbean that is being used by women as a site for feminist action and agency.
Keywords:
post-colonial theatre, Calypso, nation, English-speaking Caribbean, feminism

