In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the process by which he became Major Devil in the Congo tradition of Portobelo, Panama.
Archives
Carlos Chavarria Choosing to Play the Devil
In this excerpt, Chavarría talks about his choice to play the devil role in the Congo tradition and shares his memories of how he came to play the role for the first time as a school-aged boy.
Carlos Chavarria Devil’s Mask
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the ways in which the Devil’s mask initially captured his attention and the double perspective/participant-observer position that it provides.
Ileana Solis Palma One-Person Performance to Celebrate Major Devil Tradition
In this excerpt, Solís discusses the one-person performance that she created through her theater company to celebrate Celedonio and the Major Devil tradition of Portobelo, Panama.
Carlos Chavarria Future Retirement as Major Devil
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses how he imagines retiring as Major Devil.
Carlos Chavarria Legacy of Celedonio
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses his mentor Celedonio Molinar’s lasting legacy to the town and to the Congo tradition, including a charge to embrace the tradition with pride and joy.
Carlos Chavarria Importance of Congo for Community Pride
In this excerpt, Chavarría talks about the importance of the Congo tradition and Congo dance to the community’s sense of pride and self. He urges young people to maintain the power of their traditions and to stay anchored to their sense of “place” and home.