Book Description

A play about moral courage, social justice, respect for the environment, history and tradition. "The Massacuraman, engages mythology in its use of the Massacuraman, a feared demon figure who inhabits the Guyanese rivers and creeks. Despite his dreaded reputation, he is, in fact, a protector of the forest environment similar to the role played by Papa Bois of the Eastern Caribbean and Trinidad. The villagers live in fear of the supernatural monster, but his anger is basically provoked by their own monstrous acts and abuses. This is sustained in the plot when the Massacuraman is blamed for the villainy of one of the residents, then the damage done is atoned for by a most unexpected sacrifice. " Al Creighton, Director Center for Amerindian Studies, University of Guyana."`The Massacuraman', is darker and takes readers on a roller-coaster of emotions: hope, fear, dread, outrage - but the ending is more than a little controversial - though well handled. Mohamed encourages us to develop a real empathy for Ovid - perhaps his failure to take action over his wife's misdemeanours accounts for what happens to him in the end!... Mohamed has successfully incorporated Caribbean mythology and folklore into contemporary situations and/or at least made Caribbean mythology and folklore accessible for contemporary readers/performers and audiences ....delightful!"Black and Asian Studies Association Review