Carnival takes on social and political importance in this recognized classic. Th
e people of the shantytown Calvary Hill, usually invisible to the rest of societ
y, join the throng and flaunt their neighborhood personas in masquerade during C
arnival. Aldrick, the dashing "king of the Hill," becomes a glorious, dancing dr
agon; his lovely Sylvia, a princess; Fisheye, rebel idealist, a fierce steel ban
d contestant; and Philo, Calypso songwriter, a star. Then a business sponsors Fi
sheye's band, Philo gets a hit song, and Sylvia leaves the Hill with a prosperou
s older man. For Aldrick, it will take one more masquerade-this time, involving
guns and hostages-before the illusion of power becomes reality.
