Port-de-Paix cultural group marks 12th anniversary with play highlighting youth view of Haiti

Junior Joseph performs with a conch shell and machete, reflecting traditional rural practices used to gather workers and communicate across distances during the EADL theatre group production of "Kafou 12, Haïti Paradis Perdu," on December 20, 2025. Photo courtesy CASH_WC DESIGN

PORT-DE-PAIX— For its 12th anniversary, the École d’Apprentissage de la Danse Latine (EADL) presented “Kafou 12, Ayiti, Paradi Perdu,” or Kafou 12, Haïti Lost Paradise. This theatrical production blends folklore dance, music, and theater to show how Haitian youth view their country and their role in preserving culture.

The performance brought together students and artists who used movement, sound, rhythm, and everyday scenes to explore Haitian traditions, work life, and social struggles. Rather than focusing on a single storyline, the production unfolded through short scenes inspired by traditional folklore rhythms, and popular dance styles like konpa, salsa, bachata and merengue.

Through a series of musical scenes, the production reflects everyday Haitian life—small businesses, peasant traditions, moral values, and social struggles—while contrasting images of the country’s past with present-day socio-political realities.

“By referring to a once peaceful and tranquil Haiti, we can now clearly see that the paradise Haiti once was is lost,” Santhia Mérice, an artist and general secretary of EADL said “We wanted to show how much has changed.”

Beyond konpa—Haiti’s signature music genre created by Nemours Jean-Baptiste in the 1950s—EADL also trains its students in salsa, bachata, and merengue, offering a broad approach to dance education. Mérice said the school’s goal is to support young people by combining artistic training with social and cultural learning.

For many young audience members, the performance sparked interest in joining the group. Other spectators also saw the production as a way to guide young people toward creative expression.

“After watching EADL’s dance shows on TV, I really want to join so I can learn poetry, dancing, and theater. I’m going to ask my dad,” said Stanley Antoine, a 10-year-old boy.

“Cultural activities like theater can offer an alternative path for youth, Dodly Aristide, 22, said. “The country needs more performances that showcase Haitian culture. Young people should invest their time in cultural activities instead of falling into delinquency.”

The production “Kafou 12” Ayiti: Paradi Pèdi,” or Kalfou 12, Haiti Lost Paradise, was designed to bring together youth from different artistic backgrounds and encourage them to value Haitian culture through performance, Mérice said. The production was developed in collaboration with several artists and theater groups, including Top Akabi and Roi Willy, with support from EADL instructors and directors.

During the production of “Kafou 12, Haiti Paradis Perdu,” or Kafou 12, Haiti Lost Paradise, on December 20, 2025, young actors and artists from the EADL theatre group are seen rapping and beating drums to highlight Haitian Vodou — a tradition that is slowly fading. Through this scene, they revive and revalue this musical expression often used in vodou ceremonies to call upon the loas and spiritual spirits.
Photo by Kervenson Martial for The Haitian Times.

Performers staged a peace protest during the production of “Kafou 12, Haiti Paradis Perdu,” or Kafou 12, Haiti Lost Paradise,” on December 20, 2025. They hold placards reading “Aba Lanmò” and “Aba Baboukèt” and send messages of peace and opposition to censorship and violence in Haiti. Photos by Kervenson for The Haitian Times.

A stage scene during the production of “Kafou 12, Haiti Paradis Perdu,” or Kafou 12, Haiti Lost Paradise, in which actors use jugs, sticks, and tires to depict demonstrations, showing how citizens demand action in the face of political inaction and social challenges. Photo taken on December 20 by Kervenson Martial for The Haitian Times.

One of the performers held a sign reading "Aba baboukèt," a Creole expression denouncing how Haitian leaders act solely in their own interests, failing to address the needs of the majority of the population. As the crisis worsens day by day, the authorities—unable to provide real solutions—also seek to silence any critical voices within the community. Photo courtesy EADL. — One of the performers held a sign reading “Aba baboukèt,” a Creole expression denouncing how Haitian leaders act solely in their own interests, failing to address the needs of the majority of the population. As the crisis worsens day by day, the authorities—unable to provide real solutions—also seek to silence any critical voices within the community. Photo courtesy EADL.

Stéphanie Vincent, a member of the play “Kafou 12, Haïti Paradis Perdu”, with a basket on her head plays a role to highlight the traditional role of Haitian women vendors, who carried their goods to the market in such baskets. This practice remains a strong symbol of the role of women in the trade and goods open market. Photo courtesy EADL

The artists dress up as various characters representing Haitian society—vendors, doctors, teachers, farmers—highlight everyday struggles in contemporary Haiti, during the performance of “Kafou 12, Haiti Paradis Perdu,” or Kafou 12, Haiti Lost Paradise, on December 20, 2025. Photo by Kervenson Martial for The Haitian Times

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