Angelo Jedidiah
Storytelling is a skill Trinbagonians have mastered. Beyond our talent for recounting a good “bacchanal scene,” our local and Caribbean folklore are uniquely rich, capturing different aspects of our culture and history. But what if we could bring these stories to life—creating a state-of-the-art tourist attraction?
During my tour of China, I was told that my next stop, Huai’an in Jiangsu Province, would include a visit to a major theme park—Journey to the West. I was intrigued, not so much by the name, but because it sounded oddly familiar.
My curiosity quickly turned into childlike excitement as I realised that the sprawling 100-acre amusement park ahead was a real-life recreation of the famous Chinese novel Journey to the West. In recent years, a video game adaptation has also sparked global interest.
The last time I picked up the comic book adaptation of Journey to the West was when I was 13, at one of our local public libraries. To me, it was just an entertaining read, following the Monkey King and other characters on an exciting pilgrimage—complete with superpowers and fight scenes, of course. At that age, I had no reason to dive deeper into its background or meaning.
But for the Chinese, this 16th-century mythological novel and its many adaptations hold deep cultural significance.
When Journey to the West author Wu Cheng’en died, his manuscripts were discovered and published later, having a significant impact on Chinese culture and their belief systems, promoting lessons on self-discipline, friendship, and enlightenment.
The moment I entered the park, along with hundreds of other guests, it felt as if I’d been transported to the misty clouds of the seventh-century Tang Dynasty, closely mirroring the fantastical environments described in the novel. There were no visible speakers, yet cultural music filled each area, perfectly suited to the setting and atmosphere. The outdoor space was dominated by mountain and valley landscapes, with characters like the Monkey King, Pigsy, and others, fully costumed, roaming the park, interacting with guests just as they would in the story.
While the indoor and outdoor rides were remarkable, each offering a new adventure in the Monkey King’s vivid world, it was the impressive Chinese technology that truly stood out.
Holographic shows, mixed with live performances, were continually shown, taking guests through various battles and popular scenes from the book. Those who had not read the book could easily follow along, even with a language barrier. Virtual reality was also part of the modern technology used to bring traditional folklore to life.
And if that wasn’t enough to make you feel included in the author’s thoughts about the story and characters, indoor rides offered an immersive experience to learn more.
Although you never truly leave the ground, the impressive project and 4DX effects would easily make one think they were flying alongside the Monkey King, hundreds of miles above the earth. I had no choice but to hold on for dear life.
At the end of the day, a grand parade featured all the characters, followed by a 20-minute water, light, and fireworks display that recreated one of the most popular battle scenes with the Monkey King.
Here in the Caribbean, we still have yet to transform our oral storytelling into a permanent and impressive spectacle, aside from some museums, theatrical performances, and seasonal showings.
While building a state-of-the-art amusement park may not be feasible right now, we should explore more ways to keep our folklore tales and historic characters alive for future generations.
There could be ways for us to have spaces dedicated to popular folk tales like La Diablesse, Papa Bois, or Shango, to name a few that follow the adventures of local folk characters and the positive life lessons they learn along the way.
This could include creating interactive cultural experiences, such as festivals, immersive exhibits, or digital storytelling platforms that bring these stories to life—not only during the Carnival season.
In doing so, we not only honour our traditions but also ensure that these narratives continue to inspire and connect us, both locally and globally.