Caribbean Culture the Focus of Tulane Conference

Film, music, dance, language, food, religion—these are but a few of the many aspects of Caribbean culture to be explored during "Virtual Caribbeans: A Conference on Representation, Diaspora and Performance In and On the Caribbean," hosted Feb. 28–March 1, by the Cuban and Caribbean Studies Institute of Tulane University.

The definition of the Caribbean as primarily a geographic region is no longer viable, according to conference organizers. Through the migration of its peoples, cultures and languages, the "Caribbean" can now be found in many different places, and as a concept it has become even broader and more inclusive.

Taking the guayabera shirt as the emblem of "Caribbeanness" wherever it is, this conference will enable participants to explore this exuberant culture through various media, technologies and performances.

Conference-goers can attend a rich array of seminars over the three days of the event. Frances Negron-Muntaner of Columbia University will deliver the plenary lecture, "The Look of Sovereignty: Style and Politics in the Young Lords," an examination of style and message projected by a Puerto Rican liberation organization. A second plenary session features a performance by playwright and performance artist, Alina Troyano, a.k.a. Carmelita Tropicana, "Caribbeans: Virtually Real."

The conference includes many other speakers, performances and film screenings. The sessions are at various locations around the city of New Orleans.

For more information, conference registration and a complete schedule of events, visit http://cuba.tulane.edu.