The Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) has officially raised the bar for cultural representation and creative excellence, following its groundbreaking performance of An Odyssey Inland on March 12, 2025, aboard The World: Residences at Sea, the largest private residential yacht in the world. The historic event marks the first time Tobago has delivered a full-scale musical theatre experience aboard a luxury cruise vessel, and it was met with standing ovations, heartfelt praise, and glowing feedback from both residents and crew.
“It was the best show we ever had on the ship! I was tearing up!” shared Romel Bayas, Stage and Broadcast Manager aboard The World. Another senior crew member added, “Very popular with residents and guests. A great time was had by all!”
A total theatre experience staged in the vessel’s luxurious two-story Plaza, An Odyssey Inland combined storytelling, dance, original music, and audience interaction, packaging Tobago’s rich culture in a format that was both entertaining and deeply respectful of its heritage. With original music composed and directed by TPAC’s talented Music Director, Mr. Ojay Richards, the production pulsed with authenticity, featuring the island’s distinctive soundscape, from the indigenous Tambrin drum, T&T’s national instrument the steelpan, as well as African drums.
Written and directed by Artistic Director Rayshawn Pierre, the performance followed the journey of a folkloric guide named Anan as he led the audience in discovering the “8 mystiques” that define the soul of Tobago. “With An Odyssey Inland, we wanted to go beyond the picture-postcard version of Tobago and give audiences a deeper experience – one that captures our warmth, our imagination, and the soul of who we are as Tobagonians,” said Ms. Pierre. “By drawing on the spirit of Anansi and the magic of our folklore, we created a story that doesn’t just entertain: it invites you into our island’s heart. To see an international audience moved by something so rooted in our heritage was a powerful reminder that our culture is not only valid, it is globally resonant.”
Kedisha Thomas captured in a dramatic moment during the production. Cast member Cammie Smith is seen in the background | Photo courtesy: TPAC 
TPAC drama residents Dwayne White Jr and Kedisha Thomas during a dramatic scene. | Photo courtesy: TPAC 
Actors are captured during a scene depicting Tobago’s Carnival characters and icons. | Photo courtesy: TPAC 
TPAC Dance Resident Kendra Murray captured in a dramatic performance depicting the Tobago Harvest. | Photo courtesy: TPAC 
The character Anan (Levee Rodrigez) delivers a monologue during the production. | Photo courtesy: TPAC 
TPAC residents show off traditional dance moves during the production | Photo courtesy: TPAC 
The cast receives resounding applause at the end of the play. | Photo courtesy: TPAC 
TPAC Artistic Director Rayshawn Pierre introduces the play to the ship’s audience I Photo courtesy: TPAC 
TPAC’s Music Director Ojay Richards leads the musical ensemble in a technical rehearsal on the ship | Photo courtesy: TPAC 
TPAC’s leadership in a technical huddle with the ship’s crew prior to the performance. | Photo courtesy: TPAC
The production captivated both international guests and special invitees from Tobago’s tourism sector, including Marketing Officer of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, Ms. Andra Joefield, who was present to support the island’s tourism outreach. “The production was excellent,” she shared. “We know the Tobago story, but seeing it told in this way, with all that Tobago has to offer brought together in one piece, was really exciting for me.”
More than just a performance, TPAC’s showcase represented a vision for the future of Tobago’s creative economy – one where local talent is not only celebrated but exported to the world with professionalism, pride, and authenticity.
“TPAC doesn’t mind doing all the hard work of cutting all the roads,” said TPAC CEO Jared Prima, “and making sure that those who are to follow will have a smoother pathway to making this [the performing arts] a career.”
As Tobago continues to strengthen its positioning as a premium destination for cultural tourism, TPAC is proving to be an essential pillar in the national performing arts sector, bridging tradition with innovation, and crafting experiences that resonate on a global stage. With An Odyssey Inland, the Company has shown that Tobagonian performers are ready to compete, and thrive, on international platforms.
About the Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC):
The Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) is a premier multi-disciplinary arts institution under the Tobago House of Assembly dedicated to enriching Tobago’s creative sector. TPAC champions artistic excellence through dynamic performance productions, artist development initiatives, and cultural tourism ventures, ensuring that Tobago’s artistic voice resonates both regionally and internationally.
For more information about TPAC, its initiatives, and upcoming events, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tobagoperformingarts or on IG @tobagoperformingarts.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 