He’s not just returning to the stage—he’s reclaiming it.
For over a decade, Ruben R. Andrews has moved through the world as a performer of range and resolve. A proud alumnus of Speyside High School, he has navigated the textured worlds of theatre, film, and fashion, Ruben’s creative evolution mirrors something deeper: a refusal to let circumstance cancel purpose.
At 25, he’s lived the highs of performance and the lows of pandemic pause. But now, with One Ah We, Is All Ah We!—a vibes-packed variety fundraiser set for July 18th—he’s turning resilience into action, inviting us all to help him finish what he started.
We caught up with Ruben to talk legacy, artistic hunger, and why this next chapter isn’t just about school—it’s about survival, sovereignty, and showing up when it matters most.
1. Ruben, tell us what inspired “One Ah We, Is All Ah We!”—why this show, why now?
Honestly, it was born out of a moment of deep vulnerability. For a long time, I believed, as many men are taught to, that I had to carry my struggles on my own. That to be a “real man” meant finding my own way out, silently. But I reached a point where that just wasn’t sustainable. I was on the verge of losing my home, forced to walk away from the one place that brought me joy; school, because I simply couldn’t afford tuition, basic living expenses, or even meals. And what hurt even more was feeling invisible in that struggle.
People would often praise me for my talent, my energy, my resilience… but when things got hard, I was still left to fend for myself. That contradiction sat with me for a long time. And it made me realize that if I was feeling that way, there must be so many others out there feeling the same. Especially in a country like ours, where pride, appearances, and the pressure to “make it” can isolate you.
So “One ah We is All ah We” was me choosing to speak up. To tell a story that reflects not just my journey, but shared experiences many young person’s experience; struggles, joys, betrayals, resilience, and community. This show is remind us that we’re not alone. That community still matters. And that sometimes, just being honest about your struggle can be the most powerful thing.
2. Your journey back to school after the pandemic is powerful. What kept you going when everything felt paused?
Keeping it real, it was pure resilience, and a serious mindset shift. When I had to leave school, it felt like a major setback. I worried that without a degree or certification, doors would stay closed. But I had to remind myself that just because one thing falls apart, doesn’t mean everything else will. I still had my voice, my ability to perform, and the skills I’d already built. So I leaned into that.
I threw myself into freelance work: projects, performances, anything I could get my hands on, so much so that my friends sometimes call me “salt” because I was in everything, sometimes even unpaid which was difficult especially at a time where I could barely afford to feed myself, but the experiences I gained were priceless. They taught me things I don’t think I could’ve learned in a classroom. I also had the privilege of working closely with Soul Oasis Cultural Ambassadors, and I’ll always be grateful to their director, Sean Singh, who pushed me, supported me when I was doubtful and emotionally burnt out.
All of that hard work and persistence eventually opened doors. I got to travel and collaborate with some of the biggest names in Trinidad and Tobago’s dance and theater arts scene. So even though the path wasn’t traditional, it still had purpose. And it brought me right back to school, but this time with a deeper sense of who I am and what I bring to the table.
3. You’ve got soca, dancehall, belé dancers, comedy, live music—it’s a packed lineup. What can the audience expect from the vibe on July 18th?
They can expect an evening of pure joy, laughter, and togetherness. “One ah We is All ah We” is a celebration of everything I stand for and strive for: love, happiness, and culture. The lineup is intentionally rich and diverse because each element, whether it’s dance, music, theatre, or comedy has shaped me in some way.
We’re blending tradition with modern energy. You’ll see belé dancers sharing space with dancehall and soca, and live comedians creating that real Trinbago bacchanal I love, soul-stirring vibe. I didn’t want it to be just a show, it’s a full experience of Caribbean identity, unity, and expression. The kind of night where you’ll laugh, reflect, dance, and leave feeling like you were part of something bigger, and knowing that you’ve helped to change someone’s life for better.
4. This isn’t just a performance—it’s a step toward reclaiming your dream. What does going back to school mean to you now?
Going back to school means everything to me. It’s more than just finishing a degree, it’s about accomplishing a major personal goal. I’ll be the first of five children to complete university, and that alone means a lot to me and my family.
But it’s also about growth. I’ve gained so much through real-world experience, performing, directing, collaborating, but I know there’s still more to learn. School gives me the space to refine what I’ve already developed and add to it with structure, mentorship, and theory. And yes, though I’ll always believe experience can sometimes teach you more than a classroom, I also know that certification opens doors and helps validate the work I’ve already been doing.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about me, it’s about showing others like me that it’s never too late to reclaim your path.
5. What role has community played in helping you stay on track? Any shoutouts you want to give?
Community is the only reason I’m still standing. There was a time in my life where I was sleeping couch to couch, over a 5 to 6 year span, I stayed in more than 15 different homes. And I truly don’t know where I’d be today without the people and groups who held space for me during those times.
Groups like SOCA (Soul Oasis Cultural Ambassadors) gave me a sense of family when I felt completely alone. Friends like Triston Wallace, and my mom, were like anchors, helping guide me even when I didn’t know how to ask for help. They saw something in me and never let me forget it.
I also have to give a very special thank you to MixxTings. I only recently became one of their dancers, but they welcomed me like family. With this show, they’ve gone above and beyond in showing me their support. They have not just supporting me, but for years created a space where I and many others feel safe, seen, and celebrated. They remind me that even new family can change your life. I’m so grateful for the energy, the freedom, and the love they’ve shown me and my fellow dancers and the many other individuals that attend their events.
6. For those seeing your work for the first time, who is Ruben Andrews as a performer? What’s the story you always try to tell?
I’m a multifaceted performer, someone who sings, dances, acts, writes but more than that, I’m someone who leads with heart. I’m diligent, resilient, and I take real pride in everything I do. I’m not afraid of hard work, and I never give up on what I believe in even when the odds are stacked against me.
The arts have saved my life more times than I can count. They’ve given me purpose, healing, and a place to be my full self. So now, everything I create is rooted in that spirit. I try to tell stories that reflect real people who feel joy, pain, pressure, pride, because I know what it’s like to feel invisible, and I never want my audience to feel that way. my goal is always the same: to remind people that they matter. That their story, no matter how messy or complicated, is worth telling. That’s who I am.
7. How can people support beyond showing up to the show? Donations, shares, future bookings?
Showing up means the world, but support doesn’t have to stop there. If people feel moved by what I’m doing and want to help me keep building, there are a few ways they can support.
First, sharing the show, spreading the word online or in person helps way more than people realize. Every repost, every recommendation gets the message out and helps us reach more hearts.
Second, donations are welcomed, whether big or small. Every cent goes toward helping me stay in school, cover production costs. If you’d like to contribute directly, here are the details:
Bank Name: First Citizens Bank Account Number: 2609919 Account Name: Ruben Ricardo Andrews Contact: (868) 336-3107 Email: rubenandrews321@gmail.com
And finally, future bookings. If you’re looking for performers, dancers, creatives, or someone to bring heart to your project or just pure good vibes, reach out. I’m always looking to grow and collaborate.
8. Last words: If someone out there is dreaming big but facing setbacks, what would you say to them?
First, I want to say thank you to every single person who helped bring this show to life. Your support has not only made this production possible, but it’s changed the way I see my own life. It reminded me that I’m not alone and that there really are people out there who have my best interest at heart.
To anyone out there chasing a dream and feeling discouraged: don’t give up. Keep working hard, even when it gets heavy. Keep pushing, even when it feels like nothing’s moving. Life will throw hurdles. You may lose people along the way. But the right people? They’ll always show up.
Believe in your vision. Believe in love and compassion, especially in a time when the world needs it more than ever. My ability to love, to hold on to joy even in the darkest moments, that’s what carried me here. And if I can make it through, so can you.
You’re not alone. Keep going
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 
Proud of you man
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