SCARBOROUGH, Tobago – The Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC), in proud partnership with the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd. (TFCL), delivered a bold and breathtaking performance at the Tobago Heritage Festival 2025 Opening Gala on Thursday, July 10th. The original production, “When Time Meets Twine”, captivated audiences at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex with its seamless fusion of drama, dance, music, and film, brought to life by some of Tobago’s most talented creatives.
A first-of-its-kind for the Festival’s Opening Gala, the show was conceived as a fully immersive experience. Dancers entered from the rear of the auditorium, singing and weaving their way through the audience, while actors broke the fourth wall to engage viewers in real-time moments of cultural reflection. Coupled with striking lighting and set design, the production transformed the auditorium into a living, breathing memory space. Projected short films formed a central part of the storytelling, displayed on a massive screen that served as both a scenic backdrop and narrative tool.
At the heart of the performance were TPAC’s Artistic Residents, including Zari Kerr, who led the cast with poise and power in the role of “Time.” Leighanne Charles delivered a standout performance as the lovable, culturally-grounded “Lynette” while Dwayne White Jr. portrayed “Martin”, both anchoring the emotional core of a narrative that examined the tension between tradition and transformation. Daniel Baptiste added humour and complexity to the storyline as Horace, bringing moments of comic relief that deepened the ensemble dynamic.
| © Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation
“The character Time was one that carried the message of the future… a warning of the importance of taking action to preserve culture before it becomes non-existent,” said Zari Kerr. “This role challenged me, both as an actor and as TPAC’s Interim Movement and Dance Coordinator, and it reminded me of the responsibility we have to ‘pass on the baton’ to the next generation. TPAC has the power to shape the cultural standards we leave behind.”
On stage, TPAC’s Dance Residents delivered high-impact choreography that merged traditional Afro-Caribbean movements with contemporary technique. Featured dancers included Tyreece Montano, Kendra Murray, Christelle Douglas, John Chapman, Stephanie James, and Darcelle Kirk, who interpreted the emotional arc of the production through rhythm and motion.
TPAC’s Dance Residents Christelle Douglas, Stephanie James and Kendra Murray are joined by fellow local performers in a lively dance number | © Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation 
TPAC’s Dance Resident Kendra Murray (3rd from left) performs with fellow dancers amidst the audience during an immersive segment of the production | © Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation 
Ruben Andrews (left) and TPAC dancers John Chapman (center) and Tyreece Montano (right) captivate audiences in an energetic ensemble performance | © Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation
The production’s rich soundscape was curated by TPAC’s Music Director Ojay Richards and Music Coordinator Keishaun Julien, who led the arrangement and direction of a talented live ensemble featuring musicians from across Tobago. Their original scoring brought emotional depth and sonic authenticity to the performance, blending the sounds of the Tobago Tambrin drum, African percussion and steelpan with instruments such as the fiddle and flute into a cohesive musical journey that echoed the heartbeat of the island. Behind the scenes, TPAC’s contribution extended to the technical arena as well, with Marketing and Communications Officer Tyler Graham operating as Screen Technician, overseeing the video elements that were integral to the production’s storytelling and immersive design.
“We were proud to support the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd. in delivering a production that not only celebrated Tobago’s heritage but demonstrated the power of collaboration within our creative sector,” said Jared Prima, CEO of TPAC. “TPAC is committed to breathing new life into cultural storytelling, and the opening night performance reminded us all of what Tobago’s creatives can achieve when given the platform to shine.”
TPAC’s involvement in this historic production aligns with its broader mandate to enhance Tobago’s creative ecology and economy. Focused on four artistic disciplines—dance, drama, music, and film—the Company champions cultural preservation and representation, artistic development, arts education, and cultural tourism. Its performance in “When Time Meets Twine” exemplifies the company’s vision to position Tobago as a Caribbean hub of creative excellence.
This media release has been published as received and amended by the Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC)
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 