Arts | Culture | Theatre Arts | Folklore W/ Rayshawn Pierre-Kerr

Rayshawn Pierre-Kerr is an award-winning Storyteller, Theatre Director, Performer and Cultural Researcher. She is the Artistic Director of the Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) and the Former Artistic Programme Manager for the UWI St. Augustine, DCFA Arts-in- Action. 

Her creative work is anchored in using the Caribbean, specifically Trinbagonian Folk narratives and traditional Folklore for the purposes of Education and Entertainment.

In this in-depth conversation the dynamic and supremely talented Creative and Educator Rayshawn, sheds light on the various aspects and distinction between  Arts, Culture, Theatre Arts, Performing Arts,  Folklore and more.

The Origins - We talk about her first performance and how it was the first sign of her calling.  Which blossomed into her love for storytelling and all forms of the arts. She talks about her love for Storytelling and we delve into the impact of a story, as the central part of any creative expression. In fact she says - we were born to share and carry stories. 

Travel Influences Art - Rayshawn shares about her travels and how it impacts and perhaps refines her practice as a Creative. We also discuss how folklore is unique to each country, but has similarities and direct influences from the Motherland. As she describes in witnessing a piece called "Masking Traditions"  from a performance in Ghana. 

TPACA & Making Magic - We talk about TPAC and the work that this Company is doing in Tobago and how they have reignited the space with imaginative productions. Also about the things, people and spaces that inspire her and what it takes to make Magic in a production. 

AI & Arts - How does AI impact, help or hinder the Arts? We delve into Tech in the Arts. Rayshawn shares how technology can aid the Creative process, to refine, redevelop and service the work in the space, once understood.  She admonishes though that it requires human interface and it can never replace the gift of Creativity. We agree that we should  - Not Fear It but Find Out About It.

The Future - What's next for Rayshawn? There are things on the horizon which she speaks to, but her story is constantly evolving and we will all see and experience her Magic as she continues to tell untold stories. 


Bio

Rayshawn Pierre-Kerr holds a double Major Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts & Festival Studies (with first class honors ) from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Trinidad, and a Practitioners Certificate in Drama & Theatre in Education.

She is currently, both an MPhil candidate in Cultural Studies, and a part-time
lecturer at the DCFA where she marries her passion for cultural
intelligence, Drama-in-Education, and performance for social development.

She is passionate about community arts, outreach, traditional arts, and training which is  a testimony through her having designed and completed numerous community and corporate outreach projects.  She has successfully mobilized and managed original, sustainable community-based initiatives in more than 50 communities across Trinidad and Tobago.

She has also had her Performing Arts work featured in CARIFESTAs, other regional festivals and has copped top titles in National Festivals.

This UWI Valedictorian and multi titleholder at the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition in T&T, has built her success on one principle - We are what