Theater is back! Newly formed Brave World Theater VI as part of The Forum’s 26/27 season, and in partnership with Antilles School and Reichhold Center for the Arts, are premiering a hyper-local, island focused adaptation of Shakepeare’s beloved The Tempest to St. Thomas, USVI. Directed by Laley Lippard with adaptations by the first British Virgin Island poet laureate Richard Georges and starring Sheldon Frett, the play will be a celebration of Virgin Island arts and culture. Theater lovers, makers, and shakers this one is for you! If you love dance, music, drumming, puppetry, and celebration, Brave World VI has you covered with a production that will uplift local culture, community, and artists showing February 11-14 of 2027 at Prior Jollek Hall. 

Mission of Brave World Theater VI

Since Pistarckle Theater closed, the Reichhold Center and UVI's Little Theatre were rendered unusable in the 2017 hurricanes, there hasn’t been a theater company on island. Its absence has been greatly mourned -- and missed -- by many. We are re-igniting support and locating resources for a St. Thomas community theater where a diversity of artists can gather, create, and tell stories to celebrate our culture, raise our voices, and amplify joy. 

Brave World Theater VI in partnership with local groups like ElevateWi strives to address the need for spaces where Virgin Islanders can explore identity, history, and contemporary social issues through performance -- in dance, writing, music, and movement. We will build an intergenerational community and value ancestral Virgin Island writers and theater artists by rooting content in local culture, language, and lived experience. Brave World Theater VI also responds to the lack of consistent professional theater training and performance opportunities on the island, too. By partnering with artists, Reichhold Center, The Forum, ElevateWi and engaging with numerous high schools our initiative builds artistic capacity and community solidarity across generations. 

About the Production
The Tempest follows the aftermath of a catastrophic storm on a faraway island. The story follows the experience of the main character, shipwrecked Prospero, who washes up on the shores of a magical island. He enslaves the island spirits, robbing them of their expression, culture, and will. Yet there is hope -- in The Tempest, the spirits prevail. The island itself carries the living heartbeat of every tension, hope, and transformation held within this play and more. On St. Thomas, Caliban and Ariel’s voice gain gravity, Miranda’s wonder is a shared hope, and the storm itself feels like both a warning and a promise: that out of upheaval can come a more just, more creative, more spiritually grounded future. In our adaptation, local writers will reimagine Caliban and Ariel’s language in St. Thomian dialect, and the production will involve local dancers like Caribbean Ritual Dancers and the Moko Jumbie.

Partners of the Project
The Tempest involves so many community and professional artists including: Sheldon Frett, an exceptionally successful BVI born actor and producer from Los Angeles, known for Get on Up, Vincent N Roxxy, Shots Fired, and Hitmen; Manwé Sauls-Addison who collaborated with artists such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and performed with Liza Minnelli and the Royal Court Theatre in London; Yisrael Peterson, the world famous Moko Jumbie and Virgin Islands cultural ambassador. Elgin Gordon will reprise his role as Trinculo, which he originated at The Reichhold 20 years ago. Two favorite island actresses will star as Ariel and Stefana, Krystal Setorie-Junkere and Jerviña Dowers. Educator, writer, theater artist and native of the VI, dramaturg Melissa Fredericks will be working with local high school students to adapt and translate Ariel’s lines. The Caribbean Ritual Dancers will also perform as spirits of the island, with member Sterilina Warner as a lead Island Goddess. Jairay Petty, a Music Director for The Tempest, is a jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader, and the leader of the Jairay Petty Big Band and founder of the Sonic Surge Big Band. The Tempest also works with many different high schools and their students, including All Saints Cathedral School, Charlotte Amalie High School, Antilles School, and The VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy. 

We have an incredible design team, nearly all residents of St. Thomas. Designers Laurie Blake and Anne Nayer, longtime USVI residents, will develop costumes and puppets inspired by the island’s cultural history along with native St. John artist A’Feyah Smith. Denise Humphrey of The Reichhold Center will design lights, and local film artist Anamuko Utibe will design sound. Local artist Eric Grims, with over 30 years in live event production, management and logistics, will be our set designer. 

Theater Story
Julie Baber and Laley Lippard (Founders and co-Producing Artistic Directors of Brave World Theater) have been friends since they were 16, attending the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. Julie has lived on St. Thomas for 9 years, teaching Shakespeare through Pistarckle Theater’s Shakespeare Festival, acting, writing, and directing with Pistarckle, and taught at the VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy. Laley went on to have a career directing and creating theatre throughout the world, with a special emphasis on social justice theater and community building through the arts. It was on a recent trip to St. Thomas that Julie and Laley reconnected and began the dream of creating this Tempest with and for St. Thomas looking to a future where theater is a thriving and essential part of the community.

Selection of Collaborator Bios

Laley Lippard (Co-Producer, Director) is a director, dramaturg, educator and producer dedicated to social justice through the arts. Lippard has developed new work and directed across the country at theaters such as Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Alliance Theater, Round House Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, American Theater Company, Magic Theatre, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Theater J, Kitchen Dog, Eaton Workshop, Dobama Theater, foolsFURY Theater, Z Space, Solas Nua, and Virginia Stage Company among others. Recently, she collaborated and trained throughout Japan, India and Greece on a premiere adaptation of Oedipus by Ellen McLaughlin which performed at ancient sites across Greece. Her site specific work has been noted in The New York Times (The Smuggler with Solas Nua) and her work was adapted to film which premiered in NYC’s 1st Irish Festival (In the Middle of the Fields - US premiere). Lippard was the co-founder and co-executive producer of The Chicago Home Theater Festival, a five-year city-wide artistic network and annual event that organized artists and neighbors to celebrate local culture, share a communal meal, experience diverse art forms in alternative spaces, and build intentional community across lines of difference. Other producing work includes Z/Magic Mondays at Magic Theatre as Artistic Associate, with The Welders as Interim Creative Producer, and as the Cleveland Play House inaugural Artistic Directing Fellow. She has artistically collaborated with HowlRound and the American Voices New Play Institute at Arena Stage, Guthrie Theater, Intersection for the Arts, American Conservatory Theater, Court Theatre, Syracuse Stage, and TheatreWorks. Lippard has taught, workshopped, and/or directed at Stanford University, Northwestern University, Kenyon College, Hampshire College, Carnegie Mellon University, and Case Western Reserve MFA Acting program. Lippard is a member of the National Directors Fellowship, the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab, an Associate Member of the SDC, and holds an MFA in Directing from Northwestern University.

Julie Baber (Co-Producer, Actor) has lived on St. Thomas for 10 years, coming from New York City, where she acted and directed for 15 years, predominantly Shakespeare. She has taught Shakespeare through Pistarckle's Youth Shakespeare Festival. She also wrote, directed, and acted in the Murder Mystery Series for Pistarckle Theatre. New York City credits include Three Sisters, As You Like It and The Boys Next Door among others. Shakespearean roles include Duke Senior, Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Paulina, Beatrice, and Miranda, as well as performing in Cymbeline with Karen Lynn Gorney. Julie starred as Hotspur in Hudson Warehouse's Henry IV with Steve Guttenberg. Highlights include playing Karen in Austin Pendleton's The Children's Hour and studying at Shakespeare & Co. Julie was the Artistic Director and Producer of 20% Theatre Company in New York City for 5 years. 20% was dedicated to reversing the minority percentages of women in theatre and performed at the historic WOW Cafe Theater. Julie earned her B.A. in Theatre and English Literature from Smith College. You can hear her lyrics being sung by former island resident Laura Strickling on her Grammy nominated album, 40@40. 

The Forum (Producing Partner) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1996. Its mission is to bring world-renowned performers and cultural events to the community in order to inspire, entertain, educate, and enrich audiences while fostering a deeper appreciation for music and supporting aspiring musicians. Throughout its 28-year history, The Forum presented over a 100 programs, 25 film festivals and over 60 Operas live in HD from the Met Opera, New York City, and 18 plays, live in HD, from the National Theater, London. Through a dynamic range of programming that spans classical music, film, opera, theater, and more, The Forum strives to foster a deeper appreciation for the arts. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organization creates spaces for cultural exchange, offers educational opportunities for all ages, and ensures accessibility to high-quality performances. Ultimately, The Forum aims to empower individuals through the transformative power of the arts while reflecting the rich diversity and vibrant spirit of the community it serves.

ElevateWi (Partner)
Is a non-profit based out of the U.S. Virgin Islands dedicated to fostering the creative potential of local youth. Since its founding, ElevateWi has launched a range of youth-centered programs across the arts — from performance and filmmaking to audio engineering and now, culinary arts. Each experience is structured around developing technical skills but also confidence, voice, and emotional wellness. And for many participants, it becomes a gateway to new opportunities, meaningful mentorships, and a clearer sense of self. It’s a dynamic way to reach kids where they already are — and give them something they didn’t know they needed, Ewen said. That community-based approach is intentional, Ewen said. “We know what’s happening in our neighborhoods. The violence, the isolation — it’s real. But if we can meet young people where they are, offer them another path, give them something that makes them feel like they matter? That can change everything.” Ewen sees creative outlets as critical tools for prevention and healing, especially for youth navigating fractured systems and limited resources. He’s seen firsthand how a song, a script, or a perfectly plated dish can open the door to larger conversations about identity, ambition, and even mental health. “We are teaching skills but we’re also building connection,” he said. “This is about saving lives.”

Lystra Omar (Music Coordinator) has been bringing an eclectic taste in music to the stage and media for more than 20 years. Born in Jamaica, Omar’s family migrated to Anguilla when he was 14, and it was there he fell in love with praise and worship. By the age of 15, Lystra Omar was leading his church’s worship team and before long he was a regular on Grace FM. He hosted the morning show on the station, quickly building a listenership across the island and the region. His popularity as an on air personality and music artist opened the door for him to relocate to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands to serve as the Music and Media Director at the Mount Zion Church of God in 2010 where he headed the production team producing the weekly highly professional and powerful service and television broadcast. This led to an extensive career in music and sound production and his work with youth as the Executive Director of ElevateWi, a non-profit based out of the U.S. Virgin Islands dedicated to fostering the creative potential of local young folks. With his Jamaican roots steeped in reggae and dancehall and a solid gospel music foundation that in the Caribbean is as diverse as the people and the languages, Lystra Omar has taken his work and community to a new place of promise and possibility -- he has gone on to collaborate with some of the top artists worldwide as well as host nationally recognized radio programs and events. Now on the verge of producing his first studio album celebrating his love for contemporary music, pop, rock, soul and R&B will be laced with the sounds of soca, calypso, Kompa and even zouk. Recently, Lystra Omar was able to travel to Los Angeles, California to work with Nicholas Cooper who is credited with revamping and shaping the careers of some of today’s big names in the entertainment industry such as Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Katie Perry and the like. This opportunity revolutionized how Lystra Omar now uses his voice and envisions the future of his work in sound, music, and media.

Melissa Fredericks (Dramaturg) is an educator, writer, and theater artist with a lifelong passion for storytelling and performance. A native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, she began her journey in theatre at All Saints Cathedral School and continued developing her craft at DePauw University, where she served as President of the Duzer Du Theatre Society, DePauw’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, a national honor theatre fraternity dedicated to student-run, innovative, and dynamic theatre. In this role, she produced, directed, acted in, and wrote both original and established works. Melissa further expanded her experience as an intern with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the Theatre Programming Office, where she adjudicated original plays for the New American Playwrights competition and supported the organization of the Kennedy Center Sondheim Reunion Concert at Lincoln Center. As an educator, Melissa has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and currently serves as an Advanced Placement instructor at All Saints Cathedral School. She has coached a winning Shakespeare Festival troupe and serves as the school’s Poetry Out Loud coordinator, continuing to cultivate student voice, performance, and creative expression. She is the author of Mer, a novel inspired by a vivid dream about mermaids in Victorian dress, blending her love of Victorian fashion, U.S. Virgin Islands history, and personal family heritage into a rich and imaginative narrative. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from DePauw University and a Master’s in Education from the University of the Virgin Islands. Through her work, she remains committed to uplifting stories, fostering creativity, and celebrating culture through the arts.

Sheldon Frett: (Caliban) Born in the BVI and classically trained, Sheldon is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). After beginning his career in film, he continued his training in London, performing in classical productions including Pericles, Henry VI, and Titus Andronicus. He has since worked internationally across stage and screen. He made his film debut opposite Academy Award winner Viola Davis in Get On Up, starring the late Chadwick Boseman, and became the first actor from the British Virgin Islands to appear in a major studio film. Additional credits include the British comedy series Hitmen alongside Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, and the limited series Shots Fired.

Manwé Sauls-Addison (Antonio), Manwé Sauls-Addison (Antonio in The Tempest), born to be an entertainer, his mother’s water broke while teaching a dance class in New York City. Manwé spent a part of his childhood traveling with his parents throughout the country leaving his theatrical footprint in each city they visited. Manwé returned to New York after high school to continue his training at the Alvin Ailey Conservatory. In 2000, he landed his first professional gig dancing at the Essence Awards, working with choreographer Otis Salid. Manwé's dance and entertainment career spans over twenty years. He’s worked with everyone from the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Liza Minnelli, Whitney Houston,Lady GAGA, Usher, Kayne West, just to name a few. In addition to virtually having danced for everyone, Manwé was a regularly featured dancer on eight seasons of Saturday Night Live, LIP SYNC BATTLE, MAGIC MIKE LIVE in Las Vegas. He is also the Creative Director of the Suicide Girls Blackheart Burlesque world tour. Manwé has choreographed commercials for Walmart, Zappos and has even choreographed for Academy Award Winner Tarell Allen McCraney play “Wig Out” in London. Manwé has lended his choreographer and creative directing eye to entertainment companies such as Troy Curtis Group and On the Movement for some of the most over the top parties for clients such as Oprah, Shaun T, JW Marriott, and Arty Rabin just to name a few. While Manwé may mean peacemaker, he has certainly been touted as a joy-maker through his creativity and quest to continue to be a leader and innovator in theatre and television. While having a pretty full schedule already, Manwé still finds time to give back. He started his first non profit organization at the age of 14 called Bay Area’s Finest. A youth founded and run performing arts company located in Oakland California. Manwé also teaches dance around the world. Being invited to teach at Japan’s Broadway Dance Center, Scuolaccademica performing arts school in Roma, Pineapple studios in London, and Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in New York. Manwé loves sharing his knowledge in dance and in life with the next generation. He says that he is an open book to anyone who wants to read and learn from.

Laurie Blake (Costume Designer) is a French-born costume maker who has been creating costumes for over 20 years, from personal projects to community theater and dance schools, and back again to personal work. She worked with Pistarckle Theater, contributing to productions including The Lion King, Evita, and seasonal shows such as A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker. She has also supported student-led productions, including a senior project staging of Shrek The Musical. Entirely self-taught, she sees costuming as both a craft and an intellectual exercise, enjoying the research and learning behind couture techniques and garment construction. She is particularly drawn to historical costuming and enjoys incorporating accurate details whenever possible. In her spare time, she continues to explore costume-making through personal projects, including screen-accurate reproductions. She lives in the U.S. Virgin Islands and works at the University of the Virgin Islands.

A’Feyah KJ Smith (Associate Costume Designer) is a native St. Johnian and a creative artist deeply passionate about storytelling. An alumna of Lycoming College, she has interned in Italy focusing on costumes, fashion, and photography, and has toured France with Lycoming’s Tour Choir. A’Feyah has explored various facets of theatre, including but not limited to acting in "Blacktop Sky" as Ida, costume designing for "Drowning Ophelia", "The Drowning Girls" and "She Kills Monsters", stage management for "Songs for a New World," sound design for "The 39 Steps," and directing "Reality." Her storytelling prowess has earned her national recognition, including the 2019 National Directing Fellowship Award, the 2019 Society of Directors and Choreographers Award, an honorable mention for Design Excellence in Costumes, and the Design and Technical Management Award upon her graduation from Lycoming. After graduation, A'Feyah has remained active in theatre by directing new plays, designing costumes, and writing her own play, "In the Name of Love," which is currently undergoing editing. Additionally, she has embarked on expanding her photography career in the Virgin Islands, driven by a passion for capturing significant moments and making bold artistic statements. As a budding artist and relative among many talented figures in the territory, including the late world-renowned wood-turner Avelino Samuel, A’Feyah employs her diverse talents to create surreal experiences that aim to provoke thought in her audience, hoping to ignite change. In her role as a Public Relations Board member for the non-profit organization St. JanCo., she collaborates with community members to preserve

DONORS

Brave World Builders ($10,000)
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