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The groundbreaking a cappella musical Obeah Opera has successfully completed a historic run in Barbados, staging a profound cultural “reconnection pilgrimage” that honors the Barbadian roots of its central figure, Tituba. The production, created by Nicole Brooks, captivated audiences at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre and engaged local communities in a powerful act of ancestral remembrance and historical truth-telling. |
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The arrival of the all-female, Canadian-based cast was marked by ceremonial visits to key heritage sites, including a poignant offering at the Newton Enslaved Burial Ground. This pilgrimage set the stage for performances that went beyond theatre, serving as a tribute to the enslaved woman whose story began in Barbados before she became the first person accused in the Salem witch trials. The production was met with an overwhelmingly positive and emotional response from the Barbadian community, celebrated as a spirit-lifting reclamation of a vital part of the island’s history. |
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“Bringing Obeah Opera home to Barbados is the fulfillment of an ancestral promise,” said Nicole Brooks, the creator, playwright, and producer of the musical. “This is not just a performance; it is a historical reconnection. Tituba’s story started here, and telling it on this soil, in honor of our foremothers, is a deeply healing and necessary act. We came to herald our own hidden histories and celebrate the resilience of Caribbean women.” |
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Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, the production was championed as a vital cultural bridge between Canada and the Caribbean. The collaboration with local bodies like the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados ensured the event resonated deeply across the island, inspiring dialogue and pride. The High Commission of Canada lauded the initiative as a celebration of shared heritage, while arts advocates praised the opera’s impact on youth and its powerful use of Afro-Caribbean musical traditions. |
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The community embraced Obeah Opera as a triumphant and moving celebration of Barbadian identity. The performances were described as a “hand-clapping, foot-stomping, spirit-lifting” experience that centered Black and Caribbean womanhood. The production has solidified its place as a significant cultural event, strengthening ties between the Caribbean and the North American Black diaspora. |
About Obeah Opera |
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Obeah Opera is an all-female a cappella musical created by Nicole Brooks that retells the Salem witch trials from the perspective of enslaved Caribbean women. It is a powerful work of historical fiction that centers the erased narratives of women like Tituba, reclaiming their stories through vibrant Afro-Caribbean musical traditions. The production is a celebrated Canadian work that serves as a platform for cultural dialogue, ancestral remembrance, and the empowerment of Black women’s voices. |
About Nicole Brooks
Nicole Brooks is a celebrated film and television producer, creator, and playwright with a 25-year career. She has produced over 100 hours of content for platforms like CBC and TVOne. Creator of the award-winning Obeah Opera, Brooks is developing a slate of projects for CTMG, including her first feature, In the Black..
