Meredith Gordon (he/him) was raised in Cleveland, Tennessee by African-American parents in a traditional Southern Christian environment. As a child, he often faced questions about his identity, including whether he was “black enough.” 

He now performs professionally as an actor and hospital clown and works with Clowns Without Borders, USA.  He performed in the previous versions of “What Are You”, a film version in 2020 during Covid and in 2022 on the Atlanta beltline.

Meredith is a 2019 recipient of the Tanne Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements by artists. In 2023, he was selected to be an artist in  Emory’s Arts and Social Justice Fellows Program.

“Too much of my existence is based on what you thought of me.”

Website and Blog at SqueezeTheClown.com

Instagram – @meredithcgordon, Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/meredith.gordon.33

Jacquelyn (Jacque) Pritz is a dance artist and project manager. She recently launched Catching Mangoes Dance Company with the goal to share and uplift hyphenated American stories by creating meaningful artistic experiences with audiences. Her choreography is autoethnographic, often examining her personal identity and life experiences as a Filipino-American woman, embodying her research on themes surrounding culture and identity, and connecting with people through the spirit of kapwa.

Currently, Jacque is a Sr. Program Coordinator at Emory College of Arts & Sciences and freelances as a project manager around the city. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts is underscored by her recognition as a 2022 South Arts National Leader of Color fellow. This Fall, Jacque is participating in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Culture and Community Design Program.

Monica Martelly – Born in Haiti, Monica is a vibrant and passionate purple-haired performer. They’ve been dancing since the age of 6 and haven’t stopped since! They specialize in aerial hoop, dance trapeze, and a variety of dance styles. Combining their breadth of knowledge and expertise, Monica has created some truly unique and unprecedented aerial acts that combine their love of aerial arts with their treasured Haitian culture and heritage. Some of their other recent accomplishments include performing professionally with The Crux Collective in Atlanta, competing at VIVA Fest in Las Vegas, training at Aloft’s JOLT Summer Intensive in Chicago, and most recently participating in the 2024 Minnesota Fringe Festival! They are plant-based in Atlanta with their two cats and loving partner.

Arthur McDonald – I am a martial artist, fashion designer, and musician that loves to make art and creativity is my expression. I’m the son of a Jamaican father of African, Chinese, and Indian ancestry, and of a mother of African, Native American, and Scottish ancestry.  Our short-form answer to “what are we” has always been maintained as being black. Though when one wants details, I usually ask them to sit down first. I have some experience with acting on camera (The Gift, 2000), fight choreography, and acting for stage (Dante’s Inferno, 7 Stages, 2015).

Kai Lewis is a multifaceted performance artist with specialities in dance/theatre/voice, educator, and collaborator from Atlanta. She is an alum of 7 Stages’ Youth Creates program, Moving in the Spirit, and obtained her degree in Vocal Performance from Columbia College Chicago. As a performance artist, she always enjoys being back in the space and is honored to support this amazing cast as stage manager.

Alisha Simmons is a Caribbean-American theatremaker, arts administrator, and educator from Atlanta, Georgia. Their work prioritizes Black queer imagination as praxis and the power of community-based devised performance. Alisha received a B.A in Theater and Feminist, Gender, & Sexuality Studies from Wesleyan University. Recent credits include 7 Stages, The Tank NYC, The Public Theater, Oddfellows Playhouse, Olin Memorial Library, and the Wesleyan University Center for the Arts. 

Instagram: @alishaasimmons

Lexi McKay is a biracial woman whose main focus is as a stage manager around Atlanta. She has her B.F.A in production design from Savannah College of Art and Design and is working on her M.F.A in stage management from The University of Alabama. She has worked on the last two renditions of this production and is excited to be back in a dramaturgical role. Previous work: Hamilton (Broadway Tour), Toni Stone (The Alliance Theater), The Odyssey (Dallas Theater Center).

Gryffin Thomas is an upcoming English major at Georgia State University who self-identifies as a poet, photographer, singer/songwriter, and absolute drama queen who keeps finding himself coming back to the stage. He’s been involved in numerous high school plays and the Youth Creates productions “Dream Theory” and “The Glitter Effect” as an actor, a composer, and a general standby techie. He is honored to be a part of this production and would like to thank his Mom, Dad, and brother for their everlasting support and his boyfriend for always being willing to hear him rant about his current projects.

Aubrey Salm is a Tennessee native who recently moved to Georgia to pursue the arts. Adopted by two women, the concept of identity, culture, and humanity has always affected her as an African-American woman raised in a white family. Growing up exposed to movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood and the oldies radio station, she is inspired by the classics in her works as a visual artist. She earned her B.A. in video and film production from Middle Tennessee State University and is enthusiastic to delve into the Atlanta theater scene with her first-ever production in the great state of Georgia!

Aileen Loy – Atlanta-based multi-disciplinary artist and performer Aileen Loy’s activism has always informed her work. Her art assemblages, with showings in galleries in Atlanta, Prague, and The Mutter Museum, and custom pieces for shows like Doom Patrol and The Originals, challenge the majority culture view of normalcy. Her gravelly low voice and earnest performances as lead singer of bands in Europe and the US, have likewise surprised and challenged the audience’s complacent views of gender and live performance. Her productions of Katherine Dunne’s Geek Love in New York and Unidentified Human Remains in Nashville with their unsettling subjects and high production values insist on the right for non-traditional voices to be part of public conversation.

Josef “Wuzii” Anwuzia is a Nigerian-American saxophonist, music producer, and photographer with a deep passion for sound and a commitment to artistic integrity. Hailing from Chicago and having lived in Maryland, Wuzii brings a unique perspective to every creative endeavor. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Wuzii has spent the past nine years establishing a reputation as a skilled music producer and recording engineer in the Chicago scene. Known for a meticulous approach to crafting soundscapes, Wuzii holds both the art and the artist to the highest standard, believing in the power of authentic and meaningful creation. Beyond music, Wuzii is a dedicated photographer and has experience in videography, using these visual arts to further explore and express the world through a different lens. Whether capturing a perfect frame or composing a soulful track, Wuzii seeks to leave a lasting impression by honoring the art form in every project.

Dr. L. Nyrobi N. Moss is an award-winning costume designer with more than 30 years of experience in theatre and entertainment. In addition to serving as the Chair on the Board of Directors, Nyrobi has been a collaborating teaching artist with 7 Stages for more than 20 years.

Previous 7 Stages’ productions designed by Nyrobi include Angry Fags, Waiting for Godot, REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN, White Woman in Progress, The Doctor, The Devil & My Dad, HAIR, My Left Breast, and The Little Prince. Nyrobi’s costume design work has appeared in theatres regionally and nationally across Atlanta, DC, Orlando, New York, Virginia, Las Vegas, and Dallas, as well as internationally in Holland, West Africa, South Africa, and Dubai. In addition to costume design, Nyrobi is a Certified Relationship Specialist, and Business Consultant for non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, artists, start-ups, and small businesses.

Olubajo Sonubi is a 13 year veteran of the performance arts, director, producer, former actor and casting director primarily in T.V./Film. He loves storytelling in almost every form, his favorite genre is Sci-fi, and he has long held a desire to play a random witness on the show Law and Order. Olubajo Sonubi has served as an instructor in the Film, Media & Theatre Department at GSU for the past 4 years.

What Are You? is an exploration of what it means to be multi-racial in America. Created by Nicolette Emanuelle, who has roots in the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, this original production delves into the complexities of racial identity through a blend of movement, music, and personal testimonies.

As a devised piece, What Are You? wouldn’t exist without the voices and personal stories that shaped it. The ensemble’s experiences and perspectives are the heart of this work. This collaboration makes the show a living, dynamic exploration of identity, constantly transforming as we continue to explore the unique experiences that multiracial and multicultural people in America face today

Ensemble

Creator, Performer, Composer – Nicolette Emanuelle

Ensemble – Meredith Gordon

Ensemble – Monica Martelly

Ensemble – Jacquelyn “Jacque” Pritz

Ensemble, Composer – Arthur McDonald

 

Crew

Production Fabricator, Designer & Co-manager – Aileen Loy

Stage Manager – Kai Lewis*

Costume Designer / Board Chair – Dr. L. Nyrobi N. Moss

Video Designer – Olubajo “Bajo” Sonubi

Lighting Designer, Fabricator, Co-manager – Ari Shah Conkright*

Sound Design and AV Tech – Josef “Wuzii” Anwuzia

Dramaturg – Alexis ‘Lexi’ McKay

Production Assistant, Performer, Composer – Gryffin Thomas*

Production Assistant – Alisha Simmons

Production Assistant – Aubrey Salm

Carpenter, Electrics & Build – George Kotler-Wallace, Gabi Collard*, Tom Priester

ASL Interpreter on Friday Nov 22 – Nitzia Ramos

 

Read CAST AND CREW BIOS by clicking here

 

Interview Personnel 

Jaylyn Amya Haywood 

Kai Addae

Vivian Selles

Nicole Marie Spisak

Lexi McKay

Dawn Smith

Mary Fox

and cast

 

Visual Artists

Violet Lauren

Johnny Diacon 

Yellowbird

Jaden Gustin*

* denotes alum of our Youth Creates ensemble.

 

Additional Music / Sound

Meredith’s selections – This Joy by Florence Gordon, Troubled Man by Marvin Gay, Yo Yo by Rose Royce 

Monica’s selections – Danza # 4  written by Haitian composer Ludovic Lamothe

Jacque’s selections – Cariñosa by Florante Aguilar

Narration for Blood Quantum – Dennis Hafford 

7 Stages Staff

Artistic Director – Heidi S Howard

Managing Director – Mack Headrick

Facilities Manager – Ari Shah Conkright*

Marketing Coordinator – Devi Wells

Artistic Education Associate / Big Read Coordinator- Dorothy Victoria Bell

Box Office / FOH – Jahi Trotter

Facilities Assistant – George Kotler-Wallace

Special Thanks

Madison Klimas 

Deedee Chmielewski 

Karin & Jaques Mebius

Turtle Island Trading 

Mike Katinsky 

Lauren Vogelbaum 

Ezra Stene

Karuna Shah

Michael Haverty 

Tia Davis

Robby Myles

Jesse Peterman

Jackie Douglas

Lucy Eden 

AnnMarie Spexet

Challenge Aerial

Sadie Hawkins 

Java Lords 

Karine Margron 

Scraplanta

Emma Yarborough 

Wesley Carter

Gretchen Meister

Cade Nabors

Lucinda Armbrust-Kohler*

The Ancestors of our ensemble 

* denotes alumni of 7 Stages Youth Creates ensemble

What Are You? Is Part of the third annual First Voices Festival

Located in Atlanta, Georgia on Muscogee (Creek) land, 7 Stages joins forces with Turtle Island Trading, Zintkala Zi PowWow, the L5P Business Association and Plaza Theatre in producing the third annual First Voices Festival, A Celebration of Indigenous Cultures. November 2024 activities will include the world premiere of What Are You? by Nicolette Emanuelle, an outdoor PowWow with Native American performers and vendors, story sharing with Muscogee (Creek) elder William Harjo, and a special screening of the documentary Bad River at Plaza Theatre. Click here to learn more about First Voices Festival.

All tickets sold for 7 Stages productions include an Indigenous land use fee that is donated back to Indigenous communities annually.

Artistic Director – Heidi S Howard
Managing Director – Mack Headrick
Production Manager/Facilities Manager – Katherine Neslund
Education Director – Destiny Renee
Marketing Coordinator – Devi Wells
Associate Artistic Director – Marium Khalid
Patrons Services/Box Office Manager – Jasmine Martinez

(Staff Bios on 7Stages.org/about)

Chair – Shaadi Emami-Marand
Co-Vice Chair – Andjela Kessler
Co-Vice Chair – Dr. L. Nyrobi Moss
Treasurer – Andrew Wilson
Secretary – Michele Tedesco
Finance – Gregory N. Pierce
Programming – Joshua Coleman
Programming – Floyd Holland III
Events – Brigitte R. Warren

BOARD EMERITUS
7 Stages Co-Founders – Del Hamilton & Faye Allen

7 Stages is a professional, non-profit theatre company devoted to engaging artists and audiences by focusing on the social, political, and spiritual values of contemporary culture. 7 Stages gives primary emphasis to international work and the support and development of new plays, new playwrights, and new methods of collaboration.

Our theatre will be a global center for the creation of vital conversations through collaborative performance.

Director – Lydia Fort
Composer/Musical Director – Eugene H. Russell IV
Choreographer – Lindsay Renea
Scenographer – Marium Khalid
Lighting Designer – André Allen
Costume Designer – Dr. L. Nyrobi Moss
Mlima/Video Designer – Olubajo “Bajo” Sonubi
Ensemble – Christopher Hampton
Ensemble – Ryan Vo
Ensemble – Antonia LaChe’
Musician/Horn & Drum – Ali Barr
Assistant Director – Destiny Renee
Stage Manager – Kai Lewis
Assistant Stage Manager – Daniela Ramos
Co-Production Manager/Qlab Programmer – Jennifer Kimball
Fabricator/Props Designer – Kellie Murphy
Sound Designer – Sydney Webb
Sound Mastering/Video & Sound Op – Josef “Wuzii” Anwuzia
Assistant to the Lighting Designer – Marie Smith
Master Electrician/Carpenter – Tom Priester
Dramaturgy – Dalyla McGee
Dialect Coach – Elisa Carlson
Video Editor – Brittney Fontus
Master Carpenter – Matt Brohammer
Carpenter/Facilities – George Kotler-Wallace
Carpenters – Andre Lumpkin, Noah Auten,
Sawyer Gray – Rae Pinheiro
Production Assistants – Lucinda Ambrust-Kohler,
Cassandra Dudley, Asja Williams
Sustainability Consultant – Adam Weissman
ASL Interpreter (5/19/2023 performance) – Nitzia Ramos

(Keep scrolling to view cast and designer bios)

English & World Languages dept. at Texas Southern University, Dr. Alexis Brooks de Vita, Rob Thompson , Java Lords, Black Light Productions, Shawn Wall, Preston Goodson, Giwayen Mata, Brent Glenn, Atlanta Green Theatre Alliance, Adam Friedman, Essential Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, Orion Crook, Vii Kelley, Lauren Vogelbaum, Thomas Kern, DPM Props, Inman Park Theatre Night, Aaryan Khalid-Harrison with Naijaa, Nanna & NJ , Andrew Harrison, Gabriella Collard, Tiffany Porter, Paris Benjamin, Jonesia Williams, Olivia Piper, Sanaa George, Tai Livingston, Ryan Gu, Emory MacLaughlin, Alejandro McDonald, Oanh Nguyen, Kareem Saffiedine, Ally Sivapiromrat, Ailin Tang, Rosemary Tran, Austin Wheeler, Eric Yang

Dear Global Citizen,

Mlima’s Tale is honored in the compassion that is derived in the nuance and complexity of our interconnected global community.

Lynn Nottage, the playwright, is quite a dramaturgical storyteller weaving rich global community across land, time, and species. While the production will certainly make an impression, I encourage you to engage with the material beyond the stage, beyond the theatre, as a global citizen.

If your heart is moved, explore its movement with a courageous curiosity that leads to compassionate discovery.

Allow your curiosity to lead your experience on the stage today and beyond. If a question arises, trust that instinct and consider even trusting its leadership.

Dalyla McGee
Dramaturg

Mlima’s Tale is the story of a magnifcent and beloved elephant, Mlima—one of the last big tuskers—who is killed by poachers in Kenya, and the journey of his tusks through the illegal ivory trade. As his prized tusks are trafficked through the international black market, Mlima’s spirit haunts those that seek to profit from his death. He is caught between yearning for his kin and the ancestors awaiting him to join them. This poetic tale gives voice to the objects we consume, the lives we exploit, and the planet we put
at risk.

Mlima’s Tale by two-time Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage, premiered off-Broadway in 2018 at the Public Theater to praise by critics and audiences. It was such a hit that the Public Theater extended its run for an additional two weeks. In the initial production, the titular Mlima was portrayed by Sahr Ngaujah, who began his theatre career with the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta at 7 Stages. Now, Sahr is an internationally renowned actor and director, and is making efforts to connect arts communities in Atlanta and the Netherlands.

7 Stages has planned this production since 2019, only to be delayed several times by COVID-19. In 2022, Director Lydia Fort visited Kenya to research the complex relationship of elephant poaching with life and society there. Fort began the trip in the Tsavo National Parks, the very place that Mlima was from, speaking with scientists, rangers, local organizations and community members. That trip put a fire under the production’s goals of being as ecologically conscious as possible as she witnessed firsthand the effects of the ongoing drought, with the country facing its fifth failed rainy season–the region’s worst drought in 40 years.

MLIMA’S TALE is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. Based on the article “The Ivory Highway” by Damon Tabor. Originally developed and produced by The Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Patrick Willingham, Executive Director).”

7 Stages has adopted Malima in honor of Mlima’s Tale! Read more about Malima and how YOU can adopt an elephant at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

Please join us in offering a reflection of the space we occupy and honor the Muscogee (Creek) people and their land, as our theatre has resided for over 40 years on this stolen land that we know as Atlanta. While we produce content that spans nationally and internationally, it is essential for us to keep such inequities at the forefront of our work as we continue to create a beloved community and design what reparations look like with all. 7 is a number for change in cultures and religions across the globe, thus our theatre is a global center for vital conversation through collaborative performance.

In honor of the first voices of this land, we have initiated a land use fee for every ticket sold that goes directly to our indigenous communities. We aim to honor these communities, past, present, and future.

As a member organization of Atlanta Green Theatre Alliance, 7 Stages is participating in a survey of production materials used during the run of Mlima’s Tale. The “Eco-theatre Survey” being developed during Mlima’s Tale will measure the acquisition and reuse of materials with a focus on reducing waste and finding homes for materials used throughout the production. Building materials for sets, props, furniture, costumes, even lighting and electronics will be considered in the initial survey, with room to expand into other areas.

May 4 & 5 – Preview performances 8 PM
May 6 – Opening reception 8 PM
May 8 – Art of Activism 5:30-7:30 PM (Complimentary)
– Pay What You Choose / Industry Night 8 PM
May 11 – Thursday Talks – Post show conversation
May 13 – Service Saturday 2-5 PM (Complimentary)
May 18 – Thursday Talks – Post show conversation
May 19 – Performance with American Sign Language 8 PM
May 20 – Giwayen Mata Dance Workshop 2-3:30 PM
May 21 – Closing performance 5 PM

Lobby Gallery Exhibition – May 4-21

Your journey with Mlima’s Tale goes beyond the stage with interactive installations throughout the lobby for deeper dives into Mlima’s world, including: the state of ivory trafficking and animal rights advocacy, sustainability action steps, and community efforts ignited through art.

Weelaunee Art Action Gathering (WAAG) will host an art auction at 7 Stages throughout the run of the show featuring over 50 pieces of artwork in support of the Defend the Atlanta Forest movements. During Service Saturday on May 13th, 7 Stages will be co-hosting a solidarity event alongside Defend the Atlanta Forest movements with performances beginning at 2:30pm! The showcase will feature performance rituals, direct action opportunities, skill sharing, meeting community orgs, and open mic. All proceeds will go towards: Comrade Care Collective, whose goal is to relieve the financial burden of healing activists’ psyches and calming their nervous systems, and Therapeutic Artists Resource, who believes that centering art as a way to process and sustain our activists during the movements.

Thursday Talks – May 11 & 18
Join Thursday May 11 and / or May 18 for post-show conversations with an opportunity to dive deeper in dialogue that takes global citizenship beyond the stage into community.

Dance Workshop – May 20
Nneka Kelly of Giwayen Mata leads a contemporary dance workshop grounded in African Diasporic movement – May 20, 2-3:30pm @ 7 Stages!

We are Giwayen Mata, the dynamic, soul stirring, all sistah, dance, percussion, and vocal ensemble. In the Hausa language from Nigeria, our name means “elephant women” and is a term given to the leaders of women’s organizations there. Just like elephants we are a multi-generational herd. We nurture one another, lead one another, and maintain our culture with dignity and grace.

Join us for this workshop as we dance in celebration for our past present and future, acknowledging the powerful spirit of the great elephant and the beauty of womanhood. A portion of class donations will go towards our adopted elephant.

Lydia Fort – Director

Lydia Fort is an award-winning director and educator whose credits include School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (Hangar Theatre), The White Card (GableStage), Nina Simone: Four Women (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Jump (Actors Express), The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Theater Emory), The Mountaintop (Perseverance Theatre), Bright Half Life (Diversionary Theatre), Marie and Rosetta (freeFall Theatre), Frida Liberada (Urban Stages), co-director for The Light (Horizon Theatre) and was the Associate Director for King Hedley II and Seven Guitars (Cygnet Theatre). Lydia has also directed new work for Alliance Theatre, Southern Rep, Urban Stages, New Federal Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theater, Classical Theatre of Harlem, Kennedy Center MFA Playwrights’ Workshop, McCarter Theatre, LAUNCH PAD Amplify Festival New Black Fest, 48 Hours in Harlem and the Fire This Time Festival. Lydia was a member of the Lincoln Center Director’s Lab, Theatre for a New Audience’s American Directors Project, a Women’s Project Theater Fellow, a TCG New Generations Future Leaders Grantee, New York Theatre Workshop Directing Fellow, Drama League Directing Fellow, and a US delegate to the International Theatre Institute’s World Congress in China. As a Board member of SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers union), she serves as the Southeast Regional Rep. Ms. Fort holds a BA from New York University and received both a Certificate in Arts Management for the Performing Arts and an MFA in Directing from the University of Washington.

Eugene H. Russell IV – Composer/Musical Director

Eugene H. Russell IV is an Atlanta native, Tennessee State University alumnus, and proud Girl Dad. An accomplished musician/composer whose single “What If” can be found on all streaming platforms, Eugene IV recently co-wrote the music for “The Boy Who Kissed the Sky” which was co-produced by the Alliance Theatre & Seattle Children’s Theatre. He’s currently working on the music for a hip-hop musical about John Lewis with Theatrical Outfit. His regional theatre acting credits include “East Texas Hotlinks” (True Colors Theatre Company), “Dutchman” (Nebraska Repertory Theatre), and “Before It Hits Home” (St. Louis Black Rep), for which he received the prestigious Woodie King, Jr. Award. Film/TV appearances include Disney’s “Secrets of Sulphur Springs” and the upcoming Netflix film “Six Triple Eight.” Keep up with Eugene at www.eugeneiv.com and on social media at @theeugeneiv.

Lindsay Renea – Choreographer

Lindsay Renea is a Choreographer, Dancer Performance Coach, and Movement Director with a background in concert dance, musical theater, and Dance on Screen. She earned a BFA in Dance from Howard University and joined the Tony Award Winning Choreographer, Garth Fagan’s dance company, Garth Fagan Dance in upstate New York. While exploring her own creativity and choreographic endeavors she earned a MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University. She has choreographed dance companies including Komanse Dance Company, Muda Africa Tanzania, as well as her own company, Notnebia Dance Company based in South Eastern region. She has been nominated for Broadway World’s “Best Choreographer” award for creating movement to support scripted musical storytelling on theater stages including the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Production of “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Nina Simone: Four Women”. Visually, no matter the setting, Lindsay’s choreography is a blend of vivid storytelling through complex melodies and grounded syncopations that intrigues even the most trained eye and ear.  Lindsay has also served as the Artistic Director and an Assistant Professor of Dance at Alabama State University. She is the Founder of Dance On Screen Alabama(DOSABAMA) training program and festival. She choreographed the internationally broadcast 2022 Olympic World Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. She can also be seen as a featured dancer in several movie productions including “Coming 2 America”

Marium Khalid – Scenographer

Marium Khalid is a Kashmiri-Pakistani American writer, director and creator leading her companies SAiAH Arts and Sky Creature Productions to receive over 25 major awards. Her previous work includes TERMINUS, an award winning immersive multi-layered story, and an experiential retelling of Moby Dick, winning her Best Director and Best Show. She received the CREATIVITY AND ARTS IMPACT AWARD from Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts. Marium’s short MAZLOOM was awarded Best Director, Best Film, and Best Actress from major film festivals around the world as well as being selected into the Atlanta Women’s Film Festival and the Los Angeles Women’s International  Film Festival. Most recently Marium directed and co-wrote a dark retelling of Pinocchio, an immersive, multimedia and sensory fueled experience, including tastes and scents, in collaboration with Sky Creature Productions, The Object Group and 7 Stages.

André C. Allen – Lighting Designer

André C. Allen was born and raised in Queens, New York. He moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College in 1989. There he discovered the art of storytelling with light and later founded BlackLight Productions Inc. in 1990. He has designed for many artists and organizations including productions for the Freddie Hendricks’ Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, the Atlanta Falcons, and India.Arie. Soon after, he served as Production Manager with the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University and Operations Manager with the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech. You can also find his work on the small screen with networks such as Netflix, BET, TVOne, OWN, and REVOLT TV. André is committed to teaching the next generation of designers through his role as the lighting design professor at Spelman College. www.BlackLightProductions.com “Gen. 1:3”

Dr. L. NYROBI N. MOSS – Costume Designer – Goddess Complex Costumes & Styling, LLC.

Dr. Nyrobi is an award-winning costume designer with more than 30 years of experience in theatre and entertainment. In addition to serving as the Co-Vice Chair on the Board of Directors, Nyrobi has been a collaborating teaching artist with 7 Stages for more than 20 years. Previous 7 Stages’ productions designed by Nyrobi include Angry Fags, Waiting for Godot, REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN, White Woman in Progress, The Doctor, The Devil & My Dad, HAIR, My Left Breast, and The Little Prince. Nyrobi’s costume design work has appeared in theatres regionally and nationally across Atlanta, DC, Orlando, New York, Virginia, Las Vegas, and Dallas, as well as, internationally in Holland, West Africa, South Africa, and Dubai. Nyrobi won two awards for Outstanding Costume Design in a Play for Eclipsed at Synchronicity Theatre and Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery at Horizon Theatre. Additionally, her list of costume award nominations includes Outstanding Costume Design in a Musical for Five Guys Named Moe at Theatrical Outfit; Outstanding Design Team TYA for Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds at Synchronicity Theatre; Outstanding Costume Design in a Musical for The Color Purple at Actors’ Express and Outstanding Costume Design in a Musical for Blackberry Daze at Horizon Theatre. In addition to costume design, Nyrobi is a Certified Relationship Specialist, and Business Consultant for non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, artists, start-ups, and small businesses.

Olubajo Sonubi – Mlima/Video Designer

This is Olubajo “Bajo” Sonubi’s 3rd collaboration with 7 stages, and he feels blessed to be part of this production. Bajo is a graduate of University of Georgia, and Southern Methodist University. When not working in film/tv, Bajo throws himself into supporting the arts as a volunteer, director, producer, teacher, actor, and supporter of emerging artists and community focused organizations.

Christopher Hampton – Ensemble

Christopher is overjoyed to join 7 Stages again to deliver this vital play. His last production with 7 Stages was “Revolt, She said…Revolt Again”. Christopher was last seen on stage with Horizon theatre in “Kim’s Convenience” and will next be seen as Bob Crochet in The Alliance Theatre’s Production of “A Christmas Carol”.  When not on stage Christopher serves as a board member for Working Title Playwrights (www.workingtitleplaywrights.com) and is COO of The Point of Health Wellness Center (www.Healthatthepoint.com) an acupuncture clinic that he runs with his wife, who he is thankful for everyday.

Ryan Vo – Ensemble

Ryan Vo is a rising Vietnamese American actor currently based here in Atlanta. He is beyond excited and thankful to be collaborating with the artistic team at 7 Stages for the first time. Regional Credits: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jungle Book, Alice Between, (Alliance Theatre). Desire Under the Elms, Hometown Boy, Crossroads, An Octoroon, Appropriate, and The Crucible (Actor’s Express). Kim’s Convenience (Aurora Theatre & Horizon Theatre). The Book of Will (Theatrical Outfit). King Lear, The Three Musketeers, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern); The Hobbit (Synchronicity Theatre). Tarzan! Musical (Atlanta Lyric Theatre).Titus Andronicus (Shakespeare on Draught). Dangerous Women (The Weird Sisters Project). Acting Apprentice at Actor’s Express 2016-2017. He received a B.F.A Acting degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. Ryan is represented by The People Store, TV/Film Agency.

Antonia LaChe’ – Ensemble

Antonia LaChe’ is extremely proud that this production with cast and crew marks her debut performance with 7 Stages! The material is heartfelt and challenging. Select Performance credits include Atlanta: Cassie’s Ballad (Found Stages), Crossroads (Actor’s Express);  Macbeth (Synchronicity Theatre); Romeo & Juliet (Atlanta Shakespeare Company); Regional: The Colored Museum, Stop Kiss, A Flea In Her Ear, Clybourne Park, Dracula, Underpants (Hilberry Theatre); National Players Tour 65: Macbeth, Comedy of Errors, Odyssey (Olney Theatre Center). Education: MFA in Acting from Wayne State University.

Ali Barr – Musician/Horn & Drum

Born in Philadelphia, Ali was raised primarily in New York City. He lived and traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. He was exposed to jazz, classical music, and African drumming since birth, and began playing the trumpet when he was eight years old. He received his first instruction on the trumpet under the tutelage of Jerry Gonzales, leader of the Fort Apache Band.

Ali played percussion instruments from when he was able to stand, under the guidance of his father, Dr. James Barr, a master drummer, and the acclaimed master drummer,  Bobby Crowder. Ali continued to play throughout his school career. He attended Temple University in Philadelphia earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. There he began serious study of the Trumpet with Robert “Boysie” Lowery (Clifford Browns’ teacher), and Johnny Coles.  While in Botswana, he studied briefly with Hugh Masekela, a close family friend. Along with Masekela, Ali has played with bassist Milt Hinton, Jerry Gonzales, Jamaledeen Tacuma, Zhane, Duane Eubanks, Julie Dexter, Brian Hogans, Orrin Evans, Wadud, The Common Ground Collective, Dionne Farris, and a host of jazz greats. He has recorded and performed extensively with Grammy nominated Russell Gunn, the legendary Roy Ayers, Jamaledeen Tacuma, the Ogya World Music Band, and with the Common Ground Collective.  Ali continues to be a called upon trumpeter and percussionist locally in Atlanta as well as a performer for major music festivals worldwide.

Destiny Renee – Assistant Director

Destiny Renee is an actress, teaching artist, poet and current Education Director at 7 Stages Theatre. She holds a B.A. in theatre from Florida State University and a minor in child development. She has studied performance in London as well as with Double Edge Theatre Company. She has taught theatre in several schools, for Drama Kids International and the first of its kind Boy’s & Girl’s Club dedicated solely to arts and innovation. Renee was a member of the Shakespeare On Draught theatre company and is a founder of the Tipsy Tales show. She aims to create change by rousing dialogue about the issues that are deeply affecting the society in which we live through mediums like devised theatre, film, and poetry.

Kai Lewis – Stage Manager

Kai Lewis is a singer, dancer, and actress from Atlanta. As a teenager she was apart of 7 Stages’ Youth Creates program where she was introduced to technical theater. She is very excited to be working with this cast and crew to produce this amazing play.

Daniela Ramos Zavaleta – Assistant Stage Manager

Daniela Ramos Zavaleta is thrilled to be a part of such an impactful show like Mlima’s Tale. She is a Spring 2023 graduate of Kennesaw State University’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies with a concentration in Musical Theatre. She is a performer, storyteller, teacher, techie and overall lover of all things theatre.While her love of theatre began with performance, she also has a huge love for technical theatre as well, with credits including ASM for The Light at Horizon Theatre, Assistant Scenic Designer for RENT! at Kennesaw State, and ASM for High Risk Baby and Other Reproductive Rights Recipes here at 7 Stages. When she is not in a theatre, she could be seen being a children’s princess/superhero performer, playing video games, or at home with her cats. She would love to thank her family and her entire community for getting her this far! Follow her journey on IG and Tiktok: ooflookitsdani

Jennifer Kimball – Co-Production Manager/Qlab Programmer

Jennifer Kimball has been a part of the 7 Stages family since the early 2000s. A production and stage manager and general organizer-at-large in the Atlanta area, she has been fortunate to build relationships with a host of other incredible artists, theatres and dance companies as well, many of which began in this very building. She is currently the managing Director at the Essential Theatre and Theatre du Reve. Inspired by new creative work and meaningful connection, Jennifer is proud to be part of the 7 Stages family.

Kellie Murphy – Fabricator/Props Designer

Kellie Murphy was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. She began her career in arts and entertainment after moving to Atlanta GA. She started in production management, designing and cosmetology work for live events, film, and theatre. After years of working in entertainment and corporate, she changed paths to solely focus on her passion for scenography and production management. While designing, she worked to obtain her Master of Arts in Scenic Technology and Design from Louisiana State University. Her experiences include scenic design, scenic art, production management, hair and makeup and properties. Along with designing, she enjoys sharing her knowledge through education and mentorship in Atlanta area theatre arts programs.

Sydney Webb – Sound Designer

Sydney Webb is a recent graduate from Emory University with a BA in Theater Studies. Most of her work can be seen onstage, most recently in The Lightning Thief at Emory University. She is an aspiring actress with a new interest in technical theatre. While Sydney has never sound designed professionally, she has forayed into nearly every other aspect of the technical realm. She is honored to have been given the chance to try something new.

Dalyla McGee – Dramaturg

Atlanta born and raised, Dalyla has been invested in a deeply rooted passion for storytelling via theatre and the local Atlanta community.  Dalyla holds a B.S. in Anthropology & Human Biology with concentrations in Theatre Studies from Emory University where they combined zeal for people, international cultures, and developing community into the theatre-making process. In addition to her position as Development Officer for South Arts,  professional partnerships have expanded across local Atlanta stages such as  Alliance Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, 7 Stages Theatre, Working Title Playwrights, Theatre Du Reve, and Horizon Theatre as an artist, teacher, director, playwright, dramaturg, and overall theatre- maker. Along with professional ventures in Haiti, Holland, and Australia, the work and play always returns to the love of global community, compassion, and a good story. 

Elisa Carlson – Dialect Coach

Elisa is happy to be working on her first production for 7 Stages. Coaching credits: New York: The Mint, New Dramatists. Regional: 45 productions at the Alliance including Becoming Nancy, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Temple Bombing, Shakespeare in Love, Harmony, Good People, Arcadia, Medea; 30 productions at the Guthrie Theater (MN), including world premieres by Tony Kushner and Ellen McLaughlin; Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alley Theatre (TX), Children’s Theatre Company (MN), American Players Theatre (WI), Resident Ensemble Players (DE). Film & Television coaching: First Man (all actors), Selma (all actors), Baby Driver, The Good Lie, “Stranger Things”. Acting: Woman and Scarecrow (Aris), The Book of Will (Theatrical Outfit), Ghost-Writer (TITS/Suzi Nomination), Shadow Language (Guthrie), Hamlet (Hallmark). Directing: 12 productions at the Gainesville Theatre Alliance including Men on Boats, Pygmalion, Twelfth Night, Antigone, Importance of Being Earnest and Much Ado About Nothing; The Guys, Moxie (Theatrical Outfit/Alliance Reiser Lab), Antigone, Overruled (Guthrie BFA). Professor/Resident Director at the University of North Georgia/GTA. www.elisacarlsondialects.com

Lynn Nottage – Author

Lynn Nottage is a playwright and a screenwriter. She is the first, and remains the only, woman to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice. Her plays have been produced widely in the United States and throughout the world.

Most recently, Nottage premiered MJ the Musical, directed by Christopher Wheeldon and featuring the music of Michael Jackson, at the Neil Simon Theater on Broadway, Clyde’s directed by Kate Whoriskey at Second Stage Theater on Broadway and an opera adaptation of her play Intimate Apparel composed by Ricky Ian Gordon and directed by Bart Sher, commissioned by The Met/Lincoln Center Theater.

Her other work includes, Floyd’s (retitled- Clyde’s) (Guthrie Theater), the musical adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd’s novel The Secret Life of Bees, with music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead (The Almeida Theatre/The Atlantic Theater), Mlima’s Tale (Public Theater), By The Way, Meet Vera Stark (Lilly Award, Drama Desk Nomination- Second Stage/Signature Theater), Ruined (Pulitzer Prize, OBIE, Lucille Lortel, New York Drama Critics’ Circle, Audelco, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award- MTC/Goodman Theater); Intimate Apparel (American Theatre Critics and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Play Center Stage/SCR/ Roundabout Theater); Fabulation, or The Re-Education of Undine (OBIE Award – Playwrights Horizons/Signature Theater); Crumbs from the Table of Joy; Las Meninas; Mud, River, Stone; Por’knockers; and POOF!

Learn more at lynnnottage.com

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the City of Atlanta Mayor ’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts is funded in part through partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how NEA grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov

This research was supported in part by the Halle Institute for Global Research and the University Research Committee of Emory University.

Welcome to Lucy Juggles: A Performance of Circus, Self and Other!

–

In her one-woman autobiographical busking show, Lucy Eden interweaves circus, humor, poetry, and personal narrative to explore identity, gender, and our capacity for transformation.

–

Just a reminder that, although this is an outdoor event, masks are required to be worn by patrons and 7 Stages staff and crew at all times. Thank you for understanding the health and safety of our community is the highest priority!

For more information about Lucy and this production, visit https://www.7stages.org/shows/lucy-juggles/.

CAST & CREW

---

Creator & Performer

Lucy Eden

 

Director

Elizabeth Dinkova

 

Director

Marium Khalid

 

Stage Manager/Lighting Designer/Sound Designer

Katherine Neslund

 

Circus Platform Designer

Tom Clarkson

 

Costume Designer

Abi Lindsey of Midnight Reverie

 

Composer

Nicolette Emanuelle

 

Sound Engineer

Rob Thompson

 

Apprentice

Cianon Jones

 

Apprentice

Madison Fisher

 

Promo Photographer

Vivian Kyle

 

Promo Videographer

Barrett Doyle

 

7STAGES STAFF

---

Artistic Director

Heidi S Howard

 

Managing Director

Mack Headrick

 

Production Manager/Facilities Manager

Katherine Neslund

 

Education Director

Destiny Renee

 

Marketing Coordinator

Devi Wells

 

Associate Artistic Director

Elizabeth Dinkova

 

Associate Artistic Director

Ashley James

 

Associate Artistic Director

Marium Khalid

 

Patrons Services & Box Office Manager

Jasmine Martinez

 

WE OFFER A SPECIAL THANKS TO…

---

Del Hamilton, Faye Allen and all of our artists at 7 Stages

DeeDee Chmielewski

Java Lords

Little 5 Points Center for Arts and Community