JAN. 24FEB. 16, 2025



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JAN. 24FEB. 16, 2025
Hattiloo Theatre always has something going on, both on stage and off. Sign up today using this button and be among the first to know what’s happening at Hattiloo.
Faith Morris, CEO, cultureLift Inc. Freedom Award Managing Director/Producer; Hattiloo Chair
Cynthia Collins, Managing Director of Litigation, FedEx; Hattiloo Secretary
Vernon Stafford, Senior Executive Vice President, & Chief Audit Executive, First Horizons; Hattiloo Treasurer
EkundayoBandele,Founder&CEO
PatriciaSmith,ProductionManager
Jarrod Walker,TheatreManager
RosannaSmith,OfficeManager
NajwaWatson,EngagementCoordinator
P.A.Bomani,HouseManager
HatshepsutBandele,CustomerService Coordinator
MEMBERS
CarolynBishop,Director,On-Campus Living,LeMoyne-OwenCollege
MichaelCampanaro,VicePresident, InformationTechnology,AutoZone
TabrinaDavis,VicePresident-Marketing, CommunicationsandWebStrategy, MethodistLeBonheur
EdithKellyGreen,Principal,KGRGroup
JocelynHenderson,AnAttorney CardellOrrin,ExecutiveDirector, StandforChildren
AmySimpson,ChiefCommunications Leader,InternationalPaper
LindaSmith,CommunityVolunteer
MackWeaver,CFO,MemphisinMay
Hattiloo is a 501(c)3 mission non-profit organization. Its mission is "to develop a Black theatre that is accessible to, relevant to, and reflective of a multicultural community." It produces shows that depict Black life and that transcend their entertainment value by giving audiences an authentic, cultural experience Its program The Self-Identity Theatre Camp helps Black youth acquire tools to care for their emotional selves in inequitable and discriminatorysituations.
As the largest Black theatre in the Mid-South andoneofafewfree-standingBlacktheatresin the country, Hattiloo is a hub for national Black theatre training and convening, and our youth programssharethisfocus.
I’ve always been drawn to stories that delve into the depths of the human experience Whether it’s the epic quests of Willow and the Lord of the Rings, the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, the haunting beauty of Toni Morrison’s Beloved, or the labyrinthine narratives of William Faulkner, I find myself captivated by tales of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Even in the world of
and Sting have moved me with their exploration of the intricate tapestry of characters and plotlines in ed my fascination with grand narratives
It was during a pilgrimage to the sacred ground of New York City theaters that I encountered Marcus Gardley’s reimagining of the Odyssey. My friend and former professor, Keith Arthur Bolden, and I found ourselves in the intimate space of a tennis court-configured audience, a fitting stage for this epic tale. The moment the lights dimmed, I was transported to a world both familiar and fantastical Gardley’s retelling, centered on the Black experience, resonated deeply within me. It was as if the playwright had peered into my soul and captured the essence of my own journey At that moment, I knew I had to produce this powerful story at Hattiloo.
“Black Odyssey” is more than just a retelling of an ancient epic; it’s a deeply personal journey for Black people. It mirrors our own struggles, triumphs, and enduring hope. It’s a story of ancestors, of those who came before us, and how their sacrifices have shaped our destinies. I feel a profound connection to this play as if it’s a reflection of my own journey and Hattiloo’s mission to amplify Black voices and stories.
To produce this extraordinary work to life, I had to navigate various challenges, including securing special permission from Marcus Gardley to produce an unpublished script. But the reward is immeasurable. By sharing “Black Odyssey” with our audience, we honor our heritage, inspire future generations, and continue the legacy of Black storytelling. This aligns perfectly with Hattiloo’s mission to create a Black theater that is accessible, relevant, and reflective of a multicultural community.
EKUNDAYO BANDELE
Founder/CEO
Written by Marcus Gardley
Co-directed by Ekundayo Bandele & Maya Robinson
EKUNDAYO BANDELE Scenic Designer
ASHLEY K. DAVIS
Musical Director
TAYLOR NICOLE
Assistant Stage Manager
BRONZJUAN WORTHY
Stage Manager
REGINALD BENNETT Master Carpenter
MANDY HEATH
Lighting Designer
KAYI NORTSRON
Costume Designer
EMMA CRYSTAL Choreographer
MELANIE MULDER Scenic Painter
CYD TRICE Sound Designer
Ifyouexitthetheatreduringtheshow,youmaynotbeabletoreturntoyourseat.
Talkbackperformances–Sunday,January26thandFebruary9th,2025 (5minutesaftercurtain).
Camerasandrecordingequipmentarestrictlyforbiddeninthetheatre.Patrons withcellphonesoranyelectronicdevicethatmakesnoisearerequestedtoeither turnoffthedeviceorcheckitwiththehousemanagerpriortocurtain.
Obie-winning playwright Marcus Gardley blends classic mythology, African-American history, and modern theatricality to create the poetic Black Odyssey. This vibrant reimagining of the Odysseus saga is set in modern-day Harlem, telling the epic tale of Ulysses Lincoln, a soldier facing the most daunting of voyages to reunite with his family. While fate may seem in control of Ulysses’ destiny, his ancestors and their buried history will help guide his journey home.
Marcus Gardley is a proud Bay Area-born playwright-poet whom The New Yorker calls “the heir to Garcia Lorca, Pirandello and Tennessee Williams.” He received a 2019 Obie Award for his play The House That Will Not Stand and is the recipient of the 2019 Doris Duke Artist Award. His play X or The Nation V. Betty Shabazz was a New
York Times Critic’s Pick and was remounted Off-Broadway in the spring of 2018. He is a 2019 Library Laureate of San Francisco, the recipient of the 2018 Guiding Light Award presented by California Shakespeare Theater, and won the 2017 Special Citation Theater Award for his play black odyssey, which swept the Theatre Bay Area Awards, garnering six other prizes including Best Production. He is the 2013 USA James Baldwin Fellow and the 2011 PEN Laura Pels Award winner for MidCareer Playwright. He wrote the screenplay for The Color Purple musical feature film and What's Going On, a biopic about Marvin Gaye produced by Dr. Dre. Currently, Gardley is developing several tv projects for Amazon studios and writing a musical about Jean-Michel Basquiat with music composed by Jon Batiste.
Delvyn Brown expresses gratitude to God for the enduring strength that allows him to fulfill his obligations and pursue his desires.Heextendshisthankstohisfiancée,SharonBarberofSDB Marketing, for being the essence of his quintessence, his brand He offers special thanks to "Ek", the Hattiloo family, and the cast and crew for the warm reception upon his return to the Hattiloo stage after a decade. He is also grateful to his friends and family for their unwaveringsupport.
Dee Lisa Cothran is a psychologist whose impressive credentials include teacher, Fulbright-Hays Fellow, and published author Lisa has a passion for acting and currently is seeking opportunities to develop her craft. She is excited to bring depth and authenticity to diverse roles, with a keen interest in historically-rich narratives. From a heart that is overflowing with gratitude, she thanks her family and friends for their support and the Hattiloo Theatre for the opportunitytoliveherdream.
Sherica Donelson is grateful to God for her debut at Hatillo. A motheroftwohandsomeandstrongyoungmen.Shericaadvocates for Mental and Public Health Awareness as well as Homelessness amongst single moms and their children. She sings with Jeffrey Williams & The Voices of Inspiration and Leads Praise and Worship atHistoricalFirstBaptistChurch.Shericalovesconnectingwiththe souls and spirits of people through the World of Arts. Sherica’s credits include Jesus The Third Day (True Believers Productions), Dangerous Entanglements II, The LOVES (Actors Renaissance Theater), and The Color Purple (Hatillo Theater) Sherica looks forward to bringing laughter, joy, entertainment, and inspiration to the 40 + ladies who are late bloomers in the World of Arts but a beaconoflighttothosewhonevergaveupontheirdreamsdespite thetimeortheplace;wearestillStars.
Zan Edwards is a native of Bruce, MS, and a graduate of the University of Mississippi where she earned a BA in Theatre Arts with a minor in Sociology. Credits include: Lorrell in Dreamgirls, Oklahoma, Dionne in Hair, Tina Turner in The Wedding Singer, Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors, Dynamite in Hairspray, Kinky Boots, and Lady in Green in For Colored Girls. Formally, she was a memberofMississippi:TheDanceCompanyfortwoyears.Her
screen experience comes from her participation in Christmas at Graceland, Texas Heart, and Young Rock. She is more than excited to use this production of Black Odyssey as a springboard to furthering her performance career. Always thanking God, she would also like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
Gala Hayes is ecstatic to be a part of the Black Odyssey production. This is her first theatre role and she is looking forward to doing more. She would like to thank her amazing Husband, super cool kids, supportive family; and even the mildly annoying pets, for their encouragement in this new endeavor. You can find more of Gala’s adventures on IG: @global gala
Roman Kyle graduated from the University of Memphis with a B F A in Theatre & Dance, trained in contemporary and jazz dance Credits include performing in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Demetrius), other productions include Romeo & Juliet (Romeo), The Flick (Avery), Sarafina: The Musical (Crocodile), The Little Prince (Aviator), To Kill A Mockingbird (Tom Robinson), and All The Way (Stokley Carmichael), The MouseTrap (Giles Ralston).
Ariel Leira would like to give all the glory, honor, and praise to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this opportunity to be back on the Hatiloo stage! As a child, Ariel always dreamt of being on the theatre stage. So far God has blessed her to be in several productions including 24/7 Cafe,' Another Christmas Wish, Til Death, Carmen Jones, and now Black Odyssey! She's beyond grateful to be cast as Alsendra/Calypso in this captivating production! She would like to thank God, her family, Mr. Ekuodayo/Ms. Maya/Ms.Bronz and Hatiloo Theatre!
Jacki Muskin has performed in a number of Hattiloo productions, including Women in the Pit, Sassy Mamas, The House That Will Not Stand, Purlie Victorious, and Steel Magnolias. She has also served in the capacity of Stage Manager for several productions, including the Hattiloo’s production of Ain’t Misbehaving and Lady Day at Emmerson Bar and Grill, both performed in Milan, Italy. She is grateful for her friends and family’s love and support.
JordanDanyelisanactorandMemphisnativewhosepassionfor the arts began in childhood and blossomed throughout her education at Jackson State University. Under the mentorship of actingcoachandBMFstarJemalMcNeil,shehonedhercraftand developedanextensivebackgroundintheatre,television,andfilm. Her notable credits include Imagine Entertainment’s Get On Up, NBC’s Young Rock, Bye Bye Birdie, Ruined, In the Red & Brown Water, These Four Women, Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, and BlackNativity.Mostrecently,sheearnedanOstrandernomination forherperformanceinConfederatesatHattilooTheatre.Jordanis thrilledtobepartofthecastofBlackOdyssey,whereherpassion forstorytellingandcreatingemotionalimpactshinesthrough.She is dedicated to leaving audiences inspired and is excited to collaborate with her talented castmates to bring this powerful worktolife.Off-stage,Jordan’sgreatestjoyisbeingamotherto herbeautifuldaughter,andsheisdeeplygratefultoherfamilyand friendsfortheirunwaveringsupport.
K.E Bryce Seay is a young aspiring Actor in the Memphis and ShelbyCountyregion.HeisaSenioratOvertonHighSchoolandis currently in the CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) program with a GPA of 4.357. He has excelled in dance as well as Vocal Music,performingintheAll-WestTennesseeHonorsChoir,singing ITenorreceiving24thchair.K.E.Brycehaslandedleadingrolesin hisHighSchoolproductionssuchas‘Scarecrow”inTheWiz,“Sir Andrew” in Twelfth Night, and “Joseph” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat just to name a few. His high school acting career is very exciting. Bryce attends church at Greater New Liberty church under the leadership of Dr. Darrly Shack,Sr.whereheparticipatesfaithfullyintheyouthdepartment. He often enjoys spending time with his enormous family and hangingwithhisfriendsoutsideofschool.
KhloeSylvester was born in Tuscaloosa Alabama but moved to Tennessee Sheisaballerina,aunt,achorusmember,andactress Khloebeganactingin2022.Shehasbeencastforseveralroles suchasEbby,Fezziwigdancer,CarolerandIgnoranceinTheatre Memphis’ Christmas Carol, an ensemble member in Hattiloo Theatre’sPsalmofMyHeart,andThorinPoplarPikePlayhouse’s TheNerd ShehasdancedatBalletonWheels,MJ'sAcademyof Dance,andBethCrossCenterofDance.KhloeisgratefultoGod forHismanyblessingsandopportunities.
Lucien White, a Memphis Native, has been acting since elementary being blessed with great opportunities. As an outgoing and extroverted person, he's always willing to speak his mind and spread his ideas. Although he has mainly performed in stage plays, such as "Kill Move Paradise" at Hattiloo Theater or 26 Pebbes at Overton High School, he's also been featured on Fox 13, played roles in short films, and has been chosen to deliver a TED talk. Referred to as "young talent" he hopes to continue receiving great opportunities and support.
Chasity Williams has enjoyed her run here at Hattiloo, and is back for a FOURTH time! She was recently in Carmen Jones, starring as Myrt. She is also known for her role as Mother Abbess in the classic musical, The Sound of Music, produced by DFT. Celebrating her 22nd year in showbiz, she's also appeared in other productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, Harvey, No Exit, and many others She's been a film actress for 6 years, starring in Down Bad and Ease the Pain, Deposit, and Checklist (TubiTv and Amazon Prime). Chasity will be starring as Charlayne in Aint Misbehavin in June 2025 with Theater Memphis. She wishes to thank her family and friends for being super supportive!
Bertram Williams Jr. is an actor and social entrepreneur born and raised in Memphis, TN. He spent more than a decade steeped in the storytelling tradition of the African diaspora while working at Hattiloo Theatre, performing in plays like Fences, Two Trains Running, Stick Fly, Jitney, and Ruined. Thanks to his time at Hattiloo, Bertram would go on to meet Katori Hall, the Pulitzer Prize award-winning playwright and creator/showrunner of the STARZ Original drama P-VALLEY, where Bertram is currently a series regular portraying the role of “Woddy.”
Williams is grateful for the opportunity to return to his artistic home for this performance of Black Odyssey by the genius Marcus Gardley. Bertram would like to thank this incredibly talented cast and crew for embarking on this journey. He would like to thank the co-directors Maya Robinson and Ekundayo Bandele for their creative vision and friendship. Most importantly, Williams would like to thank you, the supporters of Hattiloo Theater, for continuing to invest in a cultural institution that changes lives.
Jamar Wright is a passionate educator and versatile performing artist based in Memphis, Tennessee. As a dedicated teacher in the Memphis Shelby County Schools system, Jamar inspires and empowers students with a commitment to fostering creativity, selfexpression, and critical thinking. With 11 years of experience in the classroom, He is known for making learning engaging and relevant, shaping the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and artists.
Beyond the classroom, Jamar is an accomplished actor, singer, dancer, and guitarist. His dynamic stage presence and diverse talents have led to standout performances in notable productions such as The History of Black Music at Southwest Tennessee Community College and the epic play Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) at Hattiloo Theater. Whether commanding the stage with powerful vocals or showcasing emotional depth in dramatic roles, Jamar can be found in local venues around the city expressing his passion for the arts and education.
(2025-2026)
EKUNDAYOBANDELE
Co-Director& ScenicDesigner
BANDELE is a playwright and theater director whose k has significantly impacted the American theater landscape. has directed three plays by August Wilson and served as an istant to Tony Award-winning director/actor Ruben Santiago dson. His plays, including "Judas Hands" (Karamu Playhouse), Scrooge Was a Brother" (ETA Creative Arts Foundation), "Take the Soul Train to Christmas" (Jubilee Theatre), and "I, Too Am America" (Ensemble Theatre), have been produced nationally. In 2006, he founded Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, TN, where he servesasCEO.Between2012and2016,Bandelesuccessfullyled a $10 million capital campaign to build and expand Hattiloo, resultinginastate-of-the-artfacilitythatopenedwithnodebtand a substantial endowment. His impact extends beyond Memphis, withinternationalinitiativessuchasatheatermanagementcourse at Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan and acclaimed productions in Milan, Italy, including his own "Mahalia: Queen of Gospel." He has studied Indigenous storytelling in Rwanda and IrishtheaterattheUniversityofLimerickinLimerick,Ireland.Heis a Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of Morehouse College, where he founded the Morehouse College Theatre Ensemble, and a DeVos Arts Management Fellow at the University ofMaryland.In2022,heestablishedtheaccreditedHattilooBlack TheatreStudiesprogramatLeMoyne-OwenCollege.Hehasserved on numerous boards and committees, including a founding board member of the African American Performing Arts Museum, chairman of the Memphis Office of Youth Services, and a current advisory committee member at the University of Tennessee’s OzmoInstituteforNeuroaesthetics
nald Bennett Sr. Reggie is thrilled to be a set builder at loo Theatre. From 2004 to the present he has built more sets he can count. His most memorable sets are “King Hedley II”, k Fly”, “Between Riverside and Crazy”, and most recently kin the Mess outta Misery” to name a few. He has a degree in ing Engineering from Michigan State University where he attended for two years. He has worked construction for Motown RecordsinDetroit,MI.Managedover60employeesforFoxTheatre also in Detroit. Born in Memphis, TN he has always worked hard in his community. In 1992 he opened his own construction company named “Bennett’s Construction”. He loves working at Hattiloo Theatre,theonlyBlack-ownedtheatreinthestateofTN,andoneof thebestinthecountry.
ASHLEYK DAVIS MusicDirector
JESSELDUNLAP Stagehand
MICHAELCOOK SoundBoardOperator
MICKHELCOOK
LightingBoardOperator
EKUNDAYOBANDELE ScenicDesigner
MELANIEMULDER ScenicPainter
Ashley K. Davis is from Memphis, Tennessee. He holds Doctoral, Master, & Bachelors degrees in music & a dual Masters degrees in Theology. Currently, Ashley is an Assistant Professor of Music at LeMoyne-Owen College. He is the recipient of various awards & honors including: 50th Anniversary Jubilee Gospel Concert Musical Director for Queen Elizabeth, Composer for the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary, “The Least Among Us," Recipient of an Ostrander Award, & a Broadway World Award.
Jesse L Dunlap is a Theatrical Generalist he is an award-winning Award and Activist
Micheal Cook native of Memphis, TN is thrilled to be apart of this production He is currently an 8th grader at Germantown Middle with plans on playing football for Lausanne High School. Other interest include, content creation and fashion design.
Mickhel Cook native of Memphis, TN has gone from running around 656 Marshall St. as a toddler, to the tech booth as light and sound engineer! As the son of company Member James Cook, he and his twin brother are no stranger to the arts. His attention to detail separates him from most of his peers and he hopes to further his career and become the youngest Hattiloo resident Stage Manager.
Mandy Heath would like to dedicate her work on this production to her beautiful sister Shenae who recently began her final journey. May it be filled with ancestors, birds, beaches, and your favorite vegan foods.
Melanie Mulder is proud to be designing another set at Hattiloo Theatre Previously, for Hattiloo, she has designed Once on This Island, Simply Simone, In the Heights, The Wiz, and AIDA. Originally from Memphis, TN, she has traveled around for many years working in theatre. Some of the theatres Melanie has worked for are The Roundabout Theatre, The Vineyard Theatre, The Signature Theatre, (NYC); Williamstown Theatre Festival in Main; Lake George Opera in New York; Seaside Music Theatre in Florida; Northern Stage in Vermont; The Nashville Shakespeare Festival and The Cumberland County Playhouse, both in Tennessee.
MAYAROBINSON Co-Director
Maya Geri Robinson is a proud native Memphian and has been a member of the Memphis theatre community for over three decades. Maya graduated from Rollins College with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theatre and Psychology and holds a Masters in Urban Education degree from Union University. As an actress and director for the stage, Maya has worked on numerous productions for Circuit Playhouse, Inc. and Hattiloo Theatre, one of which was Hattiloo's first-ever production, "Home". Most recently she directed Hattiloo's Season 16 production of "School Girls: The African Mean Girls Play". Maya has received multiple Ostrander Award nominations and awards for her work. In her daily profession, she serves as Managing School Director for The Soulsville Charter School in South Memphis.
CYDNIETRICE
SoundDesigner
e Trice has been working in theatre productions for over -five years Since she first began her career, she has taken ous roles from director, designer, and actor to prop master, rapher, and stage manager. During her Undergrad at MIT, was a part of Uncle Vanya, La Casa de Bernalda Alba, and bert & Sullivan Player’s musical Trial By Jury. Since returning to the Mid-South, Cyd has worked on over three dozen shows with Theatre Memphis, The Harrell Theatre, Hattiloo Theatre, Germantown Community Theatre, New Moon Theatre, Stage 88 Productions, Playhouse on the Square, and Opera Memphis. She’s excited to be a part of Hattiloo’s premier of Black Odyssey.
StageManager
nzjuan Worthy is a native Memphian, an educator, and a her of three wonderful children. She has been blessed to be in several plays such as Maureen Peal in the Ostrander Awardning The Bluest Eye, M’Lynn Eatenton in Steel Magnolias, rander Award-winning In the Heights as Camila Rosario, and y in Red in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered cide/When the Rainbow is Enuf She was recently seen as Miss mama in Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, Mitch Mahoney in nam County Spelling Bee, and Carmen Jones ensemble. She has served as the stage manager for Blues in the Night and Lion King Jr. ‘Bronz’ is thankful for the love and support from her friends and family and praises God for this wonderful opportunity.
(HattilooFounder&CEO)isaplaywrightandtheaterdirector whoseworkhassignificantlyimpactedtheAmericantheaterlandscape.Hehasdirected three plays by August Wilson and served as an assistant to Tony Award-winning director/actor Ruben Santiago Hudson. His plays, including "Judas Hands" (Karamu Playhouse),"IfScroogeWasaBrother"(ETACreativeArtsFoundation),"TaketheSoul TraintoChristmas"(JubileeTheatre),and"I,TooAmAmerica"(EnsembleTheatre),have beenproducednationally.In2006,hefoundedHattilooTheatreinMemphis,TN,where heservesasCEO.Between2012and2016,Bandelesuccessfullyleda$10million capitalcampaigntobuildandexpandHattiloo,resultinginastate-of-the-artfacilitythat openedwithnodebtandasubstantialendowment.HisimpactextendsbeyondMemphis, withinternationalinitiativessuchasatheatermanagementcourseatOmdurmanIslamic UniversityinSudanandacclaimedproductionsinMilan,Italy,includinghisown"Mahalia: QueenofGospel"HehasstudiedIndigenousstorytellinginRwandaandIrishtheaterat theUniversityofLimerickinLimerick,Ireland.HeisaPhiBetaKappaandsummacum laudegraduateofMorehouseCollege,wherehefoundedtheMorehouseCollegeTheatre Ensemble,andaDeVosArtsManagementFellowattheUniversityofMaryland.In2022, heestablishedtheaccreditedHattilooBlackTheatreStudiesprogramatLeMoyne-Owen College Hehasservedonnumerousboardsandcommittees,includingafoundingboard memberoftheAfricanAmericanPerformingArtsMuseum,chairmanoftheMemphis OfficeofYouthServices,andacurrentadvisorycommitteememberattheUniversityof Tennessee’sOzmoInstituteforNeuroaesthetics.
HATSHEPSUT BANDELE (Customer Service Coordinator), is passionate about celebratingandpromotingBlackartandculture.WorkingatHattiloobringsherjoyasshe wholeheartedlybelievesinthepowerofthearts.Inherrole,sheiscommittedto ensuring that each visitor feels genuinely welcomed and well-informed about the upcomingplaysandeventsatHattiloo.Handlingticketsalesandsubscriptions, she strivestodelivercustomerservicethatreflectsmyappreciationandprideineverything Hattiloorepresents.
PATRICIA SMITH (Theatre Production Manager) has an extensive resume which includeshermostrecentperformanceasJudgeDunbaronNBC'sBluffCityLaw.She performedinAin'tMisbehavinandAsst.DirectedLadyDayatEmerson'sBarandGrill, bothinMilan,Italy.ShedirectedHattiloo'sBlackNativitywiththeMemphisSymphony Orchestra.Shehasmanycreditsperforming,directing,andcostumingshowshereat Hattiloo Theatre, however, most recently she directed and costumed "Lady Day at Emerson'sBarandGrill"and"MarieandRosetta" Shewaslastseenperformingin "Raisin"themusicalasLenaYounger.
ROSANNA SMITH (Office Manager) a Tennessee native from southwest Memphis, is the eldest of nine children born to Rev. J. W. Smith, Sr., and Lillie B. Smith. She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1967 and attended the University of Tennessee at Martin. Her career began in 1970 as a Reservationist at American Express, followed by a role as an Office Manager at Murphy Oil Company.
Rosanna earned an Associate Degree in Accounting and Data Processing from Memphis School of Commerce in 1973 and worked as an assistant bookkeeper at Goodwill Industries before joining Kroger in 1974. She served as an accounting clerk and office manager at Kroger until her retirement in 2002. After retirement, she worked at Katz Worldwide Logistics and the Shelby County Health Department until late 2013.
In her religious community, Rosanna was an Administrative Assistant and Church Clerk at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church for 33 years and held various educational roles at Kimbrough Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Lamar, Mississippi. She has received numerous awards and certificates for her contributions to Christian education and community service.
JARROD WALKER (Theatre Manager) an imaginative trailblazer, is fueled by an inherent passion for creativity. Jarrod has immersed himself in event coordination, theater direction, and product launches for over two decades Whether orchestrating weddings, plays, or other significant life events, his ability to infuse creativity into every project is the driving force behind his success.
As an accomplished event professional, administrative assistant, and theater director, he is dedicated to crafting unparalleled experiences for his clients and audiences. From providing essential administrative support to executing productions, he has played a pivotal role in turning clients’ dreams into tangible realities. For Jarrod Walker, the possibilities are boundless when creativity takes center stage, and his journey continues to be a testament to the transformative power of artistic innovation.
NAJWA WATSON (Engagement Coordinator) a Memphis native of Jamaican descent, brings over 14 years of administrative expertise to her role at Hattiloo Theatre. Her commitment spans nearly 15 years, reflecting a profound dedication to community and service. Najwa excels in organizing, project support, delivering exceptional customer service, and coordinating special events. Hattiloo is not just her workplace but her second home, where she contributes proudly as a professional, performer, and creative force. With gratitude and honor, she will consistently embody Hattiloo's values through her endeavors.
Please email najwa.watson@hattilootheatre.org if your donor info needs to be updated or revised
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Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
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$25,000+
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Director
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Clinton Woods
Designer
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Dr Beverly S Davis
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Alaunda Floyd
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Crystal Frye
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Tymikia & Nicholas Glenn
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Shantel Harris
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Will Hopkins
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Tradinah Johnson
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Priscilla Johnson
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Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq.
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Claire Kolheim
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Priscilla Reed
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Evette Vinnett
Lexsee J Waterford, Ph D
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Tonya Young
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Wayne Risher
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