The University of Richmond Department of Theatre & Dance Presents "Blood at the Root"

University of Richmond Department of Theatre & Dance

Director Katrinah Carol Lewis Scenic Designer

Costume Designer

Josafath Reynoso *

Heather Hogg *

Lighting and Sound Designer

Stage Manager

Maja E. White *Âą

Paige Willis *

Choreographer /Movement

Beatboxer/Rap Coach

Christine C. Wyatt

Iman Shabazz Lead Editors

Francesco Basti and Sonja Bertucci Blood at the Root was commissioned by the Penn State School of Theatre and was first produced

by Penn State Centre Stage, Dan Carter, Producing Artistic Director.

The New York Premiere of Blood at the Root was produced by Penn State Centre Stage and presented by Hi-ARTS and the National Black Theatre, Inc.

Past is present.

When I first read Blood at the Root, what struck me most was how the events of this play, dramatizing real events of racial tension, intimidation, and injustice in 2006, felt eerily present.

Near the end of the play, Toria says, “I wonder what we gonna add.” I wonder that too. I was disheartened that the events of 2006, 14 years ago, felt like they could be happening in 2020.

Between 2006 and 2020, have we made any progress?

2020 was unique in its given circumstances. Two pandemics were exploding around us.

COVID -19 and… and what – Racism? White Supremacy? Brutality? Rage? Injustice? We took to the streets – coronavirus on our minds, masks on our faces, grief, fire, hope, despair, conviction, weariness, rage in our hearts.

As we came together as a production team to tell this story in the fall of 2020, we were faced with what we all have been faced with during this unique time: How do we connect when we are separated? And in our case, specifically: How do we take a play written for the stage and express it in a virtual space? Creating theatre in the Zoom space has unique challenges: internet speed, the mute button that gets us all, distractions, feeling disconnected—we worked over winter break with actors, designers, and technicians far and wide to connect with each other over Zoom to tell this relevant story.

And how interesting it is to tell this story in the Zoom space. As we watch this interpretation of Blood at the Root, we are drawn into a space that feels very 2021: boxes on a screen inhabited by people trying to connect; and themes that feel frustratingly timeless: racism, homophobia, violence, intimidation, the need to connect with one another, the need for purpose.

The young people who I have had the honor of working with during this project give me hope. They are smart and funny and passionate and conscientious and supportive and loving and talented. They affirm each other. They give me hope that positive systemic and societal change is on its way. “It’s just time.”

Katrinah Carol Lewis Director, Blood at the Root February 9, 2021

Department of Theatre & Dance Walter Schoen * ^

Associate Professor and Chair

Alicia Diaz *

Associate Professor

Melissa Freilich

Production Manager

Phil Hayes *

Assistant Technical Director

Patricia Herrera *

Associate Professor

Heather Hogg *

Director of Costume

Dorothy Holland * ^

Associate Professor

Rhonda Jackson *

Administrative Coordinator

Chuck Mike * #

Associate Professor

Josafath Reynoso *

Assistant Professor

Johann Stegmeir * ±

Associate Professor

Anne Norman Van Gelder *

Director of Dance

Maja E. White * ±

Associate Professor

Robby Williams *

Lighting & Sound Supervisor UR Players Officers

Kristen Starks *

Artistic Director

Paige Willis *

Managing Director

Anum Merchant

Secretary

Sophia Hartman

PR Chair

Liv Clayton

Historian

Cameron Peterson

Social Chair

Abrielle Mecray

Social Chair

Corrine Manderino

Student-Faculty Liaison

Emma Sloane

Student-Theatre Liaison

Shaylen Lafferty

Student-Theatre Liaison Alpha Psi Omega Officers

Molly Krulak * Karen Fleming * India Henderson *

President Vice President Business Manager

Allie Martin *

Historian

Lucy McSweeney *

Secretary

^ Member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union. ± Represented by UNITED SCENIC ARTISTS, Local USA 829 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees * Member of ALPHA PSI OMEGA, the national dramatic honorary society.

# Member of the DIRECTOR’S GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN.

Kristen Starks *

Raylynn

Emily Marie Breaux *

Toria

Molly Krulak *

Asha

Justin Butler

Justin

Gabriel Matthews

Colin

Phillip Daniel

De’Andre

Vahn Corrothers

Ensemble

Anum Merchant

Ensemble

Alexandra Overby

Ensemble

Liv Clayton

Ensemble

Jordan Richardson

Ensemble

Emma Sloane

Ensemble

Voice of Principal Miller Voice of the DA

Sonja Bertucci and the Film Studies Program

Robert Hodierne and the Journalism Department Melissa Foster and the Technology Learning Center Ryan Brazell and the Faculty Hub Quinn Sherman, Ben Broening, and the Music Department Timothy Dorsey and the Campus Post Office Fall 2020 Intro to Lighting and Sound Class and Stagecraft Class Sydney Starks

Katrinah Carol Lewis Iman Shabazz

Blood at the Root was written by playwright and MacArthur Fellow recipient Dominique Morrisseau.

Morisseau’s plays explore the intersections of race, class, and gender in the United States, with works including Pipeline, Sunset Baby, and the three-play cycle The Detroit Project. Morrisseau’s work has been performed at the Kennedy Center, the Public Theater, and the National Black Theatre as well as internationally. For her Broadway debut writing the book of the jukebox musical Ain’t Too Proud— The Life and Times of the Temptations, Morrisseau became the first Black woman nominated for a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.

The play Blood at the Root was originally developed as a graduate thesis project at Penn State University. As part of the program, students worked with Morrisseau as playwright-in-residence to develop the play over three years, eventually culminating in a production that toured nationwide as well as in South Africa, Australia, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Morrisseau identifies the play as a “choreopoem”; this term, coined by Black feminist playwright Ntozake Shange, refers to a work of nontraditional theatre combining poetry, dance, and music.

The events of our play are inspired by a true series of racially charged events taking place in Jena, Louisiana in 2006. The town of Jena has a population of less than 4,000, with 85% of residents being White.

At a Jena High School assembly on August 31, 2006, a Black freshman reportedly asked whether he was allowed to sit at a tree colloquially known to students as the “white tree.” The following day, three nooses were found hanging from this tree. These events spiraled into a series of racially charged incidents, culminating in six Black students being arrested for the assault of a White student. The “Jena Six” court case received national attention.

At the University of Richmond, similar dynamics of segregation and racial tension have impacted the community. Sources from the Race and Racism Project archive show that since at least 1993, the Heilman Dining Center has operated under a system of de facto segregation, where white Greekaffiliated students typically sit in the first dining room, athletes and students of color in the second, and unaffiliated students of various cultural backgrounds in the third room. In the words of original cast member Stori Ayers, Blood at the Root describes a story of racial dynamics across many communities: “Every city we went to thought that we had written the show for them and that time, and what was reflective of what was happening in their city.”

Director

Katrinah Carol Lewis

Scenic Designer

Josafath Reynoso *

Costume Designer

Heather Hogg*

Lighting and Sound Designer

Maja E. White * Âą

Film Consultant

Sonja Bertucci

Lead Editors

Francesco Basti and Sonja Bertucci

Sound Mixer

Sonja Bertucci

Choreographer/Movement Based Consultant

Christine C. Wyatt

Beatboxer/Dramaturgical Consultant/Rap Coach Dramaturg

Assistant Director Production Manager Stage Manager Production Technical Head Assistant Stage Manager Student Editors

Iman Shabazz Olive Gallmeyer

Corrine Manderino Melissa Freilich Paige Willis * Robby Williams * Cameron Peterson Justin Butler, Mia Lazar, Darren McCarroll, Henry Skalbeck, Justin Sullivan

Props Supervisor

Melissa Freilich

Audio Engineer

Quinn Sherman

Poster Design Program Design

Jon Gunter Melissa Freilich

Sonja Bertucci (Editor and Film Consultant) is a Richmond-based filmmaker and an assistant professor in film studies at the University of Richmond. She has an MFA in Film and Video from California Institute of the Arts as well as a PhD in French Literature and Film Studies from UC Berkeley. Originally from France, she has taught at numerous institutions of higher learning in the US (including Occidental College, Temple University, UC Berkeley, and Duke University, among others).

In dialogue with her academic research, her films take a poetic-experimental approach to filmmaking and have focused so far on questions of ephemerality, representations of grief and loss, and the

struggle for personal and communal survival. Her first feature-length documentary, entitled Stranger

from Within, is a personal and political film about Serbian culture in Kosovo. The film won the Special Jury Award at Beldocs International Documentary Film Festival in May 2015 and has since then been shown on national television in Serbia (RTS). Many of her short films have screened at international festivals, and most recently, a documentary entitled Fixing the Earth (2018) made with Laureline Amenieux, will be shown on television in France (November 2018).

Olive Gallmeyer (Dramaturg) is a junior studying American studies and women, gender, and sexuality Studies with a minor in theatre. Olive has twelve years of theatrical experience and has previously served as dramaturg for Fun Home and Rent at Live Arts in hometown Charlottesville among many

others. At UR, Olive has been an assistant stage manager for two University Dancers concerts and is currently aiding in development of the Standing Together Six Feet Apart project.

Heather Hogg (Costume Designer) is a professor and the Director of Costume at UR. She is also a professional costumer and principle dressmaker/tailor for theatre and film. Her work can be seen in movies such as Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Ithaca, the AMC series Turn, the PBS series Mercy

Street, and the Showtime series The Good Lord Bird. She’s been designing costumes for the Department of Theatre & Dance since 2007.

Katrinah Carol Lewis (Director) is an award-winning actress, singer, director, playwright, historical

interpreter, and yoga instructor. She is the newly named interim co-artistic director of Virginia Reparatory Theatre and artistic director of museum theatre of Colonial Williamsburg. Katrinah has been nominated for 7 Artsie awards for best actress in a play or musical by the Richmond Theatre Critics circle, winning in 2016 for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and

Grill. The featured soloist at Unity of Richmond for 14 years, Katrinah also plays the guitar and ukulele and loves to color and frolic. Recent acting and directing highlights: (Acting) Marianne in The

Revolutionists, Nora in A Doll’s House, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 with TheatreLAB; Ruth in A Raisin in the Sun, Sunshine in River Ditty (world premiere), and Nettie in The Color Purple with Virginia Rep; and

Camae

in

The

Mountaintop

with

Cadence

Theatre.

(Directing)

Topdog/Underdog

with TheatreLAB (RTCC Nomination Best Direction/Best Play), Harriet Tubman and the Underground

Railroad with Virginia Reparatory Theatre, Created Equal and Sentiments of American Women for Colonial Williamsburg. She is committed to using theatre and music to examine and celebrate life and remind us of our shared humanity. BFA- TheatreVCU. Voice – Levine School, Washington, DC. Namaste Corrine Manderino (Assistant Director) is a sophomore theatre major at UR. Most recently, she was a light board operator for Richard III, a Scene Director for New Faces 2020, and played #25 in The

Wolves. She is also an employee of the Scene Shop and the University Players Student-Faculty Liaison.

She is beyond grateful to be able to create in inventive new ways this year, and is excited to share this resilient piece of art with you.

Cameron Peterson (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman at the University of Richmond, with the hopes of majoring in leadership studies and minoring in music and theatre. This is his second production with the Department of Theatre & Dance, and is excited to be part of this production! He had previously served as the assistant stage manager in the University's production of Richard lll, and is hoping to continue acting as a stage manager in the future. He is very proud of the cast and crew for their dedication and patience during this show.

Josafath Reynoso (Scenic Designer) is an award winning designer, born in Mexico. He was awarded the Gold Medal for Scenic Design at the World Stage Design 2017 in Taiwan for his production of Cat on

a Hot Tin Roof; the 2015 USITT Scenic Design Award; the 2014 SETC Scenic Design Award for Eugene O'Neill's The Hairy Ape; the 2013 BroadwayWorld Award for Our Country’s Good ; and the SETC Readyfor-Work Award for The Threepenny Opera. In the US, he has designed for Virginia Stage Company, Lexington Children's Theatre, The Clarence Brown Theatre, Serenbe Playhouse, Warehouse Theatre, Triad Stage, Alice Jepson Theatre, Donald Bedell Performance Hall, and University of Tennessee Opera.

In

Mexico,

he

has

designed

for

Teatro

Salvador

Novo,

Foro

Antonio

Lopez

Mancera,

UNAM Facultad de Arquitectura, and Teatro Esperanza Iris. International credits include new productions for Teatro del Borde in Argentina, Escena 8 in Venezuela, and KCDC in Israel. He was selected as a keynote speaker for Stage|Set|Scenery in Berlin and invited to present at the International Biennale of Architecture in Buenos Aires for his design of Noche Arabe. He has represented the United States in Germany and The Czech Republic, and he has represented Mexico in Taiwan, The Czech Republic, and Venezuela.

Iman Shabazz (Beatboxer/Dramaturgical Consultant/Rap Coach) is delighted to return to work with University of Richmond's Theatre Department for this production of Blood at the Root. Iman is a theatre artist whose professional career has spanned over two decades and has encompassed acting, directing, writing, producing, dramaturgy, arts administration, public speaking, emceeing, dancing, and vocal percussion. He is a student of the late theatrical legend Ernie McClintock and has long been active in the performing arts culture of Richmond. He has served as Artistic Director of African American Repertory Theatre of Virginia as well as a founding member and organizer for two of Richmond’s premier open

mic and variety showcases, Tuesday Verses and Lyric Ave. Iman constantly seeks to marry his work as a performing artist with his passion for racial, social and transformative justice. Whether he is seen as an actor, poet, dancer or emcee he seeks to use his talent as a tool for liberation and healing.

Maja E. White (Lighting and Sound Designer) has designed lighting for opera, theatre, and dance nationally and internationally. She has worked with the Bolshoi, Kirov, and Royal Danish Ballets; Seattle Opera, San Francisco Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Baltimore Opera, and Washington National Opera. She is the resident lighting designer for Chamber Dance Project in Washington, D.C. Her research falls in the study of how sustainable equipment and evolution of technologies are changing the aesthetic of the live entertainment industry. She is a member of United Scenic Artists 829.

Paige Willis (Stage Manager) is a junior at UR double majoring in psychology and theatre. This is her eleventh production with the University, where she's filled roles as an assistant stage manager, a student lighting designer, and a light board operator, as well as the stage manager for Appropriate and Richard

III. She is incredibly proud of all of the hard work that has been put into the show.

Christine C. Wyatt (Choreographer/ Movement Based Consultant) freelance artist, curator, and director. Organizer in movement based communities with The Dance Union (@thedanceunion).

Originally from Baltimore, MD (Piscataway Land); residing in Richmond on stolen Monacan, Powhatan and Chickahominy land.

Creating and dreaming of new worlds, liberated spaces and ways of working virtually and on stage.

B.F.A. in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University... after 15 years of performance in the arts, just seeking to continue legacies of resistance, love, equity, and care.

Emily Marie Breaux (Toria) is graduating in May with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology and minors in music and mathematics. She has served on the University Players Executive Board for the past three years, and this is her ninth acting role at the University of Richmond. In addition to acting, she has worked behind the scenes on multiple University and student productions. She wants to thank the theatre community at UR for the amazing past four years.

Justin Butler (Justin) is a sophomore at the University of Richmond and is extremely excited to have been cast in Blood at the Root. Justin played a small role in the University’s 2019 production

of Appropriate, and was an assistant stage manager in the Production Studies III production, The

Wolves. He also was in the 2020 production of Richard III. Justin plays piano and bass, both upright and electric, and plays with the University’s Jazz Ensemble. He would like to thank Katrinah Carol Lewis for allowing him to partake in this opportunity as well as his parents, Derrick and Gayle Butler for raising him.

Liv Clayton (Ensemble) is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and is honored to be a part of this unique production. She is in her sophomore year at UR pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in theatre. Liv was previously seen on stage as a performer in New Faces as well as #8 in The Wolves. She thanks her family for their unending support and congratulates the cast and crew for their hard work.

Vahn I. Corrothers (Ensemble) is a sophomore at UR, majoring in mathematics and minoring in theater. This is his fifth production with the university. In 2019-2020, he acted as assistant stage manager for the shows Appropriate, and the PSIII show The Wolves; as props manager for Pure

Confidence, and as an actor in Appropriate. In the 2020-2021, he played Catesby in Richard III. He is excited to be in the spotlight once again, as he is an aspiring actor. But only time will tell.

Phillip Daniel (De’Andre) is a senior at UR majoring in sociology and minoring in dance. This is the first play production that he has been a part of through the Department of Theater & Dance

during his time at UR. His commitment to this production shows his dedication to the arts along with his commitment to engaging in critical dialogue and both portraying and communicating the experiences of marginalized peoples.

Molly Krulak (Asha) is a senior at UR getting her major in PPEL studies. She is so grateful to be part of her 3rd production on stage at the University even though she's heartbroken to be remote learning in 2021. She wants to acknowledge the hard work and commitment that all the cast and crew put in to make this online production a reality. She hopes you enjoy the show, and as Asha would say, "Shit done hit the fan!"

Gabriel Matthews (Colin) is a freshman at the University of Richmond, intending to double major in philosophy and theatre. This is his second production with the university, following a role in Richard III this past fall. He is proud to continue working in the University's productions, especially for a production as important as this.

Anum Merchant (Ensemble) is a freshman at UR, who hopes to double major in leadership studies and political science with a minor in history. This is her third production with the University where she acted in New Faces and was a dresser for Richard III. She is very excited for everyone to

watch Blood at the Root, and enjoy it!

Alexandra Overby (Ensemble) is a freshman at UR planning on double majoring in cognitive science and music. This is her second production with the University, as she’s also played Lord Mayor in Richard III. She has had a fun experience learning how to perform through Zoom and meeting new people.

Jordan Richardson (Ensemble), a sophomore at the University of Richmond, is thrilled to be a part of Blood at the Root. She plans to major in mathematical economics with a minor in theater arts.

After working on Pure Confidence and performing in New Faces and The Wolves, she is excited to

participate in her fourth production. This is only the beginning of her path in theater at UR, and she is excited to see what the future holds!

Emma Sloane (Ensemble) is a sophomore at Richmond, double majoring in theatre and communications & rhetoric. She is performing in her third production at UR, having also appeared as Cassidy in Appropriate in Fall 2019, and Lord Rivers in Richard III in Fall 2020. Emma would like to thank the directing team, stage management, the production team, and get fellow cast mates for pioneering virtual theatre at UR, and she is excited share the results with everyone.

Kristen Starks (Raylynn) is a junior at UR majoring in biology and minoring in healthcare studies.

She has previously worked with the Department on Antigone; The Story; Rapture, Blister, Burn; and Caroline, or Change. She is so thankful for the opportunity to participate in this great theatrical experiment and to work with the wonderful cast and crew.

TIME | IN | SPACE University Dancers 36th Anniversary Concert Streaming in Spring 2021

Directed by Anne Van Gelder Costume Design by Johann Stegmeir Light Design by Maja E. White

FAME, THE MUSICAL April 15-18 (Streaming)

Conceived and Developed by David DeSilva Book by Jose Fernandez Lyrics by Jacques Levy Music by Steve Margoshes Title Song “FAME� written by Dean Pitchford & Michael Gore Directed by Dorothy Holland

All performances are free for all, but reservations are required.

To reserve tickets visit www.modlin.richmond.edu, or visit the Modlin Center Box Office.