Living in the Wind
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 8pm
Saturday, March
12, 2011 @ 8pm
Sunday, March
13, 2011 @ 4pm
Friday, March 18, 2011 @ 8pm
Saturday, March
19, 2011 @ 8pm
Sunday, March
20, 2011 @ 4pm
Union Baptist Church, 119 High Street, Mystic, CT
The play takes place on a front porch in Georgia and opens in the hot stretch of June. Married as slaves and separated on the night of thier marriage, Sarah and Isaiah are reunited after twelve years. They attempt to salvage a past amidst the constant reminders from the dead who are just as real as the living and breathing reminders of Hattie and Vance Williams, who live just down the road. And all of this is done for the sake of possibilities, for the future. At stake is a chance to be whole, to be treated as necessary as the space that one occupies. At stake is the ability to love completely and to have the capacity to be loved.
Cast
Frederick-Douglass Knowles II (Isaiah) is an International Poet-Educator-Activist involved in Community Education and the Performing Arts. He was a member of the Connecticut and Brooklyn, NY National Poetry Slam Teams. His works have featured in the Martin Luther King Jr. Anthology (Yale University Press), East Haddam Stage Company, the 13th Annual Acacia Group Conference at California State University, Folio-- a Southern Connecticut State University literary magazine and Fingernails Across the Chalkboard: AIDS Anthology by Third World Press. He is currently completing his debut manuscript BlackRoseCity for publication. Frederick-Douglass has performed in major cities such as LA, New York, Chicago, Houston & Phoenix, as well as internationally in Cape Town, South Africa and Gaborone, Botswana. He has recently completed his sophomore spoken word album titled “Fredrick-Douglass: Banned For Blackness.” Frederick-Douglass is currently an English Professor at Three Rivers Community College where he infuses English composition with social issues such as AIDS, hunger, poverty, and war.
Tricia Riddick (Mary) is a multifaceted performer. As an actress and singer, Tricia truly delights in the diverse variety of performance opportunities that come her way. Some of Tricia’s work in the theater includes roles such as the wife in “Rashomon”, Hypolita in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and Edith in “Pirates of Penance”. Her most recent role was in the Emerson Theater Collaborative Production of “Waiting for Lefty” as Dr. Benjamin. Though truly passionate about acting, Tricia began her career as a theater “minor” in college. She obtained her Bachelor degree in the Science of Business Economics and just one year later earned her Masters in Business Administration. Tricia currently works in finance for a global company; and, looks forward to transitioning into acting full time one day soon.
Camilla Ross (Hattie) is the current president and founder of the Emerson Theater Collaborative, and a graduate of Emerson College in Boston. She comes with years of performing and producing credits from commercials to Regional Theater. Camilla continues to lead and shape ETC into one of the leading professional theaters in southeastern Connecticut. As an actress Camilla was last seen in the leading role of Chestina Vanessa Poulson by Melanie Greenhouse as Chessie. Previously, she was seen in John Patrick Shanley’s play “Doubt,” playing the role of Mrs. Mueller, and as Harriet Tubman in Lisa Giordano’s one woman show “Harriet Tubman’s Dream.” Camilla is a former board member and acting instructor for the Writer’s Block, Ink of New London, CT. and currently teaches as a part-time business faculty member of the Three Rivers Community College. She currently sits on the Emerson Alumni Board, and is the co-president of the CT Chapter. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support and gives praise to God for all of the blessings.
Derek Adams (JoJo/GhostJoJo) is ecstatic to make is debut at the Emerson Theatre Collaborative. A recent graduate of Northeastern University, Derek received his BA in Communications. Derek is a pop singer and songwriter whose works can be found at www.derekadamsmusic.net. Regional credits include "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Downtown Cabaret in Bridgeport CT, where he is also an active member of their Children's Company. Derek is excited and honored to be working with such a talented group of people!
Danielle Brown(Sarah) is a graduate of SUNY Purchase College where she attended the Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film. Her first encounter with Living In The Wind came about in 2000 when she played the role of Mary, at the Eugene O’Neil Theatre Writer’s Conference. Some of her other credits include Marsha in The Seagull, Alenka in Looking For Tibet, Daughter in ‘Shakin The Mess Outta’ Misery, and Zubaida Ula and Catherine Connolly in, The Laramie Project. In addition to acting she loves singing, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to play the Sarah Maddox and would like to thank cast and crew for their continued support and enthusiasm.
Antonio Gooding (Vance) has been in numerous shows in the area. He has done a number of trailers in the area and has worked with director Jim Driscoll in the past. The highlight of his career was playing the part of LA Dodgers coach Jim “Junior” Gilliam in the movie about the 1977 New York Yankees “The Bronx is Burning”. In his most recent role he played the part of Harry in the British comedy Hocus Pocus at the Donald Oat Theater, directed by Theresa Broach. His experience in the production of Smokey Joe’s Café was a very enjoyable one. His credits include roles in Seussical at the Spirit of Broadway Theater, and Guys and Dolls at Majestic Rose Theater. Antonio has been seen in numerous roles at the Spirit of Broadway Theater: Mr. Brownlow in Oliver, Narrator and Seaman in Opal, ensemble in PoeSCrypt, and the lead role of Flick in Violet, a part that earned him a nomination for 2001 Spirit Awards Best Actor in a Musical. In addition, Antonio performed the role of Joe in Showboat at the Little Theater of Manchester, at Cheney Hall. Antonio’s career includes performing in The Chorus of Westerly’s A Celebration of Twelfth Night. Most recently he was in the 2010 production as first mate Mr. Donnell. He has performed as Ogul Kamish, Charon, the Boatman of the River Styx, The Oracle as well as a variety of parts over several years. He previously sang with the Stonington Chorale and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus and Chorus of Westerly. Antonio has played bass and cornet in Salvation Army Bands in the Boston area, as well as with various orchestras in Connecticut. Born in Panama, he and his family later moved to Boston Massachusetts. He now resides in Westerly RI with his wife, Julie. They have three children. He is an Assistant Vice President at Liberty Bank in New London, CT.
Curtis Goodwin (Griot/Bookman) is an entrepreneur of an events photography and promotions business. He is a youth empowerment advocate who has been directing and implementing a city wide initiative for new and improved innovative forms of mentoring. He serves as a New London Anti Violence (NLAV) Leading Member and is a graduate of New London High class of 2005. Curtis currently attends Johnson and Wales University as a Marketing student, and is attending the John Casablanca’s school for acting and modeling. Curtis aspires to have a successful acting and modeling career. He wishes to use any media attention gained to empower youth. In his spare time he plays music or volunteers with the New London High School Band. As a member of the NLAV he uses his skills to initiate projects that empower, engage and strengthen the community
Production Staff
Michael Bradford (Writer/Director) Michael Bradford is an Assoc. Prof. of Dramatic Arts and Director of the Theatre Studies B.A. at the University of Connecticut. He has written numerous full-length and one-act plays produced at various venues in New York, including Off-Broadway at the American Place Theatre, the LARK Developmental Theatre, the Ensemble Studio Theatre, the Access and the NADA Theatre. Regionally, his work has premiered at the Hygienic Arts Theatre (New London, Ct), eta Creative Arts Foundation, Inc. (Chicago, Il.), and a recent World Premiere at A Contemporary Theatre (ACT) (Seattle, Wa.). International, Michael has led writing workshops at Teatro Oficina Theatre Company, Guemareas, Portugal (2010) and the University at Tges-Mures, Romania (2010), where his play, OLIVES AND BLOOD, was translated and staged read in both Hungarian and Romanian. His film, “A Contemplation of Trees,” was produced by Stonewall Films (2007), directed by Doug Williams. He has received the Manhattan Theatre Club Playwright Fellowship, residencies at the LARK Developmental Theatre (NY), the New York Stage and Film Company Residency at Vassar, NY., the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism Writing Fellowship and the 2010-2011 Research Scholar Fulbright to Granada, Spain. Michael is also the playwright-in-residence for the Bated Breath Theatre Company, which premiered a multi-media piece, “The Parkville Project,” at the Playhouse on Park Theatre, Hartford, Ct., July, 2010. His plays are published by Broadway Play Publishing, Inc.
Camilla Ross (Producer) is the current president and founder of the Emerson Theater Collaborative, and a graduate of Emerson College in Boston. Camilla spent time studying with the Actor’s Workshop of Boston. Drawing on over 20 years of theatrical experience, ranging from commercials to regional theater, Camilla is leading and shaping ETC from the ground up as one of the first professional theaters in southeastern Connecticut. She is the theatrical advisor and acting coach for the SPAG Players at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich, CT. She is a current board and choral member with the Connecticut Lyric Opera of New London. Camilla is a former board member and acting instructor for the Writer’s Block, Ink of New London, CT. Camilla is currently a part-time business faculty member of the Three Rivers Community College, teaching a variety of business courses. She currently sits on the Emerson Alumni Board, as one of the co-presidents of the CT Chapter. As an actress, she was seen most recently in John Patrick Shanley’s play “Doubt,” playing the role of Mrs. Mueller, and as Harriet Tubman in Lisa Giordano’s “Harriet Tubman’s Dream,” and as Chessie in Melanie Greenhouse’s “Chestina Vanessa Poulson.
Theresa Broach (Director) Theresa Broach has produced, directed and/or stage-managed over 30 theatrical productions for children and adult audiences including Camelot, Mame, Can-Can, Come Blow Your Horn, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Oliver, Cavern of the Jewels, Brigadoon, The Errols, Never Too Late, Hello Dolly!, Lend Me A Tenor, Annie, Don’t Dress for Dinner, Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Carousel, Skips in the Record, Godspell, Sweet Charity, Marco Polo, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Murder at the Crazy Whores Saloon, Always Patsy Cline, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Road to Home, Finian’s Rainbow, and Hocus Pocus. Theresa has served as President and Producer for the Pfizer Players, formerly a company-sponsored musical theatre group that contributed over $250,000 to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. She has been a member of the Boards of Directors for the Connecticut Business Leadership Network, which supports the employment of people with disabilities; and the Spirit of Broadway Theatre, a semi-professional, award-winning, 74-seat theatre. She is also an active member of the North Stonington Congregational Church. Theresa is delighted to work with the Emerson Theatre Collaborative and the talented cast of Michael Bradford’s Living in the Wind.
Lisa Giordano (Assistant Director and Publicity Director) is a playwright and serves on the advisory board of the Emerson Theater Collaborative. Her play “Harriet Tubman’s Dream” was produced by The Emerson Theater Collaborative in 2009 and 2010. Her play, “True Nature Of All Being,” received an Honorable Mention in the Clauder Competition, the New England Playwrights Festival held in Maine and was chosen as a finalist receiving an Honorable Mention in the International Eco-drama Playwrights Festival in California. Locally, two of her musical plays for children, “Rock Around the Sound” and “To Bee or Not To Bee and Other Bug Tales” were performed at the Garde Arts Center in New London, CT as part of their Kids On Stage program. Her plays have been work-shopped at UConn’s Avery Point Theater and have received staged readings through The Planning Stage, and by the students of The Writer’s Block, Ink where she serves on the board as Faculty Representative. Ms. Giordano is a member of the Dramatist Guild and belongs to The Writers’ Roundtable of Southeastern Connecticut.
Sarah Paolucci (Illustrator) is a freelance illustrator, designer, and artist. She received a BFA from the Hartford Art School and has studied illustration, painting, drawing and graphic design techniques from a very early age. Although illustration is her passion, Sarah is also an award-winning graphic designer. She has a successful track record creating advertising, packaging design, literature, logos and other brand-building programs for consumer and business-to-business clients. Please visit her website at www.sarahpaolucci.com for more samples of her work
Roy Bourque (Lighting Designer)
Christopher Annino (Props) has been in the entertainment business since he got his start playing a clown on a Jerry’s Kids Telethon. As a stuntman, actor, and singer he has performed in many theatrical, Opera, and film productions with such companies as Disney, NBC, Showtime, and Ct Lyric Opera, Pequot Drama Society. He graduated Mitchell College Alpha Sigma Pi, and Phi Theta Kappa with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, and associates in Liberal Arts. He also studied acting with Reno Venturi and voice under the teachings of Professor Jurate Svediate Waller. Christopher Annino is also a well accomplished athlete: the former NCAA athlete has won many titles in Power Lifting, Rodeo, Strong Man, and as a Professional Wrestling. Christopher is also a journalist for The Resident Newspaper, and he is the publisher and editor of "The Projector Online Newspaper" Christopher Annino is glad to work with the Emerson Theater Collaborative and has great respect for what they do.
