TLAB SHARES HOSTS:
BellyLaugh Ent. PRESENTS:
Guanahani
Written by and Directed by Neka Cecilia Knowles
Performed by Qetsiya Babineaux , Wallis Meghan Rolle, Eden Jing Rolle, Noah Murray, Harper Jones, Molly McInturff, and Azuree Marcano
Since Ophelia Bennett could count to five, she knew she was unhappy. Left on a doorstep as a newborn she has always wondered. What happened to her parents? More importantly, her mother. On the week leading up to her 23rd birthday Ophelia is visited by a presence she cannot describe. Yet one thing is certain her mother is calling to her. Along with her best friend Sandra they embark on a journey backwards through the triangular slave trade. For Ophelia’s true identity and purpose lies within the Middle Passage. On this epic journey, our duo becomes a trio, and we enter the aisle of the Orisha. Heavily influenced by West Indian folklore and other tales among the African Diaspora. Guanahani is an unexpected heroes journey chop full of unlikely allies, magic, and heartbreak.
Guanahani, also serves as the director and playwright Neka Cecilia Knowles MFA APEX at The New School. Neka is an international student from Nassau, The Bahamas. This is her company BellyLaugh Ent.’s first production.
PLEASE NOTE: Our elevator will be under repair at this time. Patrons will need to access the space via two flights of stairs. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please call (212) 929-2545 or email theaterlab36@gmail.com.
Performances Dates/Times:
Tickets:
MEET THE ARTISTS
Qetsiya Trumaine Babineaux is a Texas/Louisiana native who moved to the big city to pursue her dreams in theatre, film, and media while advocating for more trans representation in these mediums. Being a black trans woman from the south, she is no stranger to turning dreams into reality despite the battles that may follow. She uses her extensive background and knowledge on performance art to open doors and collaborate with other exceptional artist. She is a leo who loves the spotlight, but not as much as sharing it. She is very excited to be working with such an amazing cast and crew as we embark on this new journey.
Alena Rose is an actor, model, singer, and creative, raised in Beaverdam, Virginia. There she found the importance of entertainment and media, and how it impacts our social climate and personalities. She believes that her purpose, vigor, and enthusiasm as a creative was formed by the lack of representation of POC plus sized bodies she saw in the industry growing up. Now based in Jersey City/NYC, she is driven to advocate for such representation through the art she creates and beyond. Alena thanks Neka, the cast, crew, and audience for following her on this journey as Yemaya in this wonderful production of Guanahani. To keep up with her creative endeavors, follow her on Instagram: @al3na.ros3
Wallis Meghan Rolle is an Actress, Director, Writer and Producer from Nassau, Bahamas. She is a recent graduate from the New School and is an artist in constant pursuit of knowledge. She has studied at Yale, Juilliard, NYFA and other institutions around the country. She is honored to be a part of the Guanahani cast and very excited for audiences to see more of her beloved culture. You can see more of her work on Youtube, Instagram and an upcoming project called ‘Seeking Fair and Lovely’ debuting at the Tank this spring!
Noah Murray is a writer and artist based in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn. Right now he’s pursing a Masters of Science in Digital Media Management from University of Southern California. He’s grateful for another opportunity to work on his craft and collaborate with others.
Azureé Marcano is playing very excited to play Ophelia. She got her start acting while playing sick so she wouldn’t have to go to school. Professionally playing the mother pig in Three Little Pigs at Queens College summer camp in 2007. She recently had her off-broadway debut Like Father, Like Salt playing Guy at the Players Theatre.
Harper Jones (she/her) is an actor and performer based in New York. She received her undergraduate degree in Acting (Musical Theatre Concentration) at Arcadia University and is currently studying at the New School for her MFA in Contemporary Theatre and Performance. Her recent credits include: FORREST DEFENSE (The New School), SUBTERRANEAN MEMORIES, TWICE AROUND THE BLOCK (Naked Angels), POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL (Arcadia University), INTO THE WOODS, TRAILBLAZERS, MARISOL, and FUGITIVE SONGS.
Molly McInturff is a Georgia born actor, writer, and creative. She received her BFA in Acting from Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts. Recently, Molly starred as Juliet in Mason Gross School of the Arts’ production of Romeo and Juliet. Other favorite credits include “A Midsummer Nights Dream” at Rolecall Theatre (Hermia), “Life is a Dream” (Rosaura) with Rutgers Theatre Company, “Much Ado About Nothing” (Antonia) At Shakespeare’s Globe, and “The Blind Date” (Jane) with SAY at Playwrights’ Horizons.
Eden Jing Rolle is an actor born and raised in Chinatown, New York City. They strive to build reflective community and tell intersectional stories. Eden studied Musical Theater at Professional Performing Arts High School before attending Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts where they received a BFA in Acting. Eden Jing is inspired by the connectivity of the global majority beyond borders and the idea that people create culture and culture changes legislation. Their work seeks to investigate the illusions of our culture that keep us shackled to a patriarchal, capitalist, racist society. Eden Jing recently played; Parks in Actual Throat at The Tank directed by Neka, Si-Lan Chen in Harlem and Moscow with Berkshire Theater Group directed by Wes Goodrichand and is a part of NAAP Chorus. Special thanks to the cast, crew, creative team, family and friends. Eden Jing hopes Tawana will remind us all of our autonomy and potential to change course at any point.
Neka Cecilia Knowles is a New York City based artist hailing from Nassau, The Bahamas. Neka received her BA:Directing from Marymount Manhattan College 21’ and MFA:Contemporary Theater Performance from The New School 25’. They believe in the importance of transparency in historical storytelling and the authentic representation of the human experience. The goal of her work is to push the boundaries of self reflection. Neka believes that awareness of your existence is the most powerful tool in creating a sense of individualism. The individual genius. You are the only person that can control you.
COVID-19 policy: In guidance with the city and state COVID-19 policies, we will no longer be requiring masks, but strongly recommend them.