Sutta playbill (updated 12-1-22)

presents

Sutta

Written and Directed by Djola Branner

Assistant Direction by Raynell Crook

Choreography by Ahmad Maaty

Musical Direction by Shá Norman

The taking of any recording or photographs by audience is strictly forbidden

By purchasing your ticket and sitting in the house you release any images of you that may be taken for the filming of this production.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

At the place George Mason University occupies, we give greetings and thanksgivings to these Potomac River life sources, to the Doeg ancestors, who Virginia annihilated in violent campaigns while ripping their lands apart with the brutal system of African American enslavement, to the recognized Virginia tribes who have lovingly stewarded these lands for millennia including the Rappahannock, Pamunkey, Upper Mattaponi, Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Nansemond, Monacan, Mattaponi, Patawomeck, and Nottaway, past, present, and future, and to the Piscataway tribes, who have lived on both sides of the river from time immemorial.

One question that has fed my creative work time and again is: what happens when one’s authentic self stands in opposition to the expectations of family, community, and society? Do we relinquish parts of ourselves to conform to the expectations of our tribe? That question led me to Sutta, which I started writing in the spring of 2017 during a three-week residency at the Millay Arts Colony in Austerlitz, New York. The play was subsequently workshopped in my living room with a group of friends, colleagues and loved ones, revised over the course of the next three years, and ultimately proposed to the Mason Players for production. I owe a huge debt of thanks to my cohort at the Millay Arts Colony, to Dr. Priscilla Page, Glenn Siegel, Will MacAdams, Beth Mattison, Robyn and Diana Sutton-Fernandez, Onawumi Jean Moss, and John Hanson, who provided invaluable support and insight during the early days of writing, and to the talented company of students in the School of Theater at George Mason University who, like my generous colleagues Ruth Yamamoto, Shá Norman and Ahmad Maaty, have breathed life into this multidisciplinary narrative. It has been an exciting and inspiring collaborative journey.

This world premiere of Sutta is dedicated to all who practice vipassana as taught by the beloved S.N. Goenka (1930-2018).

“May all Beings be Happy”.

Best,

Djola Branner

Djola Branner Playwright and Director, Sutta

DRAMATURG'S NOTE

Sutta follows a group of queer friends who attempt to navigate their world amidst racism, homophobia, and an overall denial of different identities within large, organized religions, spiritualities, and practices. Throughout the play, each character goes on their own unique winding path, bringing different identities, goals, and beliefs to the stage in a new piece of theatre that opens up conversations about spiritual identity, enlightenment, and community.

Over the course of several courses at a New England meditation center, playwright, Djola Branner began to question organized spiritual and religious communities and how their teachings translate into the modern world. Some of these observations seemed to parallel the heteronormative systems he had once tried to separate himself from in the past. Branner was now faced with yet another practice that promoted enlightenment to those who wished to seek it, despite the very same practices being built in a way that has historically left out entire communities.

Simultaneously, these newfound questions of exclusion, identity and community were also being challenged by the U.S. government. Alongside the political unrest of Donald Trump’s presidential election in 2016, a whole other system of oppression posed a threat to the country, looming over the U.S., international communities, BIPOC individuals, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Best,

Nathan Tilley

Nathan Tilley Dramaturg, Sutta

Arts

Production

Technical Director

Assistant Technical Director

Scene Shop Supervisor

Lead Carpenter

Scenic Painter

TheaterSpace Technical Directors

Harris Theatre Technical Director

Costume Shop Supervisor

Costume Shop Assistants

Costume Interns

Sound Interns Lighting Interns Management Interns Scene Shop Production Intern

Scene Shop Paint Intern Scene Shop Props Intern Scene Shop Painting/Props Intern Props Artisan

Dan Hobson Carrie Cox

Stephan Starling Ethan Osborne

Madelyn Southard Chloe Scheel

Micah Stromberg & Tom Terlecki Adrianna Daugherty Smith Laurel Dunayer

Vicki Burroughs & Sarah Alspach Jackson Ramos, Luisa Romero Jeremy Pritchard, Hannah White Sloan Martin & Sydney Anderson Merin Lemoine & Mary Clare Bernier Sharon Adamus & Samba Pathak Vika Hearne, Caleb McMurtry, Viann Tran Anna Jungkeit Susan Lane Luke Rahman Nadya Steare Eli Nguyen

Kendall Huheey (she/her) Elisabeth Dupuy (she/her) Martin Desjardins (he/him) Samba Pathak (he/him) Erin Birchfield (she/her) Khue Duong (she/her) Shannon Rodgers (she/her) Darren Badley (he/him) Jo Arnett (she/they)

Megan Lederman (she/her) Darren Badley (he/him) Shannon Rodgers (she/her) Luke Rahman (he/him)

Erin Birchfield (she/her) Nathan Tilley (he/him) Brett Womack (he/him) Lexi Carter (she/ her) Nathaniel McCay (he/him) Sally Deen (she/her) Aurora Powell (she/they) Erin Birchfield (she/her)

Hansin Arvind (he/him) Megan Ayers (she/they) Mary Clare Bernier (she/they) Jaylen "Jay" Dews (he/him) Emma Harris (she/her) Luke Rahman (he/him) Zoe Winter (she/they)

Taylor Alexander she/her (Viskha, Sangha, Paul, Tiffany) is proud of her role as Lisa in her 10th grade production of the song by Ludacris and Mary J. Blige, Runaway Love. Taylor was in Mason Cabaret: The Music of Duke Ellington. Her accomplishments include being a member of the honors theatre/music classes in high school, Select Women's Ensemble, and being captain of John Randolph Tucker High's Show Choir after being a member for 3 years. Taylor was also inducted into the Thespian Society and is excited to perform in the spring productions of You're a Good Man Charlie Brownand Cabarey.

Ahmet Cavus he/him (Gotama, Peter, Sean) is a theater major with a concentration in performance. This will be his stage debut as a performer. Ahmet is excited to be in this production.

Khue Duong she/her (Angie) is enjoying her last year at George Mason University, pursuing a BFA in theater performance. Recent credits include “Robin’s Therapy” (The Originals! 2022), Love’s Labours: Quarrels and Cravings, Last Days of Judas Iscariot.

Nolwenn Favre she/her (Chelsea, Sangha) is an international student from Switzerland. She had joined the theatre program last year with a concentration in performance. She was part of the 2021 season production as an actress in the production Love’s Labors as well as in the student directed production of The Originals!

Starr Hill she/her (Lena) is an acclaimed actress. She graduated with honors from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and went on to be signed by multiple talent agencies. Her most recent accolade is her performance in the award-winning Prime Video movie, Net Full of Flowers. Her passion for acting grew when she found out she was able to cry on cue at the age of 10. This is her first year at Mason.

Aadith Iyer he/him (Ben) is a sophomore theater major with a concentration in performance. He been in the last two productions of The Originals!, as well as Mason Player's production of Everybody last semester. Aadith is excited to add Sutta to the list and looks forward to what's to come!

Ryan Kirby he/him (Zero, Sangha) was last seen as an actor with the classical theatre of Maryland and other commercial content.

Keaton Lazar he/him (Eli) is a sophomore at Mason. He joined the musical theater program last year. He was assistant stage manager for Everybody. He is excited to have his first opportunity being on stage in a college show.

CAST BIOS

Benji Lord he/him (Johnny) is a 4th year student who has been in several productions during his time at George Mason. Benji was recently seen in Everybody last semester and Loves Labours: Quarrels and Cravings.

Sanjay Nagar he/him (Casey, Perry) is proud to have his second show with The School of Theater to be an original piece from Djola Branner. His previous performance was Ben in Merry, Bright, Etc. Sanjay's performances outside of George Mason include George from The Wedding Singer, Beaumont from The Four Horseman, and Professor Nemur from Flowers for Algernon.

PRODUCTION BIOS

Orion Bates they/them (Assistant Stage Manager, CoCostume Coordinator) is eagerly jumping headfirst into the world of collegiate and professional stage management with recent works of Sutta with George Mason University and The Scottish Play with the City of Fairfax Theater Company. They’re excited to continue this fast workflow and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Cole Bottorff he/him (Assistant Stage Manager, Master Electrician) is happy to be a part of this production of Sutta. This is his first time being an Assistant Stage Manager or Master Electrician, but he is eager to grow with this opportunity to learn a variety of new skills. He would like to thank Ruth Yamamoto, Will Gautney, Sean Cox, and Micah Stromberg for the aid and knowledge they provided him throughout his work.

Djola Branner he/him (Director) is an artist/educator/administrator who creates original full length and one act dramas that give voice to individuals historically absent from the stage. His compelling narratives explore the broad range of identities and cultural experiences that define 21st America.

Co founder of the award winning group Pomo Afro Homos, Branner toured nationally and internationally with their shows Fierce Love: Stories from Black Gay Life and Dark Fruit. In addition to performing in regional theatres across the country, he has created such original dramas as The House that Crack Built, cover, oranges & honey, Mighty Real: A Tribute to Sylvester, Sweet Sadie and sash & trim. His first book of collected plays, sash & trim and other plays, was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in 2014. Branner has taught dance, acting and dramatic writing in community and academic settings including City College of San Francisco, Stanford University,University of Minnesota, Macalester College, the American Musical & Dramatic Academy, Hampshire College, Amherst College and Brown University. He is currently professor of theater and director of the School of Theater at George Mason University.

PRODUCTION BIOS

Ben Counts he/him (Lighting Design) is delighted to make his debut with GMU for lighting design. He mainly works in concert and event lighting, so he is excited to dive more into theatrical lighting design. Benjamin is currently pursuing a BFA in theater with a concentration in design.

Carrie Cox she/her (Technical Director) is the technical director for the College of Visual & Performing Arts, which includes any production by the School of Theater, School of Music and other projects from various departments within CVPA. Carrie is directly involved in the School of Theater as an adjunct faculty member for Technical Direction and as a production mentor for technical direction, props and shop artisans. Carrie is an alumna of Auburn University where she received her BFA in Theatre Production Management. DMV area credits include working as a Scenic Designer for NextStop Theatre Company, a senior Scenic Carpenter for the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Master Carpenter for Round House Theatre, and as a freelance carpenter and welder for various theatres and event companies throughout the region.

Raynell Crook she/her (Assistant Director) is taking on the role of assistant director for the first time. Last semester, Raynell directed a short piece with some movement incorporated. For this production she is excited to contribute her ideas to this class, but mostly to gain an understanding of how the entire process works.

Laurel Dunayer she/her (Costume Shop Supervisor) has an M.F.A. in Theatre-Costume Design from the University of Illinois and worked for six years in New York City building costumes for Broadway shows. Favorites include: The Rocky Horror Show, Kiss Me Kate, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Laurel also spent seven seasons as a Master Draper at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder, Colorado. Other projects include designing costumes for GMU Productions with the Mason Opera and Musical Theater. Past designs include, for Mason Opera: The Magic Flute, Iolanthe, and La Cenerentola, for Musical Theater: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Gondoliers, and Rags.

Brooke Emeott she/her (Props Coordinator) has worked on a few shows in high school as a head of stage hands and in college since has moved to stage management in 365 days 365 Plays. Brooke has also worked on The Originals! as a co sound designer.

Adrienne Krauel she/her (Scenic Design, Co-Costume Coordinator) is a senior theater major concentrating in theater studies. She will transition into the Arts Management MA program at George Mason University upon graduating. Adrienne is excited to have had the opportunity to design a Mason production for the first time. Her previous work with Mason's productions includes being on run crew for Twelfth Night and being dramaturg on the production of Come My Beloved. She would like to thank the production team, the crew, the cast, friends, and family for their continued support.

Nicholas Kfoury Horner he/him (Intimacy Consultant) is a singer, voice over artist, theatre actor, and director based in Washington D.C. He has directed, taught, and performed in numerous professional and educational venues in D.C., New York, and around the country. Horner has received Voice and Theater training from renowned institutions such as Stella Adler Conservatory, The Juilliard School, Studio A.C.T. (San Francisco), The Roy Hart Institute (Paris, France), Shakespeare and Company (Lenox), Catholic University, and University of Cambridge (England). Horner earned a B.A. in Theater and an M.F.A. in Visual and Performing Arts from George Mason University where he serves as Program Manager for the School of Theater and teaches courses in Directing, Voice and Speech, and Theater Studies. He also serves as Co-director of 1,001 Plays, Mason's first international play exchange. Horner owns and operates InTune Studio– offering classical and musical theater voice and speech. His research interests include Interdisciplinary Arts, Middle Eastern Theater, Directing, and Voice and Speech.

Ahmad Maaty he/him (Choreographer) is an Egyptian-American actor, dancer, choreographer, and singer. He holds an M.F.A. from the Actors Studio Drama School in NYC, and a BA in Theater from George Mason University where he now serves as an adjunct professor for the School of Theater. Ahmad has worked with companies including The Bats Acting Company, Les Shakespeare (NYC), Silk Road Dance Company, Rorschach Theatre, Adventure Theater, The Hub Theater, Workhouse Arts Center, Monumental Theater, Constellation Theater, Acting For Young People, Arlington and Fairfax County Schools, The Academy of Russian Ballet, and the Northern Virginia Youth Ballet (DMV). Ahmad was a finalist at the Actors Studio (NYC). He was named 2019’s Best Actor in a Community Theater Production, 2018's Best Choreographer in a Small Professional Theater byBroadwayWorld, and was a Helen Hayes Nominee for best choreography for his work on Pippin with Monumental Theatre.(www.ahmadmaaty.com)

Caleb McMurtry he/him (Projections Design) is very excited to try his hand as projections designer on this show! This is his 14th show here at George Mason. He has previously worked as a co-sound designer for The Originals! He would like to thank his family for their continued support as well as Jonathan Dahm Robertson, Ruth Yamamoto, Carrie Cox, and Stephan Starling for their guidance and support throughout this new experience.

Shá Norman they/them (Musical Director) is the acting Director of Diversity with the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. Originally from North Carolina, Shá relocated to the DMV after spending thirteen years in Chicago where they weresubmerged in various artistic communities as a percussionist, singer, rapper, and actor. They joined PlayMakers Laboratory Theatre (formally BOM) as a company member in 2011 and performed in venues across the Chicagoland area including Millennium Park, The NeoFuturist, and Logan Center for the Arts. They also directed several school shows performed in CPS schools. PML is an arts education non-profit that teaches creative writing and turns the student’s stories into an original show performed by professional actors and musicians at the end of each residency. After being a company member for several years, they had the opportunity to oversee all educational programming serving as the Program Director and briefly as the Interim Executive Director of PML. Shá received their BA in Communications from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where they served as the assistant director and lead director of UNC Charlotte’s student choir known then as the Unlimited Praise Gospel Choir from 2007-2009. They received their Master of Education Higher Education from the Loyola University of Chicago in 2018.

Addison Picardat she/her (Assistant Technical Director) is a senior at George Mason University. Previous work with the Mason Players includes Stage Manager for Eurydice, Footloose, and Mason Cabaret; Assistant Stage Manager for The Boy Detective Fails and Runaways. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, as well as the cast and crew for their incredible work on this production.

Samba Pathak he/him (Assistant Production Manager) is excited to be back with the Mason Players on another production. Past acting and technical credits include The Boy Detective Fails (Stage Manager, The Mason Players), Eurydice (Assistant Stage Manager, The Mason Players), Reincarnate (Billy, The Mason Players), Ordinary Days (Sub ASM, NextStop Theatre), and The Mountaintop (Projections Designer, NextStop Theatre). Samba currently works as the Operations Specialist and Program Coordinator for the College of Public Health at Mason. He is also the Treasurer and proud brother of the Alpha Psi Omega Alpha Zeta Upsilon Cast. He would like to thank his friends, mentors, and fellow artists for facilitating a wonderful experience as we venture back to in-person productions. Samba would also like to thank his family for their constant support. Enjoy the show! www.SambaPathak.com. @SambaPathak.

Jordan Patnett she/them (Sound Design) is excited to be a part of the production team as the sound designer for Sutta. This will be their first production here at Mason and the first production she's designed sound for since Covid.

Nathan Tilley he/him (Dramaturg) is a third year student at George Mason University and is pursuing a BFA in theater with a concertation in performance. Some of Nathan’s previous experiences in theater at Mason include his role as one of the Stones from Eurydice and or his other dramaturgical work on Just Like Us and Chimichangas and Zoloft. He is incredibly grateful for this experience and looks forward to continuing his work dramaturgically as well as on stage.

Ruth Yamamoto she/her (Stage Manager, Video Director) is an adjunct professor for George Mason University and Prince George’s Community College, production manager, improv consultant, and author (Serious Fun: The Power of Improvisation for Learning and Life). Ruth has worked for and performed at The J. F. Kennedy Center, Asian Stories In America (A.S.I.A.) theatre company, and local DC film/tv productions. She was production manager at The Kitchen in NYC, and technical director at Discovery Theater at the Smithsonian. She holds a PhD in education from Walden University, an MEd in education from Marymount University, and a BA in drama from the University of Hawaii. Dr. Yamamoto has been a theatre educator for 20+ years in public and private schools and is a member for The Association for the Study of Play (TASP), Applied Improv Network (AIN), and SAG/AFTRA.

DRAMATURG'S NOTE SCHOOL OF THEATER FACULTY & STAFF

Dean of College of Visual and Perfroming Arts

Director of the School of Theater

Production Manager

Program Manager

Academic Adviser Office Manager

Marketing Assistant Office Assistant

Faculty

Elizabeth Alman

Kelly Armstrong

Djola Branner

April Brassard

Carrie Cox

Jonathan Dahm Robertson

Rick Davis

Kevin Dunayer Laurel Dunayer

Amr El Bayoumi

David Gaines

Erin Gardiner

James Gardiner

Edward Gero

David Goldstein

Mimsi Janis

Mary Lechter

Rick Davis

Djola Branner

Ruth Yamamoto

Nicholas Kfoury Horner Sara Simanski Mary Burgess Nafisa Ferdous Megan Lederman

Kristin Johnsen-Neshati Billy Kessinger Nicholas Kfoury Horner

Kaiulani Lee Bryce Lenon Ahmad Maaty Heather McDonald Sherrice Mojgani Theresa Ohanian Yaritza Pacheco Franklin Robinson Jr. Shaila Schmidt Sara Simanski

Stefan Sittig Debra Sivigny Joseph Walsh Ruth Yamamoto

DRAMATURG'S NOTE DONOR SUPPORT

TheSchoolofTheaterwishestothankthe followingdonorsfortheirgeneroussupport

Professional Artist Residency in Theater (PART) Legacy Donors

Kenneth and Carol Adelman

Mr. Daniel C. Beck John and Deborah Blacksten Doris Bloch and Bill Hunt Rev. Dr. Elizabeth P. Braxton Jane and Chris Brewster Ms. Lois Brown Charles and Patsy Byrd Gordon and Judy Canyock Ms. Grace Chae Ms. Chris Downey Charles and Eileen Duggan Linda Evans

Dr. and Mrs. William H. Gilcher Irwin and Fay Gold Vernon W. Gras, Ph.D. Mr. Carl Hemmer Emmett L. Holman, Ph.D. Captain Marsha and Robert Rease Marilyn Jones Eileen Mandell

Dr. Alan and Mrs. Sally Merten Mack and Paulette Miller Merle L. Mulvaney Diane and Tim Naughton

Warner and Cheryl North Mr. Ronald Page Robert and Ida Portland Mrs. Lauren W. Rabb Diane and Robert Rafuse Ted and Anne K. Rosenblum Ms. Ann Steers Daniel and Ann Toohey Mikki Van Wyk Edward and Wava Vigen Boeing Company Byrd International, L.L.C. Chevy Chase Trust Council on American Islamic Relations Ken and Molly Elston and The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Committee IBM International Foundation Verizon Foundation

1,001 Plays Supporters

Kristin Johnsen Neshati Phyllis Krochmal Vafa Mostaghim

The Koons Family Nicholas Kfoury Horner

DRAMATURG'S NOTE FRIENDS OF THEATER SUPPORT

Anonymous angel ($5,000+) from July 1, 2021 to August 15, 2022

donor ($2,500 $4,999)

Anonymous

Mack and Paulette Miller Kathryn Pile Norma Jean Reck Sherry Watkins

patron ($1,000 $2,499)

Anonymous Dianne and Gerard Blais Mr. Rick Davis and Ms. Julie Thompson Charles and Eileen Duggan Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hamerschlag Dr. Joy R. Hughes and Mr. Kenneth Lee Literary Managers & Dramaturgs of the Americas Dr. Peter N. Stearns and Ms. Donna L. Kidd Steve Tipton Van Metre Companies Foundation, Inc.

producer ($500 $999)

Joan Bullmer Janet Burchard Judy Canyock Mr. Nicholas M. Horner Barbara Jacksier and Everett Chasen Ms. Kristin Johnsen Neshati and Mr. Amin Neshati Annabelle and David Stone

performer ($200 - $499)

Helen and Bill Ackerman John and Toni Acton Anonymous Jim and Sally Bennett Doris Bloch and Bill Hunt Thomas Carver Joseph and Jocelyn Colao Susan J. Aitel and Jonathan Goldman Alice and Matt Magelssen-Green Sarah Kane Lene Mcvoy MITRE Corporation Don and Sonja Palomaki Robert and Ida Portland Dr. Victoria N. Salmon and Mr. John J. Salmon William Schneider Jean and Kosmo Tatalias Verizon Foundation Christopher Ward

friend (up to $199)

Donald Ball Jasmin Barnes Michelle and Steve Barraclough Anne Buzalski Pat and Pat Carroll Dr. and Mrs. Robert Gerbracht Barry and Peggy Fink Arielle Flax Linda and Shelly Gersten Keith and Joyce Hellems Patricia Houston William Inserra Mr. Edward Jones Shirley Joyce

from July 1, 2021 to August 15, 2022

Harriet Kaplan

Diane

and Linda Kostrzewa

Phyllis

Langelier Paulette Lichtman

and

Eileen Mandell

and

Mary Alice Pett Emily Roudebush Terry Sarley Willa and David Siegel Roy and Margaret Wagner Joseph Walsh Lakyntiew L. Watrous Dean and Andrea Westman George and Marty Whipple Joan R. White Rachel Winograd Ursula Wohlfahrt

DRAMATURG'S NOTE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

School of Theater Scholarships (continuing awards): Dezire Duverglas, Steven Franco, Abigail Hastings, Bianca Peña, Julia Rudgers, and Nathan Tilley

The Howard Vincent Kurtz Endowed Scholarship in Design: Sloan Martin

The Mack & Paulette Miller Theater Scholarship Endowment (2022): Brandon Morris

The Brower “BC” Spransy Memorial Scholarship Endowment (2022): Rayna Ketch

The Chris Parsons Memorial Scholarship: Bella Panciocco

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Theater Scholarship: Samba Pathak

The School of Theater congratulates our 2020 scholarship recipients: Arts by George Scholarships (awarded Spring 2020): Kat Amato, Darren Badley, Jessica Barraclough, Alex Berrios, Erin Cleary, Garvey Dobbins, Samuel Dunn III, Em German, Ariel Kraje, Lenny Mendez, Bianca Peña, Julia Rudgers, Austin Shores, Tyler Shores, Jacqueline Smith, Shanell Stukes, and Alex Weimeyer

Friends of Theater at Mason Scholarships (awarded Spring 2022): Alexandra Berrios, Hasan Crawford, Khue Duong, Steven Franco, Annie Graninger, Megan Lederman, Merin Lemoine, Tony Lemus, Alana Lyons, Shannon Rodgers Theater at Mason would like to thank the Friends of Theater for their ongoing support of our programs, especially their support of scholarships for our students. Please consider becoming a Friend. Please consider giving by logging onto our website https://theater.gmu.edu/give