Th. June 11, 2020
7:30pm
Join the actors and the playwright/director as we premiere their reading.
Hair Ye, Hair Ye...
Written by Baindu D. Kalokoh
Directed by Julie Ann Lucas
performed by Ash Mayers and Asha John
In Hair Ye, Hair Ye... a charismatic woman comedically reflects upon the (mis)perceptions of her afro-textured hair. The versatility of her hairstyles parallel her diverse, and sometimes awkward, encounters. Her narration begins with childhood memories and progresses into adulthood. Whether her experiences occur on the playground or in the workplace, bewilderment ensues.
Baindu D. Kalokoh (Hair Ye, Hair Ye... | Playwright) is an award-winning actor and writer who hails from Brooklyn, NY. Her credits include: Revolution’s Smite (Women's Work Short Play Lab); Don’t (50in50: What Place Do We Have In This Movement?); Platform Griot (Midtown International Theatre Festival); Tenneh (Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship - Finalist, National Black Theatre Festival); and The Second Wedding (Short+Sweet Dubai). She is a math and theater educator, and founder of Theatrematics LLC, a STEAM-centered educational services company.
Asha John (Hair Ye, Hair Ye... | Gigi) was born on the islands of Trinidad & Tobago. She moved with her family to New York at a very young age. Post her Baccalaureate career, Asha pursued a career on Wall Street as an actuarial analyst. In 2010, she pursued a career change and decided to focus on her acting and dancing career as one of her passions. She soon realized another passion: teaching and working with children. In 2011, she began working as a teaching artist bringing her love of step, theater, dance, and math to the students of New York City. Combining her passion for theater, arts, and education, Asha is currently enrolled in NYU Steinhardt where she received her Master of Arts in Educational Theater for Colleges and Communities. Since 2009, Asha has been determined and relentless in pursuit of her dream and has been cast in numerous productions for stage and film. Her current credits encompass original work as well as classics like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In the near future, Asha hopes to be cast in a major motion picture as well as a Tony Award-winning production on Broadway.
Ash Mayers (Hair Ye, Hair Ye... | Various): Ash is very thrilled to be making her debut with the EstroGenius Festival. She enjoys working on contemporary theatrical pieces and has performed in new works at the Public Theater, JACK, and the Black Lady Theatre. She thanks you from the bottom of your heart for your support. Special thanks to Julie Ann Lucas, Baindu Kalokoh, and Asha John for being the best Zoom rehearsal team. BFA, Brooklyn College. More at www.ashmayers.com.
Julie Ann Lucas (Hair Ye, Hair Ye... | Director) Leo, mother to 2 dog & 4 cat’s, Director, Filmmaker,Producer, Photographer & actor from Los Angeles.