A Streetcar Named Desire

Written by Tennessee Williams
Directed by L. Peter Callender

Struggle for power is the theme plot in this dynamic Pulitzer Prize-winning and critically acclaimed play by Tennessee Williams. A Streetcar Named Desire reveals the depth of a volatile relationship between Stanley and Stella Kowalski. Gas is poured on the flame when Stella’s sister, Blanche DuBois, arrives on their doorstep. Fleeing from reality caused by her romantic illusions, the Southern Belle teacher, Blanche DuBois, needs the safety of her sister and brutish brother-in-law for relief and ease from the horrible rumors and gossip. In a struggle for power, secrets are exposed and revealed in this devastatingly disturbing production. A classic American play with unforgettable characters. Watch, feel, laugh, cry… share and talk about it.

“African-American Shakespeare’s lusty, furious ‘Streetcar’ belongs to all of us.” —Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle

“Director Peter Callender coaxes the versatile actors of the African-American Shakespeare Company actors to dive fearlessly into the shadowy and steamy soul of this play and resurface in a beautiful catharsis. […] This show is ending too soon, with March 18 being the last performance. Try to see it if you can.” —Christine Okon, Theater & Such

“The African American Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ is simply a masterpiece.” —Gilad Barach, Theatrius

“The African-American Shakespeare Company gives a stronger production, with director L. Peter Callender offering a fresh and impressively witty approach to the life of Blanche DuBois.” —Sophie Kim, The Daily Californian

#StreetcarAASC

Director’s Note

The lyricist asks: “Do you smile to tempt a lover, Mona Lisa? Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?” Questions will endure over the years about the world’s most iconic paintings and sculptures; as well as our literature: novels, poems, and certainly our plays. Questions about Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, the play, as well its characters, will keep coming. The questions asked in 1947, when the play premiered on Broadway, may be asked today, but in different ways. We are a different people in a different world. Yet we are still intrigued, inspired, and incensed by what goes on. I ask that we come to the theater with new eyes and ears, examining this play with a new perspective and forming our conclusions afresh. Leave your preconceived notions at the door and introduce yourself to Stella and Stanley, to Blanche and Mitch, to Steve and Eunice, as new friends worth getting to know. In this way, I think you will enjoy this play even more. Characters you may have had trouble understanding, your life experiences may now allow you to see with more clarity. Even those who seemed unforgivable on first read, may come to have admirable qualities. This is a classic American play with unforgettable characters. Watch, feel, laugh, cry…share and talk about it. After all is said and done, this beautiful play is not just “A cold and lonely, lovely work of art.”

—L. Peter Callender

Cast

Blanche — Jemier Jenkins

It’s been said, that you can’t do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth. Jemier Jenkins is a podcaster, teaching artist, Creative Director of Black Boîte Entertainment (A Boutique Media Production Company), and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Through her work on both sides of the camera & curtain, she’s recognized the importance of art in education and the potential of entrepreneurship to alleviate social issues. Jemier is currently pursuing a master’s degree (MBA) at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management and is an alumna of both Florida State University & William Esper’s Acting Conservatory (NYC). Favorite roles: Molly in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (American Stage); Rena in Jitney (African-American Shakespeare Company – AASC). Favorite gig: stage managing AASC’s production of William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale (Theatre Bay Area Recommended Production). Follow her @UneBlackBoite & www.JemierJenkins.com

Stella — Santoya Fields

Santoya Fields is making her Bay Area debut as Stella in African- American Shakespeare Company’s A Streetcar Named Desire. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Santoya lived in New York City for 14 years where she had a career in Television Production before becoming an actress. Her theater credits include playing the title role in New Brooklyn Theater’s production of Rachel, Whistleblowers’ Off-Broadway play Echoes of Ebola, and as Iphegenia in Everyday Inferno’s Iphegenia Among the Taurians. She can be seen this summer in Shotgun Players’ production of White, a play by James Ijames. Santoya plans to use theater as a way to educate and empower change while working with underprivileged youth and the prison population.

Stanley — Khary Moye

Khary Moye is thrilled to be making his return to the African-American Shakespeare Company (previously seen in Medea)! Originally from New York City, Khary started performing Off-Broadway Theatre before moving to the West Coast. Since then he has worked with multiple theatre companies in the area. Some recent projects are The Piano Lesson (Role Players Ensemble), HELA (TheatreFirst), ZENITH (San Francisco Playhouse Sandbox Series), and A Civil War Christmas (Town Hall Theatre). He would like to thank L. Peter Callender for giving him the opportunity to portray such an iconic character. He would also like to thank his family and friends for always supporting his dreams and keeping him focused. An honorable mention goes to his parents without whose love and guidance none of this would be possible. “I Love you.” Onward!

Eunice — Kim Saunders

Kim Saunders is happy to be returning to African-American Shakespeare Company. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College, then went on to perform at: The Nat Horne Theatre, Neighborhood Playhouse, Academy Arts Theatre Company and American Ballet Theatre at Lincoln Center and many other companies in NYC. She then ventured west to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where she performed for 6 years. Since moving to California she has performed with: San Jose Repertory Theatre, San Jose Stage, Napa Valley Shakespeare, Western Stage and other companies around the country. Kim is a company member of Custom Made Theatre and Left Coast Theatre. She has been nominated twice by San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle for Best Female Principal as well as for Choreography. She also received a nomination from Theatre Bay Area for Choreography. Kim is a professional director and works as a teaching artist in high schools supporting teachers and the amazing students she has the privilege of working with. www.KimSaunders.net

Steve — ShawnJ West

ShawnJ West returns after an exciting run as Bottom in African-American Shakespeare Company’s (AASC) esteemed production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream preceded by two of his favorite roles, Turnbo in AASC’s production of August Wilson’s Jitney and Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale. Favorite roles include Sterling North in Permanent Collection with Piedmont Center for the Arts; Lady Percy in The Free Theatre’s Henry IV, Part I; Doucher in The Piano Lesson & George in Of Mice and Men with Role Players Ensemble Theatre; Buckingham in Richard III and Pandarus in Troilus and Cressida with Impact Theatre; Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing and Gooper in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with AASC. As well as challenging roles as Belize in Angels in America: Perestroika; Gidger in The Violet Hour; Raul in Extremities; and Robert in The Exonerated. He’s also enjoyed roles on the musical side of theatre in Grease, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story and A Chorus Line. Here’s to the journey: live, learn & pass it on. Enjoy!!!

Mitch — Fred Pitts

Fred Pitts is excited to return to the African-American Shakespeare Company (AASC) stage where he was last seen as Shealy in August Wilson’s Jitney. Fred is a company member of AASC and Custom Made Theater in San Francisco and has worked with several theater companies throughout the Bay Area including Contra Costa Civic Theatre, Altarena Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Hillbarn Theatre, Palo Alto Players, Pear Theatre, and Dragon Productions. Fred also has numerous film/TV/commercial credits. And the rumors are true—he is a doctor by day. Really. Much love NK!

Pablo / Young Man — Jarrett Holley

Jarrett Holley is proud to continue his work with the African-American Shakespeare Company after appearing in Cinderella and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He is originally from Memphis, TN, but has lived and worked in the Bay Area for over 10 years since graduating from the Academy of Art University with an AA in Motion Pictures and Television here in the city. He has a passion for languages, swords, and stage combat, and is known as the resident Star Wars encyclopedia among his friends.

Doctor / Ensemble — Nathaniel Andalis

Nathaniel Andalis is an actor born and based in the East Bay. He is a graduate of Pacific Conservatory Theatre and company member of Ubuntu Theater Project. His recent work includes: Hamlet in Hamlet (San Francisco Shakespeare Festival) and Laertes (Arabian Shakespeare Festival); Biff in Death of a Salesman (Ubuntu Theatre Project); Tyler in Laughing Stock (Role Players Ensemble); Marco in A View from the Bridge (Northside Theater Company); Frank in Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Douglas Morrison Theater) and spending a Summer in rep at Illinois Shakespeare Festival doing Hamlet, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Twelfth Night. He is thrilled to be a part of the African-American Shakespeare Company for his first time.

Neighbor / Nurse — Jan Hunter

Jan Hunter is excited about returning to the African-American Shakespeare stage, having previously performed in their productions as Jocasta in Oedipus, Lady Teazle in School for Scandal, and Mrs. Higgins in Pygmalion. She also performed for the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre in their heyday. Jan, born and raised in Los Angeles, received her B.A. in Drama, M.A. in Teacher of the Arts, and M.A. in Education. A newly retired theatre Educator, she was the Director of the Performing Arts Academy at Skyline High School for 24 years, directing and producing four productions a year. Jan does dramatic storytelling at a private school in the East Bay for youths. She’d like to thank her family and community for their love and support. She’s looking forward to this production and the pleasure of working with L. Peter Callender. The Drama lives!

Production Team

Director — L. Peter Callender

L. Peter Callender is the Artistic Director of African-American Shakespeare Company, Bay Area veteran actor, director, teacher, mentor, father and proud member of Actors Equity Association. He’s been a visiting professor at Stanford University (Acting Shakespeare and Fundamentals of Directing), and conducted classes at Waterfront Conservatory Playhouse, UCEB and Emory University in Atlanta. His recent directing credits include: Safe House at Aurora Theater Company; We are Proud to Present… at San Jose Stage; Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Jitney, and A Raisin in the Sun at American Stage Company (St. Petersburg, FL); and A Raisin in the Sun, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Much Ado About Nothing, Jitney, and The Winter’s Tale at African-American Shakespeare Company. A few acting credits: Master Harold…and the Boys (Sam, Aurora Theatre Company), Swimmers (Walter, Marin Theater Company), Whipping Man (Simon, Marin Theater Company), Breakfast with Mugabe (Mugabe, Aurora Theater Company), Proof (Robert, TheatreWorks) and 20 years of great theater at California Shakespeare Theatre! www.LPeterCallender.com

Production Manager — Leontyne Mbele-Mbong

Leontyne Mbele-Mbong is in her second season with the African-American Shakespeare Company as the Production Manager, having previously supplied them editing services. She is the founder of CogentOAK, a virtual admin business that provides administrative assistance. Prior to starting her own business, Leontyne worked for 10 years at an engineering consultant firm, working her way from temporary receptionist to business development coordinator. The customer service skills she learned in her first job as travel agent fresh out of college, she now puts to use at the American Conservatory Theater box office, and at various theaters across the city where she can be seen working front of house. The over-arching theme of this patchwork is assisting people with just what they need to do what they desire hassle-free—be it seeing a show or working on the aspect of the budding business they love. She even creates websites! Check hers out atwww.CogentOAK.com.

Stage Manager — Apollonia

Apollonia has been acting for 13 years and stage managing for eight years. They have worked on theatre in the USA, Italy, and South Korea, where they started and ran their own theatre troupe of expats (Busan English Theatre Association), putting on plays such as the English premiere of Clowns. They are currently living and working as a stage manager and theatre technician in San Francisco with PianoFight and various companies. When not working, they are volunteering at queer spaces. They are excited to work on this show and wish all the actors, crew, and staff the best.

Set Designer — Kevin August Landesman

Kevin August Landesman is a Bay Area-based lighting, sets, and projections designer for opera, dance, and theatre. He is also the Lighting Director and frequent designer for West Edge Opera, Resident Designer for Bay Area Children’s Theatre, and the Technical Director for Hidden Valley Music Seminars. He has designed for local companies such as West Bay Opera, Mark Foehringer Dance Company, Ray of Light Theatre, 42nd Street Moon, Golden Thread Productions, and Ferocious Lotus Theatre Company.

Lighting Designer — Kevin Myrick

This is Kevin Myrick’s 16th season working with the African-American Shakespeare Company as the company’s resident technical director and lighting designer, sometimes switching to sets, sound, or projections. He studied technical theatre at San Francisco State University, and later earned degrees and worked in Computer Science and Technology. Since 1974 Kevin has worked as a designer, technical director or theatre tech for many artists and arts organizations including civic organizations like the San Francisco Arts Commission, the San Francisco Neighborhood Arts Program, and the Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, theatre companies like San Francisco’s Lorraine Hansberry Theatre Company, AfroSolo, Cultural Odyssey, the Oakland Ensemble Theatre Company, the Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company, Alliance Theatre Company, Just Us Theatre Company, and dance companies like the Wajumbe Cultural Ensemble, Dimensions Dance Theatre Company, and the Village Dancers. Kevin has also produced and designed for local cable television in metro Atlanta and San Francisco.

Sound Designer — Everett Elton Bradman

Everett Elton Bradman was most recently composer/sound designer for Studio Theatre’s Helen Hayes Award-nominated Skeleton Crew and music director for As You Like It at the California Shakespeare Theater. Other designs include Winter’s Tale, also at Cal Shakes; Thurgood, at the Lorraine Hansberry Theater; as well as music for Lincoln-Mercury, the San Francisco Mime Troupe, and the New Pickle Circus. His bass work on Madi Das’s 2015 album Bhakti Without Borders helped it nab a Grammy nomination. As a writer/editor, Elton has worked for Rolling Stone, Vibe, Guitar World, and Bass Player. He holds a BS in journalism (Florida A&M University) and an MFA in music for visual media (Academy of Art University).

Costume & Prop Designer — Rachael Heiman

Rachael Heiman is a Bay Area Production Designer and Fabricator. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the first show that she worked on for the African-American Shakespeare Company and she is very excited to be part of the team for A Streetcar Named Desire. Rachael has been working in the Bay Area as an actor as well as a costume, prop, and set designer for seven years. In that time, she has worked with San Francisco Playhouse, West Bay Opera, Opera Parallèle, Marin Shakespeare Company, Silicon Valley Shakespeare Company, The San Jose Stage, and the up-and-coming interactive theater experience The Speakeasy San Francisco. Currently, she is a third-year undergraduate at the California College of the Arts where she is mixing Industrial Design, Sculpture, and Fashion Design into one individualized major.

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