We are thrilled to announce the cast for the reading of India Nicole Burton’s play SaFronia’s Daughter. The reading will take place at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre on January 9 at 7pm. Reservations are required for this free event, and can be made here.
PsyWrn Simone (Ballou “Bee” Rufus)
PsyWrn Simone is a multi-talented Creative Powerhouse from Indianapolis, IN. Shifting seamlessly from Vocalist to (song)Writer, to Lyricist, to Spoken Word Artist, to Actor, to Teaching Artist—her intersectional work functions as a critical cultural audit, intending to instigate progress and change! Additionally, she is the Associate Artistic Director for the Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis.
Jonathan Studdard (Jefferson “Jinx” Rufus)
Jonathan is ecstatic to tell this beautiful story penned by a black woman! Favorite credits include Lola (Kinky Boots), Lumieré (Beauty & The Beast), The Preacher (Color Purple), Wayne, Tiny Joe Dixon (Dreamgirls) and Rexy (The Legend of Georgia McBride) Outside of performing, Jon enjoys working in Hospitality Management and running his styling business, J Studdy Styles! God, I thank you! Spread kindness!
Austin Hookfin (Jethrow “Fool Boy” Rufus)
Austin Hookfin is a proud graduate of North Central High School. Austin is an Encore award winner and Broadway World Indianapolis award nominee. Favorite roles would include Tom Collins in Civic Theatre’s production of RENT, LeRoy in Betty Rage Productions’ The Bad Seed and Crooks in Westfield Playhouse’s Of Mice and Men. Austin is also member of Indy’s ComedySportz.
Tracy Nakigozi (Sepsy Jo Rufus)
Tracy Nakigozi is pleased to make her debut with the New Harmony Project family. Her recent credits include Oak by Terry Guest with Phoenix Theatre, and Stew by Zora Howard with NAATC. She is grateful for the New Harmony Project team, and Phoenix Theatre, for their support and belief in her artistic journey. She is also thankful for her parents, and close friends for their love and support.
Jamaal McCray (Deacon “Peppa” Baptiste)
Bio coming soon.
Alex Oberheide (Lawrance Rufus Jr.)
Alex Oberheide is excited to be making his New Harmony Project debut. Recent credits include: Red Speedo with American Lives Theater and Dinner with Friends at Theater Wit Chicago. Alex received his MFA in Acting from UCLA. Love to mom, dad, and brother for the continued support and encouragement on this artistic journey.
Emily Bohannon (Edwina Beauviee Rufus)
Emily has entered stage left and is happy to be here! She has performed at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Beef and Boards, ATI, and has worked as a performer and choreographer for Defiance Comedy and the Indy Fringe Festival. She is also a member of ComedySportz Indianapolis.
Dena L Toler (SaFronia Rufus)
Actor, director, writer, artistic visionary for two decades, Dena L Toler works with several theaters in the city. Most recently Asst. Directing, Indianapolis Black Theater Company's The Mountaintop and Directing can I touch it at Fonseca Theatre. "I am honored to work with the New Harmony Project and blessed to share this beautifully written, magical tale".
Cara Wilson (Stage Directions)
Cara Wilson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is a film and theatre graduate from Goshen College. Cara has been in plays like Panther Women, Pride and Prejudice, Your Love Will Be Judged, A Skeptic And A Bruja, Judy’s Life Work, Ain’t No Mo, and most recently A Very Pheonix XMAS! She is super excited and honored to return to NHP to participate in a reading of SaFronia’s Daughter!!