Brévo Theatre Presents"Freshly Rooted Staged Readings" |
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Cast
Anika Dara
Ensemble
Daryan Lyew-Ayee
Ensemble
Bobby Cheatham
Ensemble
Isadelle Mercedes
Passion
Femi Ogunleye
Ensemble
Jamaine Benjamin Jr.
Fear
Janiaya Forbs
Ensemble
JaVonda Carter
Ensemble
Marlo Vashti Rodriguez
Ensemble
SheKendra Parrish
Ensemble
Creative Team
Bryan Keyth Wilson
Playwright
Brittany King
Director
Fatima Beneby
Stage Manager
Terrence Pride
Producing Artistic Director/Assistant Director/Costume Designer
Zaylin Yates
Founding Managing Director
Brianna Pierre
Lighting Designer
Naomi Ray Barnett
Assistant Stage Manager
MNM Theatre
Set Builder
Giovanny Montufar
Creative Director
Trish Rolas
Photographer
Ann Payne Nimmons
Props/Costume Assistant
Harlan Penn
Set Designer
David Hart
Sound Designer
Antonia Scott
Assistant Choreographer
Meet the Company
Anika Dara
Ensemble
ANIKA DARA is an artist & entertainer hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Of her many hats, she especially enjoys singing, dancing & acting. A lover of performing on camera & stage- she also plays instruments including the guitar, and ukulele. As well as spending some of her time writing. One of her favorite things about theater is getting to work & play with friends that are family. She thanks God, her family, friends, & everyone that’s shared support and guidance on her journey. You can keep up with her at www.anikadara.com & follow her on all social media & streaming platforms at @anikadara.
Daryan Lyew-Ayee
Ensemble
Daryan Lyew-Ayee is excited to be working with Brevo theatre as this is his first project with the organization. He recently graduated with a BA in theatre from FAU last may and has since worked professionally with Art Prevails Project in their shows “The Bard in Bars” and “The Happening.” He believes the stories being told in this show are very important and powerful and hopes everyone enjoys them as well as has a good time.
Bobby Cheatham
Ensemble
Bobby Cheatham is a 33-year-old performer and educator whose passion for theater began in childhood after seeing The Lion King Off-Broadway and being inspired by the power of Alvin Ailey’s performances. He has since developed his craft as an actor and singer, appearing in productions such as Whose House Is This?, Scrooge, A Christmas Carol, and portraying Marley in Scrooge, with his most cherished role being Kerchak in Tarzan, his first musical. A rich tenor-baritone, Bobby also performs spoken word under the name “Serenity,” using language and rhythm to deepen his storytelling. Influenced by August Wilson and inspired by artists such as Sidney Poitier, Nichelle Lewis, and Cynthia Erivo, he brings the same passion to the classroom, encouraging students to experience literature through performance. Whether on stage or in education, Bobby is dedicated to inspiring creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of storytelling.
Isadelle Mercedes
Passion
Isadelle Mercedes is a South Florida–based performer, director, and public speaker whose work spans theater, film, music, and live storytelling. In 2025, she performed at the Parker Playhouse and Broward Center for the Performing Arts in The Bard in Bars, appeared in productions including Sylvia, Love and Hate, He Said Yes!, and a staged reading of Tartufo in Tampa, and featured in multiple music videos, including All Worked Out and Black Violin. She also premiered her short film Beyond the Mess, which she directed and starred in. Isadelle’s work centers on connection, expression, and the power of storytelling across disciplines. IG: Imisadelle
Femi Ogunleye
Ensemble
Femi Ogunleye started diving into acting at the age of 16 starting with theater plays for local community. Since then Femi has had the chance to be trained at the Actor's Lab in Charlotte NC under JD Lewis and Pat Dorch to grow and evolve as an actor. Over the years I have had the pleasure of auditioning and being part of multiple productions in front of the camera. With this new journey after a detour I am excited to be part of this talented cast and looking forward to many more experiences to forward this incredible art.
Jamaine Benjamin Jr.
Fear
Jamaine (Jae) Benjamin Jr. is a 24-year-old Afro-Caribbean American actor who began performing at age 13. The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center served as his “dojo,” where he honed his craft and developed a passion for storytelling. A graduate of Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School’s theatre magnet program, Jae also discovered his talents in choreography and directing. He has since performed throughout South Florida, connecting with audiences from all walks of life. Through his dedication and artistry, Jae strives to inspire young Black and Brown youth to embrace their potential and shape the future of their communities.
Janiaya Forbs
Ensemble
Janiaya Forbs is making her professional theatre debut in this production. She is from Miami, Florida and recently graduated from Florida State University, where she studied theatre performance. Her background is primarily in film, including training in film acting in London. She has a passion for grounded, character-driven storytelling. Janiaya is excited to bring her experience to the stage with Brevo Theatre.
JaVonda Carter
Ensemble
JaVonda Carter is a South Florida native born in Fort. Lauderdale, Florida. She is thrilled to be making her debut with Brevo Theatre Company and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this production. She would like to thank her friends and family for their continuous support and encouragement.
Marlo Vashti Rodriguez
Ensemble
Marlo Vashti Rodriguez is a Cuban and Haitian actress, director, and vocalist based in Florida. She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Florida Atlantic University where she co-founded The Black Undergraduate Theatre Collective. Marlo Vashti serves as ensemble member for both New City Players and Art Prevails Project. Passionate about building community through theatre, she strives to create transformative artistic experiences utilizing all her artistic skills. She’s grateful to be making her debut performance with Brevo Theatre Company. www.marlovashti.com
SheKendra Parrish
Ensemble
SheKendra Parrish, a Fort Lauderdale native is always excited for all opportunities to be a part of live theatre. Her performance credits include, Violet (Music Hall singer), Polaroid stories (Persephone), A chorus Line (Vickie/Ensemble), 9 to 5 (Doctor/Ensemble), Of House and Home Stage Reading (Art prevails project), Seeking (Mama Mattie), The Happening (Ensemble), and she was cast in little shop Of Horrors (Chiffon) and ensemble in the black nativity. SheKendra enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and ultimately teaching theatre to the next generations. SheKendra is so grateful and excited to be a
working with Brévo Theatre again.
Bryan Keyth Wilson
Playwright
Bryan-Keyth Wilson (He/Him) Dubbed the Literary Prince, is a noted multi-hyphenate/ award-winning playwright in the theatre and publishing industry. As a theatre artist/ producer, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of every project he takes on. BKW started producing theatre Off-Off-Broadway at The Variety Cafe at Rockefeller Center with shows such as PAMLET and THE SUBWAY SERIES. BKW studied Musical Theatre with a Dance emphasis at Sam Houston State University. He is the founding artistic director of The Creative Co-Lab TX|NYC.
Wilson is the inaugural winner of the Paterson Performing Arts & Development Council Playwright Residency Award; he received a playwright residency and a virtual showcase of his choreopoem FOR COLORED BOYZ on the verge of a nervous breakdown/ when freedom aint enuff (New Jersey Theatre Alliance). Wilson was the inaugural winner of the Stories of Diversity Playwright Festival at The Fulton Theatre. After winning he directed, and choreographed the World Premiere of FOR COLORED BOYZ at The Fulton Theatre. Other plays written includes a 2nd installment to the FOR COLORED BOYZ series titled LUV NO LIMIT/ a lovers ballad, sTrapped (Downtown Urban Arts Festival Finalist), The Caregiver, HOOD BOY, No Ways Tired, Annexed, Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife, the musical two ten-minute plays Worlds Apart, and dis-placed. Currently, Wilson is developing a musical on the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis titled THE BOY FROM TROY.
Wilson won four literary awards for his choreopoem FOR COLORED BOYZ and produced a sold-out showcase Off-Broadway at Theatre Row for the Downtown Urban Arts Festival, where his show won Best Audience. Wilson is developing his first comic book series, THE TALENTED TENTH, on Wilson Comics/B’s Ink Publishing. He is a five-year faculty member of The Black Writers Reunion & Conference, founder of The Gulf-Coast Writers Retreat, and creator of the LIFT EV’RY VOICE International Playwright & Spoken World Virtual Festival. Wilson is a proud member of The Dramatist Guild.
Brittany King
Director
Brittany “BK” King is a poet, playwright, actor, and cultural organizer from South Florida. She has been featured in experimental theatre productions with Donkeysaddle Projects, Her first tour was a Brothers United & Black Actors Guild production of “For Colored Girls..”, where she played the role of Lady in Green. She has also been featured in and written over 50 original plays and sketches with The Black Actor’s Guild of Tallahassee, FL. Her most recent roles have been in ensembles with Art Prevails Project of Broward County; Brévo Theatre, and she recently worked with Maroon Isle Productions in their original musical Oskuneru where she played the lead role of Ama. Brittany was a 2024 Fellow with City Theatre of Miami’s Homegrown Playwrights Residency. She is excited to be featured as a Director in this year’s rendition of Freshly Rooted. Find out more about her work at www.brittanyking.me
Fatima Beneby
Stage Manager
Fatima Beneby is thrilled to be stage managing her first production at Brévo Theatre with the Freshly Rooted Series. She is a recent graduate of Florida State University where she earned a B.A. in Theatre and Media Communications, with a concentrated study in performance and stage management. Her stage management credits include The Lesson (FSU School of Theatre) and Into The Woods (The Performance Project). As a performer, Fatima debuted her original performance art piece Ask a Mythical Creature! at the FSU Spring Fringe and appeared in Bulrusher with the FSU School of Theatre.
She extends her heartfelt thanks to the Beneby family, the Allen family, and the church family at Mount Hermon AME in Fort Lauderdale for their unwavering support and encouragement.
Terrence Pride
Producing Artistic Director/Assistant Director/Costume Designer
Terrence “TM” Pride is a native of Quincy, Florida, and a graduate of Florida A&M University in theater performance and dance. He received his Master of Education in Urban Education from Florida International University in 2022. He has choreographed over 60 pieces of work, including musicals and dance recitals. A man of many talents; director, choreographer, dancer, costume designer, and teacher. Terrence can be seen on the stage or behind the camera; Rialto Theatre’s American Black Princess, HBO’s Love Craft Country are two of his most recent productions. He completed his third year as a principal dancer with Peter London Global Dance Company in 2022. His career as a professional teaching artist began in 2012, as the director of the arts program for 21st Century Fun2Learn Camp for four years in Gadsden County. He continued his work in arts administration at the Joan Kroc Atlanta Theater Camp, Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota, FL, Apalachee Tapestry School of the Arts in Tallahassee, FL, Ailey Camp Miami at the Adrienne Arsht Center, and lastly Dillard Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Terrence curated Definitive Arts: Arts Integrated Education, lessons for the classroom teacher infuse common core with fun and energetic elements of drama and dance! As a scholar and advocate for cultural and arts education, he aspires to create safe and nurturing spaces for arts and cultural exploration and representation through theater and dance. Through his involvement with local and state grant committees, The E.A.T.N. Project, which connects communities and schools, and the South Florida Afro Pride organization which promotes health and wellness amongst the black LGBTQAI+ community, Terrence is actively engaged in community and collaboration. Recently, T.M. Pride received the Sara Spencer Child Drama Award from the Southeastern Theatre Conference for his dynamic and engaging work for young people.
Zaylin Yates
Founding Managing Director
Zaylin Yates is the Founding Managing Director of Brévo Theatre, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing equity in the arts by elevating the voices of young Black artists and spotlighting emerging talent across disciplines. Under his visionary leadership, Brévo has produced critically acclaimed, socially relevant programming that engages diverse audiences and fosters community dialogue through the performing arts. The organization is widely recognized for its bold storytelling, inclusive casting practices, and commitment to cultivating the next generation of theatre professionals.
In addition to leading Brévo Theatre, Zaylin serves as Manager of Community Engagement at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, where he designs and implements initiatives that connect South Florida communities to transformative cultural experiences. His work bridges arts access and education, deepening civic engagement through live performance and strategic partnerships.
Read More about Zaylin
A graduate of Florida A&M University, Zaylin holds an M.B.A., a B.S. in Business Administration, and a B.A. in Theatre Performance. His cross-sector expertise in nonprofit management, creative production, and community-building informs his strategic approach to arts leadership. Over the past decade, he has produced, directed, and performed in a range of theatrical works, always with a focus on authentic storytelling and cultural relevance.
Zaylin’s impact extends beyond the stage. He has sat on grant review panels for the Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts & Culture, Broward Cultural Division, and the South Arts Advisory Council, helping to shape arts funding policy and support for regional organizations.
He is the recipient of the Joel A. Crane Golden Spirit Award, Lead With Your Art, Community Trailblazer Award, a South Florida Legacy 40 Under 40 Honoree, and an ICABA Salute to Men Who Lead Honoree.
Zaylin’s work is driven by a core belief: that the arts are a powerful tool for social change. Through strong governance, visionary programming, and community-rooted engagement, he continues to build spaces where underrepresented voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.
Brianna Pierre
Lighting Designer
Naomi Ray Barnett
Assistant Stage Manager
Naomi Ray-Barnett, a Miami native, may still be new to the world of stage management but she definitely isn’t new to the world theatre. She has been performing since the age of 12, cultivating her craft through amazing programs such as Brevo's very own Young, Gifted, & Brave Summer Conservatory. Even when she’s not on the stage, Naomi will always find an outlet for her creativity, one of her most notable pastimes being cosplaying. Whether she’s in the spotlight or
behind the curtain, nothing brings her more joy than being a part of a show. IG: Minoarae
MNM Theatre
Set Builder
Giovanny Montufar
Creative Director
Trish Rolas
Photographer
Ann Payne Nimmons
Props/Costume Assistant
Harlan Penn
Set Designer
David Hart
Sound Designer
Antonia Scott
Assistant Choreographer
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