Azuka Theatre & Simpatico Theatre present
An Army of Lovers
Written By R. ERIC THOMAS
Starring *DAVID BARDEEN, *DAVID BAZEMORE, BRITTANY ONUKWUGHA, ERIN N. STEWART, & *ZUHAIRAH
Scenic Designer MARIE LASTER
Lighting Designer NATALIE ROBIN
Costume Designer ANNA SORRENTINO
Sound Designer LARRY D. FOWLER, JR.
Video Designer JANELLE A. KAUFFMAN
Properties AVISTA CUSTOM THEATRICAL, LLC
Production Manager LAUREN TRACY
Production Stage Manager MIRANDA WATKINS
Directed by KASH GOINS
A New Play MAY 2 - 19, 2024
CAST
Brittany Onukwugha.………………………Chloe
*David Bazemore…………………………….Jordan
*David Bardeen……………………………….Chuck
Erin N. Stewart…………………………………Janine
*Zuhairah………………………………………….Page
Time & Location:
Tomorrow, on the Independence Campus of Connection.
There will be one 15 minute intermission.
We may be unable to re-seat patrons who leave the theater during the performance.
Please turn OFF all electronic devices prior to the performance.
We welcome you to take photos before and after the performance, however photography or recording during this production is strictly prohibited. For social media: @AzukaTheatre #AnArmyOfLovers
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The land upon which we gather is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called “Lenapehoking.” The Lenape People lived in harmony with one another upon this territory for thousands of years. During the colonial era and early federal period, many were removed west and north, but some also remain among the continuing historical tribal communities of the region: The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation; the Ramapough Lenape Nation; and the Powhatan Renape Nation, The Nanticoke of Millsboro Delaware, and the Lenape of Cheswold Delaware. We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. In our acknowledgment of the continued presence of Lenape people in their homeland, we affirm the aspiration of the great Lenape Chief Tamanend, that there be harmony between the indigenous people of this land and the descendants of the immigrants to this land, “as long as the rivers and creeks flow, and the sun, moon, and stars shine.”
– We thank the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation for sharing this statement.
The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape are still here! Get to know them and show your support at www.nlltribe.com.
OUR NAME
Azuka Theatre Founder, Raelle Myrick-Hodges named the company after her niece, Jane Azuka, and to honor the strong community in which she was raised. The name Azuka is from the Nigerian word meaning “strength of foundation.”
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As a consumer of the theatre, I find it most rewarding to interact with work that does two primary things. Work that offers earnest, opposing points of view and invites me to challenge my own status quo(s) stays with me the longest. That which peels back layers that reveal and make invitation to more of the humanity that's germane to the blood and breath that binds us is what propels me to growth.
Theatre is in some ways a reflection of society. A mirror that captures and documents the myriad of components comprising a collective human experience. In our world, which is often divided and defined by our differences, the stage becomes a space where audiences can come together and foster a sense of connection. And maybe walk away with a renewed sense of understanding. Or, sometimes more importantly, a renewed hope of being understood. It's about stepping outside of us, if only for a moment, and seeing the world through someone else's eyes. It offers what I believe to be a unique window through which to view humanity, with all its complexities. To become more forgiving, less judgmental, quicker to indulge, slower to dismiss, to be more tolerant.
As an artist, I'm drawn to and inspired by the transformative power of theater. We’re transported to different perspectives through the lens of a playwright's imagination. The generosity in the actor’s submission to character ushers us to different worlds. The collaborative construction of scenery, lighting, video, sound, and costume propels us to the middle of different eras. It’s a rare invitation to sit amongst a group of strangers and have the same dream.
Specifically, as a director, I see my role not only as a steward of the text, and conduit to identifiably coherent storytelling, but also as an explorer and facilitator of the empathy embodied within. Within the work. Within the company. Within those who interact with the work in any way. I strive to co-create productions that resonate on a visceral level, inviting audiences to step into the shoes of characters who may be vastly different from themselves.
Throughout my career, this is the work that fills me. Having embarked on this journey, and partnering with this uber talented playwright, and these generous and skilled actors, designers, and all other supporting members of this company and production team, I'm full.
-KG
CAST
Click on the headshots to read artist bios
CREATIVE TEAM
STAFF & CREDITS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lee Porter - President
Dustin Dove - Vice-President
Rosie McNamara-Jones - Treasurer
Kimberly Engel
Kate Meredith Esposito
Larry D. Fowler, Jr.
Steven Wright
We’re looking to grow our Board! Want to know more?
AZUKA THEATRE COMPANY MEMBERS
Artistic Director - New Play Production - Rebecca May Flowers
Artistic Director- New Play Development - Reva Stover
Community Engagement Director - Ryir Norris
Marketing & Patron Services Director - Mark H. Andrews
Resident Dramaturg - Autumn Blalock
Marketing Assistant - Cheyenne Parks
PR Representation - Kory Aversa / Aversa PR & Events, LLC
FRONT OF HOUSE
House Manager - Sam Volosky
Box Office Staff - Kassidy Karlese, Victoria Crenshaw, Caroline, Juelke, Asher Lentz, Lucas McLean, Jessica Merkins, Talia Speak, Abby Toll
PRODUCTION CREW & CREDITS
Technical Director - Peter Nicholls
Assistant Production Manager - Jackie Tracy-Cowles
Master Electrician - Andrew Cowles
Audio Engineer - John Kolbinski
Video Programmer - Drew Mangione
Carpenters - Dylan Bickhart, AJ Garrigus, Noah Mannix, Sam Roff, Zoe Seida
Scenic Charge - Annemarie Branco, Fen Jeeters
Electricians - Noah Mannix, Zoe Seida
Stitcher - V Hope
Production Photographer - Johanna Austin
Graphic Design - Mark H. Andrews & Derek Carnegie
Printing - Quaker Printing, ARC Document Solutions
Special Thanks - InterAct Theatre Company, Allison Heishman & Simpatico Theatre
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
If your name has been omitted or misprinted, please accept our apologies and kindly notify us by contacting Mark Andrews at 215.563.1100
Thanks to the following funders for their generous organizational and programmatic support:
∞ RAD, Recurring Azuka Donor
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
National Endowment for the Arts • William Penn Foundation • Independence Foundation • The Philadelphia Foundation - Jay & Deen Kogan Fund, Virginia Brown Martin Fund • MKM Foundation • Philadelphia Cultural Fund • PA Council on the Arts • The Shubert Foundation • Lida Foundation • Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation • Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation • CHG Foundation • Charlotte Cushman Foundation • The Wyncote Foundation
CORPORATE SUPPORT
Harmelin Media • PECO Charitable Giving Program • National Philanthropic Trust • MAC Capital Partners, Inc. • Raymond James - Bushnell/Pelkey Fund • Two Roads Brewing • Nook Bakery & Coffee Bar • Castellino’s • The Lab Worlds Group • Intergal Molecular • Scrub Pro Uniforms
PRODUCERS CIRCLE
NEW PLAY PRODUCTION HONORARY PRODUCER ($5,000+)
Dr. Joel & Mrs. Roberta Porter
ARTISTIC PRODUCER ($1,000 - $2,499)
John & Fern Culhane • Cyana La Divertida • David Fedor • Rosie McNamara-Jones • Paulette Singleton • Robin & Patrick Tracy
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS ($500 - $999)
Robert & Mary Anne Andrews • ∞Mark H. Andrews & Derek Carnegie • ∞Kimberly Engel • ∞Kate Esposito • Elizabeth H. Gemmill • Gary Kao • Drs. Ken & Julie Kendall • Lyndsey & Kevin McCormick • Michael Norris & Matt Varrato • Lee Porter • ∞David J. Wierz
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
IDEALIST ($100 - $499)
∞Patreshettarlini Adams • Ann Cohen • ∞Danielle Dilks • ∞Edward Dilks • ∞Rebekah Doyle • Jonathan V. Edmondson • ∞Heather E. Evans • ∞Rebecca May Flowers • ∞Ellen Foley • Larry Fowler • Dan Gannon • Greg Gephart • ∞Laura R. Hamilton • The Hankenson Family • Margaret Harris • Bob & Esther Hornik • Caren & Stuart Hosansky • Donna Hunt & Chris Deephouse • David Ingram & Melanye Finister • Anne & Craig Jorgensen • ∞Kissy Lazo & Andrew Guyon • Tim Martin • Bernard Mason • Daniel & Janelle McGovern • ∞Lisa & Chris McLean • Brian Moore • ∞Andrea Nardello • ∞Charlotte Northeast • Sally Pankaj • Dan & Stacey Ramsey • Carol Rothery • ∞Heather Smalley • ∞John Walber & Julie Slavet • Brian & Alan • Philly Home Girls • Robert Wickline • Anonymous (4)
REALIST (up to $99)
Robert & Stephanie Andrews • Johanna Austin • Sara Blumenthal & John Rawles • Linnea Bond • Helen Burke • Timothy P. Carey • John Paul Christy • ∞Rob & MB Dalonzo • Stephanie Dockery • Pat Donoghue • Leesha Fagan • L. Falk • Julie Fialkow • ∞Robin Fieler • Patricia & Narinder Garg • Nan Gilbert • ∞Austin Ginsberg • Paul & Terry Guerin • Jandayi Harmon • Jean Haskell • David Hodges • Michael Hollinger & Megan Bellwoar • Mira Jackson • Sanda & Hugh Janney • ∞Lisa Johnson • Kim Jordan • Rhonda Kinard • Sharon Kling • Margaret Lonzetta • Barry & Debby Lurie • Krista Mar • Bernadette McCottry • Shawna McMenamin • KC MacMillan • Brian & Becky Papendick • Teresa Peterson • Kirsten Quinn • Nora Quinn • ∞Kathleen R. • ∞Mercedes Ruiz • ∞Brittany Schmitke • Stephanie Shepard • Evan Sleppy • Thomas Taylor • Trina Tjersland • Patricia Toy • Stephanie Waters • Alec Williams • Carl Young • Sheila Young • Anonymous (12)
*The noted Actors in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.