Jyna Roots (Auseetua-The Griot)
Originally from Washington, D.C., Jyna refined her passion for all aspects of theatre while attending Dillard University. Her work with schools and in the community has afforded her opportunities to write and co-write half a dozen plays. She has also successfully stage managed, directed, performed in and served on production teams for a myriad of productions including; To Be Young, Gifted and Black, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Four Little Girls, For Colored Girls..., The Amistad Research Centers 50th Anniversary Celebration, El Haj Malik, The Colored Museum, A Raisin in the Sun, Clybourne Park, The House That Would Not Stand, and most recently, The Color Purple. Having studied under and learned from some of the greatest teachers and directors, Jyna stands upon a strong foundation of continued support in a far reaching and rich theatre community and honors the responsibility of carrying the torch while always remembering; All that is good and accomplished in the world takes work.
Queen Shereen (Santee) Queen Shereen is a multi-passionate Intuitive Energy Healer/Performer/Educator/Entrepreneur. She is a native New Yorker currently building her Queendom in New Orleans. Queen Shereen earned a BS in Chemistry from North Carolina A&M State University and an MFA in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. She was most recently seen as Shug Avery in Le Petit Theatre’s “The Color Purple” and has performed on stages in commercials and film across the United States and internationally. She loves creating and producing work with her soul tribe that inspires and heals. Her vision and mission are to embody and create safe spaces for all humanity to be the fullest expression of themselves and reveal their true voices to the world.
Michael Forest (Willie Miller)Michael C. Forest is a native of New Orleans who studied under Ms. Tommye Myrick. In his debute stage performance Michael won the New Orleans Big Easy Award and Best Actor for his portrayal of Walter LKee Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun,” also directed by Ms. Myrick. His most recent performances include leading roles in multiple productions including “Pantomime” (Crescent City Stage) in which he was nominated for a Big Easy Entertainment award (Best Actor), and “Fly,” which was directed by Tommye Myrick at the WW II Museum.
Cody Keech (Raynard Dupree)
Cody Keech is a 25-year-old actor born in California. Trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, he pried a degree from the jaws of COVID-19 and after some time away he is eager to get back to work. He has appeared in multiple independent films, such as Cream of the Crop directed by Doug Maddox, and Anybody directed by Ricky Burchell. Throughout his academic career, Cody was cast in a multitude of stage productions, his very first being a high school production of The Sound of Music and most recently Machinal. Although he was trained predominantly as a stage actor, Cody has a lifelong fascination with film and television and finds inspiration in many places. In his personal life Cody finds himself most often boxing, playing guitar, enjoying live music, and spending too much money in restaurants.
Nicholas Bordelon(Franklin Armstrong)
Nicholas Bordelon was born and raised Louisiana native. He began acting in a small-town community theater and decided to make it his life-long goal to pursue it professionally. After graduating with a degree in International Finance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Nicholas moved to Los Angels to make it big, but ended up moving home after 8 years because of the expanding film industry here in Louisiana. Credits include NCIS: New Orleans, Queen Sugar, The Green Book, and A Christmas Surprise, short films, and commercials. Nicholas has been getting back to his roots in the theater here in New Orleans as well, with last year’s Inner Child at the Actors Apothecary and Le Code Noir. Nicholas is honored and excited to be a part of this Historical production of Le Code Noir and is proud to be working with such a talented cast, dedicated directors, and amazing crew
Amy Woodruff (Amanda Miller)
Amy Woodruff is a tenth generation Louisianian and the first member of her family to receive a college degree. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from McNeese University (Louisiana), and a Master of Fine Arts from Goddard College (Vermont). Since resettling from southwest Louisiana to Uptown in 1998, her live appearances have been with companies such as Theatre Louisiana (including a ghostly solo folktale about her Acadiana ancestors called Moon Cove, the title role in The Insanity of Mary Girard, and more. Woodruff has been onstage at the Montréal Fringe Festival in Canada, at about (including five Dramarama festivals at the Contemporary Arts Center. She has trained with Dah Teatar of Serbia, Odin Teatret of Denmark, and Vortex Repertory Theatre of Austin TX.
Duffy Austin (Jean Lafetti)
Duffy Austin is a New Orleans born actor. Having performed at such great venues as “The Historic Carver Theatre” and “The New Orleans Jazz Market”. He also appeared in “Our Town” at the “Le Petit Du Vieux Carre Theatre” and will be appearing in a New Major motion picture due out this fall.
Jim Holmes (Jonathan Miller)
Jim Holmes is excited to work with Tommye Myrick again. He worked with her as Reynard Dupree in a preview of Le Code Noir and as John Q. Adams in a production written and directed by her for the 50th Anniversary of Amistad Research Center. He has performed in NOLA Voice Theatre productions in venues from Arabi to Lockport. He has also worked at various theaters around the city including Loyola Opera Theater, Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. He also worked at Bay St. Louis Little Theater. He has served the theater community on the boards of the Crescent City Lights Youth Theater, Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré and Voices in the Dark Repertory Theatre Company. He hopes that this production on the site of Congo Square, formally called Le Place des Nègres will open discussion of the experiences of African Americans and their part in shaping America..
Benjamin Clay ( Walter) Benjamin Clay (Yeshua, Yes You Are!) is a native New Orleanian. From a childhood fantasy and familiar dream to an unexpected reality His dreams have come true. No stranger to a stage as a vocalist, Ben is grateful for the opportunity to grow in creativity and expression. His acting debut was in Tommye Myrick stage play “Christmas Noir – The Reason for the Season”. His latest credit was as Old Mister and the Preacher in The Color Purple at LePetit Theater New Orleans, under the director Donald Jones, Jr.
Alcee Jones ( Josuha Durpee)Alcee Jones - Alcee is a New Orleans native who studied Musical Theatre in high school at NOCCA: a pre professional conservatory for the arts, that disciplined him in acting, dance, and singing all throughout the four years of school. After graduation, he briefly attended Roosevelt University in Chicago for a BFA in Dance as well as studying his voice and acting, after this production he plans to set sail with MSC cruises as one of their Lead Vocalist. credits include Kris Come See About Me (Cedar Point) Grady The Color Purple (Le Petit Theatre) Usnavi In the Heights (Jefferson Performing Arts Society) Ted Hanover Holiday Inn (JPAS) Mika Hit the Wall (Roosevelt University) Barrett Titanic (NOCCA), Ren Footloose (SLT) Sky Mamma Mia (SLT) PAUL Kiss Me Kate (SLT) Aaron Schults U/S Warner Legally Blonde (Metropolis Performing Arts Center)
Recent credits include 12th Night, Henry IV Pt 1, Macbeth (New Orleans Shakespeare Festival), The Play that Goes Wrong (Rivertown), Fly (National WW2 Museum, Voices), The Play that Goes Wrong (Le Petit), Rent (Summer Lyric), and Song of Home (Physical Theatre Festival Chicago) to name a few. Noah associate produced the indie feature film The Dirty South. He has performed in the apprentice company at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, interned at The Public Theater, and worked professionally for NBCUniversal, Disney, 20th Century Studios, and Focus Features. Noah is a graduate of Tulane University.
Jerrod Jones (Jacque Lassard)
Jarrod Jones is a New Orleans native who works as a production assistant within the local film industry. Acting has been a life-long interest for Jarrod. That passion strengthened in 2020: during the first months of the COVID pandemic, he began taking acting courses and auditioning. Within the next three years, Jarrod has had roles in a number of short films and web series. Le Code Noir is his first performance on stage. Jarrod is very excited about participating in this historical drama. He believes Le Code Noir; will not only entertain audiences with a touching story but will also educate them about a significant era in the history of New Orleans, and the state of Louisiana.
Dane Rhodes(Sabastian Mahan)
Dane Rhodes is a 30-year veteran of the New Orleans’ stages and film industry. He has been seen in many hats including actor, director, producer, designer, and janitor (see producer duties) on every performance space in The Big Easy. Look for him in over 100 movies and tv shows such as The Magnificent Seven, D’Jango Unchained and Queen of the South. Dane has acting and/or designed more than Dane says “Whenever Ms T calls,” his answer is always- “when do we start?”.
Patrick Clementine (Marcello Metoyer)Patrick Clementine is a veteran actor in Community Theatres across the South Atlanta Georgia, Dallas Texas, and New Orleans Louisiana. He is no stranger to the stage having performed in notable projects with The Chakula Cha Jua and Ethiopian Theatre Companies. Patrick auditioned and was selected to attend The Louisiana Film Industry Professional Workforce Development Program designed to hone his craft and further opportunities in screen and television acting. Patrick also credits studies with mentors such as Dr. Theodore Gilliam, Ms. Jacqueline Fleming, Mr. Jim Gleason, and Mrs. Tommye Myrick with equipping him with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed as an actor.
Myia’Rene Carter (Tilly)
MyiaRene’, a rising powerhouse, graces stages with styles of R&B, Gospel,and Classical music; which showcases her signature - sultry sound. A
graduate of Dillard University in vocal performance, MyiaRene’ embodies not only her love for music but her scholastic achievement as well. She was last The Color Purple Musical, that ran at The Le Petit Theatre in New Orleans. MyiaRene’ is the founder and lead teacher of Soul Sounds Vocal Academy Inc. Her passion for community enrichment, through arts
programming, ties into her personal motto; “Making the World a Better Place, one Vocal Chord at a Time.” MyiaRene’ is an entertainer and teaching
artist known to soothe and heal the soul.
Erin King (Lucy)
Erin King is an aspiring actress who recently made her acting debut in Inner Child (Renita) at The Actor’s Apothecary. She rediscovered her passion for acting her senior year of college when she performed in the Xavier University of Louisiana Musical Revue, in which she sang Les Misérables’ “I Dreamed a Dream”. She will also be featured in the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies production of Happy Birthday Leonard (Erin). Erin has also performed in The Billboard (Kayla) at the American Studies Association Conference in New Orleans and was most recently featured in the premiere of “The Defiance of Dandelions” (Softness) as a part of No Dream Deferred’s “We Will Dream Festival.” Erin is a Chicago native who currently resides in New Orleans, LA. The budding actress plans to continue her studies of the craft by obtaining her MFA in Performing Arts. When she isn’t on stage, Erin enjoys hanging out with friends, doing yoga, and working as the Program Coordinator for Xavier University’s Honors Program. Erin would like to thank her family and friends who have supported her as she continues her acting journey.
Jordan Bordenave (Katherine)
Jordan Bordenave - Although she grew up overseas, Jordan Bordenave is a New Orleans native. While she has only been acting professionally since 2020, those who know her would agree that she’s always been an actress. Some of her previous credits include Ericka Boafo in “School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play” and, an Azalea Girl in AMC’s “Interview with The Vampire”. This year she dabbled in the backstage world, as a stage manager for “The Defiance of Dandelions” by Philana Imade Omorotionmwan. Her hobbies include tree planting, pilates, and writing. She is thrilled to play a part in making Louisiana History. Her next endeavor will be moving to NYC, to kick off her Broadway career.
Shiquita Brooks
Shiquita Brooks is a native New Orleanian and is delighted to be amongst this incredibly talented cast and amazing production! Since graduating with a BA in Vocal Performance from Spelman College, she has performed in a variety of productions that include opera, musical theater, and gospel: The Color Purple, Porgy and Bess, In the Heights, Irvin Mayfield’s Strange Fruit, and many more. She is very thankful to her family and friends for their constant love and support and hopes everyone is touched and inspired by the show.
Ross Cheatham (Joseph)
Ross Cheatham is a 24-year-old graduate from Tulane University. A former member of the University of Louisiana Ragin Cajun Football Team. This is my acting stage debut production, and I want to thank God for opening this door for me. This production has been such a great experience. Being able to work with amazing cast members has made this production worthwhile.
Jada Tanner
Jada Tanner is a New Orleans native. Jada Tanner is a sultry songstress who began her singing career in gospel music. Singing gospel music has expanded her music journey beyond the four walls of the church to venues such as The New Orleans Jazz Camp: Heritage Festival, Essence Music Festival and more! Jada has sung behind the great talents of Kirk Franklin, Trombone Shorty, Darry Coley and performed the National Anthem for the New Orleans Pelicans. Her talents also afforded her the opportunity to attend the prestigious New Orleans Creative Center for the Arts also known as NOCCA, where she received her certificate of completion in Voice Performance. Jada continues to sing back-ground vocals for various artists while perfecting her own solo music career.
Joshua David Oyetubo (Charles Deslondes)Joshua Oyetubo (Charles Deslondes) a passionate actor and model hailing from Lansing, Michigan, who recently moved to New Orleans. Acting and modeling have always been his passions. Throughout his journey in New Orleans, he has had the privilege of working with various theater companies, contributing to their operations, and gaining valuable experience. He is thrilled to be cast as Charles Deslondes in Voices in the Dark’s production of “Le Code Noir." Josuha says he is incredibly grateful for the chance to immerse himself in the rich cultural and artistic landscape of New Orleans.
Laurita Marie ( Akwaweewa Bon Mambo, Iya Ifasadé Fadoyin Fayemi) is a 7th generation New Orleanian born and raised in Treme. She is Mambo (Priestess) in Haitian Vodou and an Iyanifa (Iyawo/ Priest of Ifa; a West African/Yoruba Spiritual System). Marie is also owner of Sweet Storm Productions LLC, a Healer, Playwright, Actress, Director, member of the Babydolls Social Aide and Pleasure Club, Spoken Word Artist, Poet, and Teacher to kids with special needs. Ascending from a long line of Healers, Seers, Hougans, Mambos, Rootworkers, Musicians, Artists and Culture preservationists, she knows it is a part of her destiny to honor her Ancestors by continuing the legacy they left behind! She observes this by being obedient by wearing the crown of the many titles mentioned previously
Mark is an American born actor and artist born on Pease Air Force Base, NH and raised by his grandmother in New Orleans, LA. Mark began his modeling and acting career at the age of 15. A graduate of the prestigious Prairie View A&M University, earning a Bachelors in Architectural Design. After working in commercial construction, he abandoned this career to get back to his passion of acting. Mark has been featured in NCIS: New Orleans, Filthy Rich and numerous commercials and fashion editorials. Mark is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and is committed to community service and youth empowerment. He is an actor and published artist.
As Production Coordinator for Voices in the Dark Theatre Company for close to 3 decades, it is my honor to have the privilege to work with this award-winning director and company as it presents this original production of New Orleans’ first outdoor historical drama – Le Code Noir.
Sallay Shameka Gray is an Actress born and raised in New Orleans. She studied theater at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA and later received her BFA in acting and producing at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. Her recent projects include Alienated, Always on My Mind, Murderous Affairs and NCIS:New Orleans, I'M A Virgo. Sallay Shameka is currently the international and United States representative for Women in Film and Television Louisiana as well the immediate past president and has been on the Board since 2016."
Dane Rhodes-Technical DirectorDane Rhodes is a 30-year veteran of the New Orleans’ stages and film industry. He has been seen in many hats including actor, director, producer, designer, and janitor (see producer duties) on every performance space in The Big Easy. Look for him in over 100 movies and tv shows such as The Magnificent Seven, D’Jango Unchained and Queen of the South. Dane has acting and/or designed more than Dane says “Whenever Miss T calls,” his answer is always- “when do we start?”. Dane has performed in many plays directed by Ms. Myrick. He has also designed more than 20 shows for Voices in the Dark Repertory Theatre Company.
Raion Ramsey , a singer/songwriter whose voice is known to be magical x vibey (pop, lofi, r&b). Her sound is known to be soothing, vulnerable, sassy, yet powerful. Being multifaceted, Raion has performed on many stages such as Jazz Festival, Essence Fest to name a few. She has been featured on many albums with artists such as PJ Morton, Big Freedia, Mykal Kilgore, Boyfriend, Trombone Shorty and Erica Falls; One of the albums she was a part of received a Grammy in 2021. Raion says “singing is my lifeline; it saves my life”. Raion will go wherever her gift takes her, sharing light, love, & peace.
Raion Ramsey is also the founder & Ceo of Young Starz of Nola. Young Starz is a nonprofit organization that provides multi-faceted, high-quality performing arts programs to the youth of New Orleans. We seek to create an all-inclusive, comprehensive art curriculum and programming to inner-city youth.
Bill Summers is an American, New Orleans based Afro-Cuban jazz/Latin jazz percussionist, a multi-instrumentalist who plays primarily on conga drums. In the 1970s, he founded Bill Summers & Summers Heat. The group produced 7 albums between 1977 and 1983: During the 1990s, Summers played with Los Hombres Calientes along with co-leader of the group, trumpeter Irvin Mayfield and Jason Marsalis. However, Summers has a much longer musical career, often working behind the scenes on film scores for various movies such as The Color Purple and the television miniseries Roots with Quincy Jones. He also played with Herbie Hancock during The Headhunters years, and is mentioned in passing by the liner notes of The Headhunters' 2003 release Evolution Revolution as contributing to that recording.
Kai Knight is an Adjunct Professor of Dance at Loyola University, Xavier University, and Tulane University. She is the Artistic Director of Silhouette Dance Ensemble and Breathe/Dance Theatre Collective. Ms. Knight is the founder and executive director of the Cultural Ties Dance Festival: She is the Executive Producer of Landscape of Africa Diaspora Dance: Featuring Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Collective and the director and executive producer of Cultural Soul/ A Dance on film paying homage to the ancestral connected movements of the African Diaspora of New Orleans. She is a performing artist and collaborating choreographer for “Gomela”, a Junebug Production. Ms. Knight choreographed for “Le Code Noir,” directed by Tommye Myrick in 2017
