Dominique Morisseau’s searing and acclaimed play leaps back and forth in time to hold an unyielding lens to the racism and gender biases that plague America’s institutions to this day in her acclaimed play, Confederates. Revolution is the bond between two Black women living in America 160 years apart – Sara, an enslaved woman preparing herself to fight for the Union during the Civil War and Sandra, a political science professor at an esteemed university fighting institutional racism. Don’t miss this powerful production written by DPT Executive Artistic Producer, MacArthur Genius award-winning, Tony nominated, Daughter of Detroit Dominique Morisseau.
Confederates
Revolution is the bond between two Black women living in America 160 years apart
Don’t miss this powerful production written by DPT Executive Artistic Producer, MacArthur Genius award-winning, Tony nominated, Daughter of Detroit Dominique Morisseau.
Meet The Cast
Whitney Johnson
Sandra
Whitney is an actor, writer, and producer from Detroit. After earning a PR degree from Morgan State where she was a D1 shooting guard, Theatre Morgan student and performer, she trained withThe Scott Acting Conservatory in New York as well as with Roz Coleman, working Off-Broadway, and in Film, TV, and Scripted Audio in addition to developing her own projects. Whitney is thrilled to be joining DPT in this powerful and timely work. She would like to thank Dominique for this healing material, the ancestors for their covering, and her grandma Leola for introducing her to theatre.
Meredith Parker
Missy Sue /Candice
Meredith Parker (Missy Sue/Candice) DPT debut! Parker is a proud associate artist at Flint Repertory Theatre, where she previously appeared in The Glass Menagerie, The Wolves, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Into The Woods, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, New Works Festivals’s Quiver, Funny Like Haha, Legacy and the Flint Mural Plays. Parker has been seen on several stages throughout southeast Michigan- most recently in Tipping Point Theatre’s Little Women. Thank YOU, our audience, for supporting live theatre. For my husband and North Star, Drew, and my best girl, Jules.
Vanessa Mazhangara
Jade / Luanne
Vanessa Mazhangara is a Zimbabwean-American actress from Lansing, MI, and is truly honored to make her debut in DPT’s 10th season, portraying Luanne and Jade. A graduate of the Atlantic Acting Conservatory, Vanessa’s artistic journey is centered on exploring the nuanced and powerful narratives of Black women from the diaspora, across film, stage, and television. She was last seen on stage as ‘Undine’ in Fabulation or the Reeducation of Undine. Vanessa’s heart is full of gratitude for the unwavering love and support of her friends and family, and she thanks God for guiding her every step of the way.
Rebecca Rose Mims
Sarah
Rebecca Rose Mims (she/her) is overjoyed to be a part of the Detroit Public Theatre’s 2024 – 2025 season. Rose’s thespian history started around the corner at Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit, and most recently, Rose acted in Grand Horizons (Jess) at the Tipping Point Theatre. Some of her other theatrical credits include: Titania (Midsummer), Miranda (The Tempest), Emilia (Othello), Intimate Apparel (Esther U/S), Taylor (Stick Fly), and Elinor (Sense and Sensibility). Rose is a proud Detroiter and is very humbled to be bringing her artistry home. Her deepest gratitude is extended to her parents and loved ones for their unwavering support.
Will Street
Malik / Abner
Will Street is a Philadelphia-based theatre artist from the greatest city on earth—Detroit, Michigan. He’s mostly been seen at his artistic birthplace, Detroit Repertory Theatre, where he won a Wilde Award for his work as Booth in Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks.
He wants to thank his mom & dad, his sister, his Nana, the Bullsmiths, his best buddy Khalil and his mentors Ally Currin and (Uncle) Jeff Nahan for their invaluable support. He’s also immensely grateful for the folks at the Detroit Public Theatre for letting him hangout and play for a little while. Enjoy the show!
Meet The Creative Team
Goldie E. Patrick
Director
Goldie E. Patrick is a Detroit native and proud alumna of Howard University where she is currently a professor of hip hop theatre. Based in New York City, for over 20 years she has passionately worked in and built artistic collaborations in Black theatre as a playwright, director, and producer. Her approach to theatre-making lives at the intersection of her work as an artist, cultural worker, and educator. She is the former founding Executive Director of FRESHH Inc Theatre company for Black womxn and girls. Goldie is also a member of the Culture Caucus at the Kennedy Center and currently the inaugural Black Creation Playwright in residence at The New Federal Theatre.
Directing credits include By Me You’ll Never Know (2024),The 24 Hour Plays: Hoboken (2024), No Different than Cotton or Cobalt (2024), Fire This Time (2024), Project 892 (New York University–MFA program), The Halal Brothers (Columbia University) Foriwa, (Hedgepig Ensemble & Classical Theatre of Harlem) Paradise Blue, (Detroit Public Theatre) HERstory Love Forever Hip Hop (John F Kennedy Center) Associate Director credits include: Between the World and Me (Apollo Theatre) By the way Meet Vera Stark (Signature Theatre).
Jesse Boyd Williams
Assistant Director
Jesse Boyd-Williams majored in Theatre at Wayne State University. A 2017 graduate in vocal studies from Detroit School of Arts, he received rigorous training in classical, jazz, and choral ensemble music. In 2022, he achieved his A.A. in Telecommunication from Henry Ford College, a milestone marked by a distinguished internship at the esteemed Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. He currently serves as a Deans Delegate and Student Ambassador for the College of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts at Wayne State University. A winner of the 2023 Black Theatre Network’s StudentQuest Monologue competition, Jesse actively serves on the executive board. His TV/Film credits include: BMF (Season 2), No Sudden Move (2021); Why Me!? (2022); Listen to The Silence (2022); and I Declare War (2014). His theatre credits include: Hastings Street (Emmanuel Wheathers); A Raisin in The Sun (Joseph Asagai); Dreamgirls (Wayne); Broke-ology (Ennis King); Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (Oshoosi Size); The Lightening Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Brunner/Chiron/Ares); Rocky Horror Show (Narrator); and In The Heights (Jose). You can follow Jesse on Instagram @officialjessebw.
Siena Yusi
Production Stage Manager
Siena Yusi is an NYC-based stage manager, theatre maker, and arts educator who is passionate about supporting the creation of imaginative and intentional live performance. Specializing in new play development, Siena has had the pleasure of collaborating with institutions such as Playwrights Horizons, The Bushwick Starr, Clubbed Thumb, The Play Company, Waterwell, KGM Theatricals, Mabou Mines, Abrons Arts Center, Parallel Exit, Noor Theatre, The Hearth, and PAC NYC, among others. Proud AEA member. BFA: NYU Tisch. www.sienayusi.com
Angie Ayriss
Production Stage Manager
Angeline has recently made her way back to the great city of Detroit after graduating with an MFA in Stage Management at Wayne State University in 2004. She is thrilled to be joining DPT’s eleventh season as Resident Stage Manager. Angeline has had the privilege of working across the country with The Midnight Circus, Circus Smirkus, and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She is so grateful for the support and love of her mom, partner and two amazing kiddos!
Jwymon Williams
Assistant Stage Manager
Jwymon is an audio designer and Detroit Public Theatre crew member from Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2022, majoring in Entertainment Design and Technology, with a minor in Simulation, Animation, and Gaming. Recently, Jwymon has done the sound design for Wayne State University’s production of “Almost, Maine” in October, BRED Hiphop Theatre Festival’s “The Vision”, “Shawty’s Blues”, “Another Place”, and “One Fine Detroit Day” in September, and Wayne State University’s “Blood At The Root” in June.
Moniká Essen
Set & Props Design
Moníka Essen is an award winning, nationally recognized artist and designer. The recipient of the prestigious Lawrence DeVine Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre, she studied Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at Parsons School of Design NYC and received her MFA in Scenography from the renowned Hilberry Repertory Co. Moníka has designed over 300 productions in theatre, opera and film, and is currently the Resident Designer at the Detroit Opera where she has just recently designed their highly acclaimed productions of Frida and Bliss. She has also designed for the Atlanta Opera, Florida Grand Opera and Cincinnati Opera. Some local favorite productions include The Impossibility of Now and A Christmas Carol at Tipping Point Theatre, Alabaster and Be Here Now at Williamston Theatre, and American Hero, Paradise Blue, and Blues for an Alabama Sky here at Detroit Public Theatre. She is currently designing projections for “Turandot” at the Music Hall Theatre. Additionally, she creates art, furniture, museum exhibits, interiors and full sensory, multi-media environments for residential and commercial clients, including the Detroit Zoo. All her design work can be viewed at www.studioepoque.com.
Shelby Newport
Costume Designer
Shelby Newport is a professor of theatre at the University of Michigan-Flint and the chair of the department of Fine & Performing Arts. She received her M.F.A. from Purdue University and completed her undergraduate studies at Cornell College. She designs regionally at Tipping Point Theatre, Flint Repertory Theatre, and is a Resident Artist at Purple Rose Theatre Company. Her designs have been seen internationally in London and Margate, England. This is her third production with DPT, previously she designed costumes for Birthday Candles and Pipeline. You can see more of Shelby’s work at www.shelbynewport.com.
Julie Bonema
Costume Assistant
Julie is a costume designer for Detroit Public Theater. She is happy to be costuming her second show with the theater. She works for area high school theaters teaching costume design and construction for their productions throughout the year. She also currently works as a wardrober for the Fisher and Fox theaters, along with many others. She is thankful for the opportunity to work with a great production team and actors at DPT.
Cornell Jermaine
Make-up/Wig Design
Cornell Jermaine is an esteemed Hair and Makeup Designer renowned for his artistry, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a distinguished career spanning the entertainment and fashion industries, Cornell has established himself as a true visionary in his field. His exceptional talent has graced numerous Broadway productions, including “Beautiful: The Carole King Story,” August Wilson’s “Jitney,” and Disney’s “The Lion King,” where his work has consistently elevated performances and captivated audiences. Expanding his artistic reach beyond the stage, Cornell has left an indelible mark on the casts of various television and film projects, such as Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s “BMF: Black Mafia Family,” Eddie Murphy’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley,” and Oprah Winfrey’s acclaimed dramatic series, “Greenleaf.”
Cornell’s work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and his unique ability to enhance each individual’s beauty. His approach seamlessly blends technical expertise with creative flair, resulting in transformative looks that resonate both on and off-camera. Driven by a passion for his craft and a deep respect for his clients, Cornell consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. His unwavering professionalism, coupled with a warm and collaborative spirit, has made him a sought-after artist in the industry.
Cornell Jermaine continues to push the boundaries of hair and makeup design, inspiring both peers and newcomers alike. His dedication to his art and clients ensures that every project he touches is elevated to new heights of excellence.
John Alexander
Lighting Designer
John D. Alexander (Lighting Design) OFF-BROADWAY: Packages O’ The Things We Deliver (Nat’l Black Theatre); Lambs 2 Slaughter (Cherry Lane Theatre) and Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence (New Victory Theater). Recent designs include: Sanctuary Road (Virginia Opera); Confederates (Mosaic Theatre Co.); Selling Kabul (Signature Theatre); From the Mississippi Delta (Westport Country Playhouse); Crying on Television (Everyman Theatre); Quamino’s Map (Chicago Opera Theatre); B.R.O.K.E.N. Code B.I.R.D. Switching (Berkshire Theatre Group); Sheepdog and The House of the Negro Insane (Contemporary American Theatre Festival). Upcoming designs include: Is God Is (Constellation Theater) and Sleepova (Olney Theatre Center). www.JohnDAlexanderLightingDesign.com
Lumumba Reynolds
Audio Designer
Lumumba Leon Reynolds II was educated in Detroit Public Schools. During the summers of his youth, he studied stagecraft and public speaking under renowned entertainer, Motown artist Kim Weston’s Festival For The Performing Arts. In his teens, Lumumba was a DJ for house parties, cabarets and various hall parties including the Boblo Boat. After graduating from Cooley High School, Lumumba went on to earn a degree from Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. Lumumba has a passion for sound design, has been a practitioner since the 80’s, teaches sound design and engineering at Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, and is honored to contribute to the storytelling excellence that is always on display at Detroit Public Theatre.
Jeromy Hopgood
Projections Designer
Jeromy Hopgood is a Michigan-based educator, designer, and author whose designs have been seen in venues across the globe. He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 and one of a select group of designers featured in the US National Exhibit at the 2023 Prague Quadrennial as one of the finest media designs created by an American designer. Select design credits include Flint Rep (The Who’s: TOMMY), People’s Light Theatre (Skeleton Crew – Barrymore Award nominated), Meadow Brook Theatre (Ella: First Lady of Song), Detroit Public Theatre (Girlfriend, Pipeline, Skeleton Crew, Temples of Lungs and Air), Williamston Theatre (Predictor, Alabaster), and over 25 productions at Michigan Shakespeare Festival. Jeromy is a Professor of Entertainment Design & Technology at Eastern Michigan University, and is the author of The Projection Designer’s Toolkit, QLab 4, and Dance Production: Design & Technology. Jeromy’s portfolio can be seen at www.HopgoodDesign.com
Sarah Webb
Projections Assistant
Coming soon.
Monica Williams
Intimacy Coordinator
Coming soon.
Chris Corporandy
Dialect
Chris Corporandy (Dialect Design and Coaching) has performed, coached, and taught around the world but loves Detroit best. Voice/Speech/Dialects (selected): American Hero, Murder Ballad, Dot, Beauty Queen of Leenane, Noura, Passing Strange, Eight Nights, Confederates (DPT); Blood at the Root, One Man Two Guv’nors, Noises Off, Taming of the Shrew (Chautauqua Theatre Co.); The Letts Fest (Alliance Theatre); Venus, Angels in America, The Colored Museum, King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It (Hilberry Rep). Acting (selected): Dot, Birthday Candles (DPT); Dan Cody’s Yacht, Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Romeo & Juliet Project (Chautauqua); The Brown Bull (Cherry Lane). Film: Savannah, The Wolf of Wall Street. MFA: Acting, Hilberry Rep. BFA: Acting, NYU Tisch. Certified in Knight-Thompson Speech Work. Chris is grateful to Mr. Marable, the wonderful cast, and the DPT family for trusting him on this one.
