Crystal: "I originally signed on to this project to be the  stage manager and was prepared to track blocking, handle props, call cues and assist the director in anyway possible. I didn't know that I would get the opportunity to get to know 4 of the most beautiful, talented, encouraging loving ladies on this planet. To say that this journey was life changing is an understatement. My life has forever been changed by the light that shines through Princess, Jasmine, Kedest & Amber. I uncovered scars, and shared some of my most darkest moments with the ladies in this show, and in turn I gained a sense of Freedom. So for me, this journey started out  with me as a stage manager but ended with me baring my truth to a crowd full of people becoming a stronger and more rounded person."

 

HER Bio 

 

A recent Theatre Arts graduate of Bowie State University Crystal has performed in numerous plays and devised pieces. Outside of performing onstage she enjoys writing, stage managing and directing shows. She is currently working two original pieces that are scheduled to go up Spring 2016." For more information please visit www.crobertsproductions.com 

 

Princess: "got introduced to DTCO from a friend who was directing Kings of Kulture and Kush. Impressed with the shows intent, she stayed in contact and opportunity arose for Her: The New Kween. Her audition, was audio/video submission of a rap, immediately caught attention of director Jasmine Coles. The eldest of the Kweens group, she was estatic about joining a diverse group of black women comitted to liberation of girls and women's voices. Since joining Kweens, Princess feels the sisterhood created beyond the walls of the play itself has become one of the most powerful sources of energy in this movement.

 

HER Bio

 

Princess Best is a HIPHOPMOMMA, wife, arts educator and transformational speaker in addition to acting on stage. She is a voice for ALL THINGS BLACK GIRL AND BLACK WOMAN. Most recently, she has performed in Her: The New Kween and  (DTCO) It takes A Village (HBC Theater Co.) at Anacostia Arts Center, and as Sister Ernestine in I Am Anacostia ( Verbal Gymnastics, Anacostia Playhouse).  Best has self-produced productions such as Alphachick, Breakthrough and Too of a Kind (co-produced with MouthPeace Theater Company, Joe's Movement Emporium).  Princess is a Theater Arts graduate of The University of the District of Columbia and a former Miss UDC. Most notably, Princess was featured on TV One's reality show “David E. Talbert's Stage Black", HBO's "THE WIRE” and as the voice Ford Fiestas "Inspired by Color" radio commercial.  Most recently, she was recognized by the NAACP as one of the "Top 100 Gamechangers of 2015" for her arts and activism work in her community.  Be sure to check out her latest music video entitled "A Black Girl's Worth."  Don't miss her upcoming play "Black Seed: Fertile Playground", a hip hop theater experience for parents and girls!

FMI visit www.princessbestspeaks.com

 

Amber: Each of the Kweens have been such an major part of my transformation. I'm grateful that they are inspiring, powerful and courageous women, and they each hold a great place in my heart. On audition day I first met our director, Jasmine. I was sure she would see right through my no-experience audition. But she didn't. In fact she did the opposite and created safe space for me be vulnerable and express. This was the first step of my transformation and I am so grateful it was her. When I met Princess I was immediately refreshed because I saw how raw and unapologetic she was. I saw how she valued and carried herself and I appreciated that.

Kedest and I met while working on previous Diversity Theatre Company productions, namely Kings of Kulture and Kush. Our relationship grew and the journey of HER cemented our sisterhood. She's so sweet, warm and great fun to be around. On audition day she really helped to calm my nerves, as did Crystal who originally was the stage manager of HER. I've known Crystal from days at Bowie State University, attending a few theatre productions and events on campus, however it wasn't until HER that she and I grew closer as well. I'm glad she decided to be a Kween. From her beautiful smile to her positive outlook, Crystal is so amazing. HER has been an amazing journey and I am truly blessed to know, learn and grow with them all.

 

HER Bio: 

 

Making her debut on stage, Amber Joyner's experience in HER: The New Kween, a devised theatre project, has implanted great creativity and want for change in her. From the message to the movement, Amber has enjoyed redefining the narrative of black women and girls today. She enjoys the human experience from all angles particularly through movies, music, social events and dialogue. In developing her profession, she hopes to continue the exploration of her vulnerability through the arts as well as developing and maintaining business ventures that empower black couples and help rebuild black communities. 

 

Kedest: "I was running late to the audition and was thinking about not going at all. Until Aaron said to me "you've been wanting to do this for a while that it was the only thing you talked about. You said it was your goal and I'm not going to sit here and let you pass up on the opportunity." With that being said I got to MLK library a little late but still in time to audition. Walking in I saw Jasmine and automatically got tense. What made matters worse was the look on Crystal's face so strict so serious, she was part of the casting crew at that time. Jasmine was smiling so I tried to focus on her and did as she asked with the rag doll with was not that raggedy, and all the silly things she had me do. They were silly at the time. After I finished my audition I was sure I messed everything up and that I could at least tell myself I tried and failed. So I walked out the room so sure that I wasn't in. 

 

A couple of days later to my surprise I had received and e-mail from Crystal and Jasmine saying congratulations. At first glance I was really happy of course I re-read it to make sure I was reading it correctly and right away I forwarded the e-mail to Aaron. But right after I e-mailed them back to confirm that they sent it to the right person. There was no way that someone who's terrified of the stage could be casted for a show. Much to say they didn't reply to me so I texted Don right away to make sure he had no hand in this. I was in disbelief that I was casted all on my own. 

 

As the process began and we grew closer and closer together I found myself still trying to answer that question but was also seeing my place in it all. Creating the script was truly a process. I didn't know that as a 23 year old I actually did not process my emotions properly. That I've pushing many things in my life to the side and imagined them away in a sense. The process allowed me to develop many of my friendships on a deeper level and even open up a window of opportunity to have open conversations within my family."

 

 HER Bio

 

Kedest was born in Ethiopia and moved to states at the age of 7. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a B.S. in Mass Communication. She has been involved in the arts since 3rd grade. Kedest has a heart of service to others, and loves children. She dreams of one day opening u an orphanage back in her native home, but ultimately desires to always provide helping hands and on open heart to those in need. She is an advocator for equal rights, and expresses a deep appreciation for her culture.