Kingdom
by Nic Bell
Kingdom by Nic Bell is a short, absurd play filled with anachronisms. It explores the ideas of family, duty, free will, and the inevitability of fate. It aims to challenge what we think we know, by showing us we don’t really know anything. Can we make a stand for what’s right? Or are we doomed to repeat the sins of our fathers?
Myesha-Tiara (she/hers)-Director Hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and now resides in South Shore, Chicago. She is an actress, director and content creator. Myesha developed the idea of Perceptions Theatre in undergrad when she saw the lack of support that minority theatre students were receiving in her department and she decided she wanted to become the change she wanted to see. In 2019 she made Perceptions Theatre into an official business then covid hit. She didn't allow that to stop her dreams and passion for creating a safe space for African American artists and a training ground for them and other artists of color. Some of her Chicago credits include: Court Theatre (For Colored Girls...), The Gift (Hamlet), Theatre at the Center (Steel Magnolias), MPACCT (Swamp Baby) B-Side Productions (Broke AF & Rap Mom), Artemisia (Every Waiting Heart, & What About The Children?), and The Artistic Home (The Wedding Band), she has also been featured in the Academy Award winning film 12 Years A Slave. She is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent, Inc.
Lavell McGee (he/him) (as Richard) Lavell McGee was born January 25,2001 in Jackson, Mississippi. At the age of 9 years old he relocated to Chicago, Illinois with his mother and his siblings. He received his education from Frazier Preparatory Academy where he graduated 8th grade. Lavell later furthered his education at Christ The King Jesuit College Preparatory Academy where he graduated in 2019. He then later studied acting, and improv at The Second City Training Center. Lavell has made appearances in several shows and short films such as Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, Shameless and will be soon featured in the upcoming film “The County”.
Kenny Bell (he/him) (as Charles) Kenneth Bell is a Chicago native and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana with a degree in Political Science. He is also a local Chicago slam poet and musician and some of his work can be seen and heard on several social media platforms.
Felisha McNeal (she/her) (as Mother) Felisha McNeal is a Joseph Jefferson Award winning actress. Earning her Bachelor's Degree from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin she has performed in Illinois and Wisconsin. She was last seen in the play "Punk Grandpa" at the Elgin Fringe Festival. Felisha has performed for eta Creative Arts Theatre, M'PACCT, Chicago Dramatist, The Black Ensemble Theatre, Hidden Stages, and Chicago State University. She has performed for summer theatre audiences as well as in dinner theatres. Felisha retired from the public sector in February 2014 after 30 years of service. She is the mother of a bright and beautiful daughter, and the grandmother of a handsome and 10 year old grandson. When asked after performing for 39 years what has kept her dream alive, she replies, "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun or does it explode? I chose that my dream explodes." Ashe
Adeera Harris (she/her) (as News Reporter) Adeera Harris is honored to be working with Perceptions Theater for the first time ever as a Stage Manager assistant and actress on its 2nd Annual BIPOC Playwrights Festival. Adeera has just finished her first year at Syracuse University as a Bachelors of Fine Arts Musical Theater Major and is extremely excited to continue her learning experience over the summer working within this amazing project. Adeera Harris is very proud of her credits that range from theater performances, short film appearances, as well as her involvement and creation of a web series called Black Girl Chronicles that uplifts young balck woman; but this will be her first time taking on a leadership role in a professional performance setting and she is ecstatic to bring her new understandings that she has gained in this experience with her along her journey.
Brandon Etheridge (he/him) (as Cop 1) Brandon Etheridge first walked on the stage at the Chicago State University Theater, as the Tin Man in The Wiz, and he has had a passion for acting ever since. Additionally, Brandon has trained at The Second City Training Center, in Chicago. Brandon has worked on a host of independent films, such as Sugah Spice, The Leijend, and The County. When Brandon isn’t on stage, he enjoys cycling, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Dina Perez (she/her) (as Cop 2) Dina Perez (she/her/hers) is a Chicago Musical Theatre Artist who is passionate about creating change through theatre. She recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Music Minor from Drake University. Some of her recent roles are Jenny in It Shoulda Been You and Jack’s Mom in Into the Woods. Soon, she will be in Oak Park Festival Theatre’s production of The Winter’s Tale. Dina is happy to have gotten to work with Perceptions and hopes to keep doing works that tell the stories we’ve heard less of in theatre- POC and queer voices.