DIRECTOR

Brian Beals is an accomplished activist, organizer and award-winning playwright, who was exonerated in 2023 after spending 35 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. A Chicago native, Brian works in nonprofit and artistic spaces to create programming and support for communities impacted by injustice.

ENSEMBLE MEMBER

King Moosa is a rising artist with a passion for using his music and fine art to bring awareness to social injustices particularly in the area of juvenile justice. With his unique sound and captivating lyrics, he has already made a name for himself in the music industry and in the art community. At Mud Theatre Project, Moosa managed and led a youth performance of Rhythm & Rizz in Rockford, Illinois. His art has been displayed in various cities across the United States, including Chicago, New York, and Miami.

ENSEMBLE MEMBER

Darius utilizes his unique high energy filled positive spirit in creative ways to amplify the voice of the voiceless via art by way of co-creating programs to spark social change. Darius has earned the nickname “FIX” as he continues to embark on his mission to FIX some of the broken pieces in our world one village at a time. At Mud Theatre Project, Darius led performances of “The Zoo” at Access Living and “Three Stages of Incarceration” at Grow Greater Englewood Plaza.

OUTREACH ORGANIZER

My name is Tekamia “Queen” Cannon. I grew up on the Chicago’s West Side, raised with three brothers. At the age of 16, I was indirectly system impacted by way of my older brother’s incarceration. That tragic event proved to be bittersweet; because through the loss of my brother, I learned that I am a resilient person. I believe that sharing stories matters and the Mud Theatre Project is a way I can help heal my sisters and brothers. At Mud Theatre Project, I led a poetry reading of “I Got Something to Say” at Blackbox Theatre.

ENSEMBLE MEMBER

Darrion Benson was born in Chicago where he was raised in a home with siblings, Mother and Step-Father. A wrong turn led him into the Illinois Department of Corrections where he is currently serving 17 years. During his incarceration, he has published a book of poems 325 miles away. He is also an aspiring playwright. He cofounded a nationally respected prison theatre program (Dixon Performing Arts), led creative writing workshops, and is a certified civics peer educator inside while currently active in a civics program that engages Chicago communities. While incarcerated, Darrion led a book reading of “Poetry Got Me Through It” at both Undercover Books and Lindbloom High School. He also managed a performance of a choreographed poem called “Abolition to Abolition.”

ENSEMBLE MEMBER

Toussaint Daniels leads with a mission to lift humanity through his actions and deeds. System-impacted at 18 and serving 26 years, he discovered a passion for creative writing that became a powerful conduit for pairing art with advocacy. His work has been recognized nationally, including receiving the 2023 PEN America award for his play The Story of Violence. He also served as lead writer for Searching for Justice, which premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre in January. In honor of his impact, the Toussaint Fellowship Award was established—an award dedicated to supporting system-impacted individuals who use creative writing to bridge art and advocacy. At Mud Theatre Project, Toussaint led Open Mid Lit Sessions.

ENSEMBLE MEMBER

Joel “Yoel” Davis is a Chicago native, making his theatrical debut by bringing his vibrant storytelling and poetic voice to the stage. A spoken word artist and playwright, Yoel is committed to exploring narratives of growth and resilience, blending creative writing with powerful performance. He earned his Associate’s degree from Oakton College, where his original play In Search of a Better Place was produced and warmly received by local audiences. Through his rehearsal process and live performances, Yoel has discovered a deep passion for theater and is honored to be collaborating with such a talented cast and crew. He is especially grateful to his mentors, the Oakton College faculty, and fellow artists whose encouragement has shaped his journey. Yoel looks forward to sharing this new chapter of his artistry and continuing to grow both as a performer and a storyteller.

NICKOLAS HASELRIG

JASON FOSTER

JESSE MARTINEZ

DELANDIS ADAMS

MARVIN ALEXIS

APILINAR J. SERNAS

LIONEL BARRY