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Art that awakens the senses and inspires creativity.
Our theme in 2025 — VOICES UNBOUND — celebrated artistic freedom, fearless storytelling, and the power of narrative to inspire transformation.
Through our staged readings, film screenings, workshops, and artist talks, we uplift Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora playwrights and filmmakers who defy convention, challenge cultural expectations, and expand the landscape of Caribbean heritage storytelling.
BLUELIGHT READING SERIES 2025
About THE BUZZER
AMELIA and her longtime partner MATTHEW are applying to foster a kid. The Newark homeowners, though of color, are considered part of the gentrifying wave that's radically changing the city. They are reminded of this fact loudly and often by their sole tenant, OCTAVIA. The couple navigates the surprise of Amelia's ex, DAVIDA unexpectedly showing up to evaluate the couple's foster application. When young TALARIQ becomes AMELIA and MATTHEW’s foster son, the couple's collective and individual understandings of class, race/ethnicity, family, sexuality and love are strained and tested.
Language: English
THEMES EXPLORED:
class, race/ethnicity, family, sexuality and love
Cast: Alinca Hamilton, Vandit Bhatt,
Ashley Marie Ortiz, Tyreque Eyiah, Mala Wright
Q&A MODERATOR
Tanya Perez
Tanya is a Nuyorican firecracker of stage, screen, and page—delivers dark comedies with bite. Latinx theatre agitator, SAG-AFTRA/AEA member, DIEZ cofounder, and unapologetic clown, she turns truth into laughter and chaos into art. IG: @tanyaperezrulez
About SONS OF AN UNKNOWN FATHER
Sons of an Unknown Father tells the story of a fallen angel tasked with protecting the first Black saint of the Americas, Martin de Porres. Thrust into Lima, Peru, in the 1600s, this fallen angel encounters Martin as he discovers he has the power to heal people with his bare hands. As people come from far and wide to meet the man with the magic hands, our fallen angel must ensure Martin's ascension to the sainthood or risk a return to eternal damnation. As our fallen angel attempts to return home, we are asked to ponder, "Is it ever too late to be redeemed?"
Language: English & Spanish
THEMES EXPLORED:
Faith, fatherhood, family, redemption
Cast: Reynaldo Piniella, Tracey Conyer Lee,
Victoria Lino, Aja Mahogany, John J. Concado
Q&A MODERATOR:
Christin Eve Cato
Christin is a Bronx-born playwright with Puerto Rican and Jamaican roots, as well as a performer and dramaturg. Her recent NYC productions include Sancocho and The Diamond. She brings a powerful voice, rich experience, and deep commitment to elevating underrepresented stories.
IG: @itschristinevecato
CSIFF 2025 Community Screenings
June 22nd at Black Spectrum Theatre
Presented by Conch Shell Productions in partnership with King Manor Museum
About the films:
FAB 4 & THE SILENT RETREAT – A Short Film by Diane De La Haye 🇯🇲Four spirited Caribbean women in their 40s—Diane, June, Rose, and Josie—embark on a journey to Nepal for a silent retreat, seeking peace and reflection. What unfolds is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, aging, and the unspoken challenges women face. This award-winning short film, directed by Peter Sagnia and shot in St. Maarten, is inspired by real-life experiences and showcases the strength of sisterhood.
MADAN SARA – A Documentary by Etant Dupain 🇭🇹Madan Sara is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the resilient Haitian women who form the backbone of Haiti's informal economy. These women, known as Madan Sara, work tirelessly to buy, distribute, and sell food and other essentials in markets throughout the country. Despite facing intense hardship, social stigma, and a lack of government support, their efforts ensure a better life for generations to come.
UNSPOKEN – A Short Film by Danae Grandison 🇯🇲Set against the backdrop of Kingston, Jamaica, Unspoken delves into the intertwined lives of two women—Caroline, a pregnant wife, and Icy, the live-in help. Bound by duty and burdened by unspoken truths, their relationship unravels amidst societal expectations and personal betrayals.Adapted from Jennifer Grahame’s novel The Bed Head, this 12-minute drama explores themes of classism, gender dynamics, and the silent struggles many women endure.
Post Screening Artist Q&A;
Featured artists:
Danae Grandison "Unspoken" writer/director
Lu Childs "Madan Sara" producer
Q&A moderators: Magaly Colimon-Christopher (CSIFF Fest Director) & Carl Clay (Black Spectrum Theatre Artistic Director)
September 18th at QPL Forest Hills branch
Presented by Conch Shell Productions in partnership with Queens Public Library
Theme of the series: LOVE in the Caribbean Community❤
Films Featured:
"Noisy" – written & directed by Dominican heritage filmmaker Cedric Hill (CSIFF 2021 Best Film & Best Screenplay)
Amid a chaotic subway delay, a lonely commuter discovers unexpected intimacy with a deaf woman—through silence, signs, and stillness.
"Fuego" – written & directed by Puerto Rican heritage filmmaker Edwin Franko (CSIFF 2022 Best Screenwriter)
On New Year’s Eve, a drifting bartender reflects on his late father’s passion for salsa and storytelling—unwinding a tale of legacy, regret, and rediscovery as he searches for the fire within.
"Victorine" – directed by Haitian heritage filmmaker Lunise Cerin (CSIFF 2024 Award Nominee)
On the one year anniversary of her mother's passing a Haitian American dancer claims her place in a long line of powerful women.
(Haitian Creole w/English Subtitles)
"Raíces" – directed by Puerto Rican?Dominican heritage filmmaker Misael Martínez Melo (CSIFF 2024 Award Nominee)
Puerto Rican filmmaker Misael Martinez
Puerto Rico confronts its reliance on imports—"Raíces" follows the grassroots fight for food sovereignty and self-determination.
(Spanish w/English Subtitles)
"See You Yesterday" – directed by Guyanese heritage filmmaker Stefon Bristol (CSIFF 2024 Best Student Short & Best Cinematographer)
Two Brooklyn teenage science prodigies who build make-shift time machines to stop one's brother from being wrongfully killed by a police officer.
Post Screening Artist Q&A:
Featured Film Artists
Cedric Hill "Noisy" writer/director
Stefon Bristol "See You Yesterday " writer/director
Marc Reign "Fuego" actor
Q&A Moderator: C. Truth – Haitian-heritage media personality, Thermal Soundwaves Podcast
Oct 16th at York College
Presented by Conch Shell Productions in partnership with York College Performing & Fine Arts Department
AFTERSHOCKS: A TETRALOGY OF OUR TIMES
written by Magaly Colimon-Christopher (Haitian heritage) & Juan Ramírez Jr. (Puerto Rican heritage); directed by Teisha Duncan (Jamaican heritage) & Pat Golden
A four-part cinematic narrative journey exploring how Caribbean and Caribbean-American communities navigate the “aftershocks” of COVID-19 pandemic—through resilience, imagination, love, laughter and hope.
(English w/Spanish subtitles)
ENTRE PUERTO RICO Y RICHMOND: WOMEN IN RESISTANCE SHALL NOT BE MOVED
written & directed by Alicia Díaz (Puerto Rican heritage)
Filmed in a historic tobacco warehouse, this bilingual dance film honors Black female stemmers and Puerto Rican anti-colonial activists as icons of resistance.
(Spanish w/English subtitles)
RISE UP
written & directed by Grace Stelk (Surinamese heritage)
A bird faces the centuries-old struggle for freedom while fighting for survival.
(Dutch w/English subtitles)
THE JILL OF THE TRADE
written & directed by Charysse Tia Harper (Trinidadian heritage)
A documentary that introduces five women who share their experiences of success and hardship in male-dominated professions, including one of the few female mayors in Afghanistan.
(Various languages w/English subtitles)
Q&A featured artist:
Magaly Colimon-Christopher "Aftershocks: A Tetralogy of our Times" writer
Post screening q&a moderated by:
Prof. Patricia Haggler
Oct 17th at King Manor Museum
Presented by Conch Shell Productions in partnership with King Manor Museum
Friday, October 17, 2025
4:00 PM Tour of King Manor Museum's Jamaica|Jamaica Exhibit
LOKO
written & directed by Angelina Villapiano (Puerto Rican)
A modern Latina city girl goes to extreme lengths to connect to her Indigenous island heritage.
SWEET RIND
written by JR Roache (Jamaican)
A tactically elite pastor’s daughter struggles with forgiving her sister’s killer while she delivers her brand of justice in her father’s unfinished church basement in Kingston, Jamaica.
I MARRIED A BLACK REPUBLICAN
written by Magaly Colimon-Christopher (Haitian heritage) directed by Pat Golden
It's November 3rd, 2020: As the nation waits to find out who will be the next president of the United States, Grace, a staunch Bajan American Democrat seeks her brother’s guidance as she struggles with the realization that her new groom is secretly - a Republican!
SINS OF THE FATHER
written & directed by Azriel Bahahoor (Trinidadian)
A priest has his devotion put to the test as he listens to the confession of an ex-convict, one who was incarcerated at a prison he visited years ago.
Post Screening Q&A Featured Artists:
JR Roache "Sweet Rind" writer
Angelina Villapiano "Loko" writer/director/actor
Sherando Ferril "Sweet Rind" actor
Q&A moderated by:
Letitia Guillory
CSP New Works Fest 2025
Presented by Conch Shell Productions in partnership with HB Studio
CSP New Works Fest 2025— a vibrant showcase of new plays written by Caribbean-heritage playwrights, presented as workshop performances that celebrate creativity, community, and the power of Caribbean voices on the American stage.
2025 lineup featured five powerful works exploring love, faith, legacy, and self-discovery through bold, imaginative storytelling.
PROGRAM A
- Petron Brown – Stand Right There and Perish, or (May I Never Lose You)
When a son returns home seeking forgiveness, he finds his father standing on the stripped foundation of their dismantled house — and together they face the ghosts of what was lost and what cannot be rebuilt. DIRECTOR: Aixa Kendrick CAST: Torrekke Evan, Equiano Mosieri, Petron Dee Brown
PROGRAM B
- Arthur W. French III - Dinner with Roxie - A prison guard and a prisoner shae their final minutes together before her execution - a deeply human story about friendship, faith and staying true to conviction. DIRECTOR: Danye Evone CAST: Nzingtha Smith, Natasha Demosthene
- Joshua W. Josey – Weavers
This dark comedy opens on a mother and son who both realize that the other isn't who they quite remember. What begins as familiar, humorous banter and reconnection soon unravels into confrontation and the uneasy acceptance that love doesn't always mean understanding. DIRECTOR: Triza Cox CAST: Malissa Y. Myers IG: @msmyers707; Buddha Deloney IG @buddhadeloney - Jessica Betty – The Game
At an elite academy, Elizabeth and her robot handler Q navigate ambition, self-sabotage, and survival in a witty, thought-provoking sci-fi drama that asks: What does it mean to keep moving forward? DIRECTOR: Jessica Betty CAST: Zoraya Inguanzo, Isabel Guastella - Tyla Harris – Bammy an' Buxom
A young, second-generation Jamaican-American artist hosts a family Thanksgiving dinner that spirals into a supernatural reckoning when her great-grandmother claims a duppy has come to collect her soul. CO-DIRECTORS: Tyla Harris & Toney Goins CAST: Fairclough-Stewart, Jamé Jackson, Lanae Richelle, Tsahai Gilchrist
✨ About the Festival:
The CSP New Works Fest is an annual fundraising event that celebrates Caribbean-heritage playwrights of all ages through workshop presentations of original plays. Each playwright serves as producer of their work, collaborating with directors, actors, and production teams to bring their stories to life in a spirit of creative solidarity.
CSP New Works Fest 2025 is presented in partnership with HB Studio and supported in part by our generous donors, the Flushing Town Hall GO Queens Grant, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
about the featured playwrights
Jessica Betty
Arthur W. French III
Petron Dee Brown
Jessica Betty is a Jamaican Actor, Playwright, Director, Filmmaker, and Sound Designer. At only 17 years old she moved from her home country to New York City to pursue her dreams in storytelling. She is currently a BFA candidate at The New School, College of Performing Arts, where she studies Drama and Film. You may have seen Jessica at t
Jessica Betty is a Jamaican Actor, Playwright, Director, Filmmaker, and Sound Designer. At only 17 years old she moved from her home country to New York City to pursue her dreams in storytelling. She is currently a BFA candidate at The New School, College of Performing Arts, where she studies Drama and Film. You may have seen Jessica at the Latea Theatre in the Off-Off Broadway production "Minstrel". Jessica was also seen embodying the title character, “Gloria”, and Nan in a student production of the play written by Pulitzer prize winning artist, Brendan Jacob-Jenkins. Outside of her work as an actor, Jessica has been seen working on dozens of film sets. Working in sound, sound design, lighting and as a production assistant. Jessica was recently the Director on "Single Suckaz", a parody dating tv show that she devised with her fellow batch-mates. Upcoming projects include: The Artistic Director for “Dreamers Airlines - A Short Play Festival”. She will oversee the entire festival as well as Directing and Sound Designing her ten minute play, "The Game." This will go up at 55W 13Th St, November 8th & 9th. Writing and Directing her thesis short, “Petagonia.” Big up. jessicabettyre@gmail.com || @jessicaabetty
Petron Dee Brown
Arthur W. French III
Petron Dee Brown
Petron Dee Brown is a Bahamian-born playwright. He is a Dramatists Guild Foundation National Playwriting Fellow and a Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Awardee at the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival. He received an MFA from the University of Southern Mississippi where he was inducted into the Graduate Student Hall of Fame. He ha
Petron Dee Brown is a Bahamian-born playwright. He is a Dramatists Guild Foundation National Playwriting Fellow and a Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Awardee at the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival. He received an MFA from the University of Southern Mississippi where he was inducted into the Graduate Student Hall of Fame. He has also received a Distinguished Achievement for the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, runner-up for the David Shelton Playwriting Award, and the KCACTF/LORT ASPIRE John Cauble Award, and is a 2025 Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference Semi-finalist. Petron was recognized as the Live Arts: WATERWORKS x The Bridge Artist for his work. He holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Theatre from the University of the Ozarks where he recently returned to direct the world premiere of his play, Tingum in Da Bush Ean Get No Name. His work has also been developed at Nancy Manocherien’s the cell theatre and Conch Shell Productions. He is currently the Artistic Administrative Assoiciate at New Federal Theatre.
Arthur W. French III
Arthur W. French III
Arthur W. French III
Arthur W. French III has been writing Plays since a Teenager. His First Play “Teens Today” was produced at Maxwell Glanville’s American Community Theatre. The Play was a Winner in The Annual young playwright’s festival. Mr French’s Play “Circuit Breakers” was a Winner in the Annual Samuel French Play festival, and his play “Bitter Apples”
Arthur W. French III has been writing Plays since a Teenager. His First Play “Teens Today” was produced at Maxwell Glanville’s American Community Theatre. The Play was a Winner in The Annual young playwright’s festival. Mr French’s Play “Circuit Breakers” was a Winner in the Annual Samuel French Play festival, and his play “Bitter Apples” was a Winner in the Strawberry One Act Festival Annual play Competition. Both plays were Published. Mr. French participated in the 31 plays in 31 Days Play Festival for Five straight year. Mr. French is working on a Trilogy of Plays set in Los Angeles. Mr French is a Founding member of The Fusion Gumbo Writer’s Workshop, and does bi-Weekly Community nights for playwrights.skills, and our performances provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents.
Tyla Harris
Joshua W. Josey
Arthur W. French III
Tyla Harris is an Afro-Carribean Latina born, raised, and creatively crafted in Atlanta, GA. Tyla is a multi-hyphenate, whose artistry spans over film, television, and theatre acting, improvisation, and coaching; classical, modern, and majorette dancing; poetry, creative writing, and song; and producing film. The Christian creative is
Tyla Harris is an Afro-Carribean Latina born, raised, and creatively crafted in Atlanta, GA. Tyla is a multi-hyphenate, whose artistry spans over film, television, and theatre acting, improvisation, and coaching; classical, modern, and majorette dancing; poetry, creative writing, and song; and producing film. The Christian creative is most-notably recognized for her decade of work as an actress onscreen in commercial, television, and film, starring in various projects such as “For Life” (ABC), “Six” (History), “Tales” (BET), “Fantasy Football” (Nickelodeon), “Coins for Christmas” (BET), and more. With a Bachelors in Political Science (concentration in International Affairs), Tyla focuses her artistry on community-driven projects, producing, writing, and directing entertainment aimed at uplifting society while pushing the conversation on sociopolitical implications. TylaHarris.com
Joshua W. Josey
Joshua W. Josey
Joshua W. Josey
Joshua W. Josey is a proud Miami native and the first in his family to earn a degree beyond high school. He is a law school graduate, having served with multiple public defender offices in New York and Miami-Dade.
Mr. Josey holds a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) specialized in investigations, inspections, and policy analysis
Joshua W. Josey is a proud Miami native and the first in his family to earn a degree beyond high school. He is a law school graduate, having served with multiple public defender offices in New York and Miami-Dade.
Mr. Josey holds a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) specialized in investigations, inspections, and policy analysis, having served as vice-president of the M.P.A. Student Association, where he collaborated with program directors and professors to support curricular development and provide workshops aimed at building the competencies of graduate students entering the oversight profession.
Before pursuing law, Mr. Josey earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Florida’s New World School of the Arts. He has extensive stage experience, performing with numerous theatre companies throughout Florida and New York and touring nationally in educational productions for children. He has also taught theater to young performers in Queen, New York, and Miami, Florida. With a background that bridges the arts, public service, and legal advocacy, Mr. Josey brings creativity, insight, and versatility to every endeavor.
csp 2025 Production team members
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
SASHA WELLS
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
CSP co-resident dramaturg
Bluelight Series
and
Monthly CSP Artist Collective meetings
JASMEENE FRANCOIS
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
KEVIN CHENG - CSP New Works Fest ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
CSP co-resident dramaturg
CSP NEW WORKS FEST
CSP Artist Collective monthly gatherings
KEVIN CHENG - CSP New Works Fest ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
CAMILLAH KHAN - CSP New Works Fest TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
KEVIN CHENG - CSP New Works Fest ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Kevin Cheng is a Taiwanese actor, playwright, and theater producer based in New York City.
He received his training at the Neighborhood Playhouse and HB Studio. Kevin has previously produced his own plays at the Chain Theatre, The Players Theatre, East Village Basement, Gene Frankel Theatre, Secret Theatre, and The Flea. Kevin has a passio
Kevin Cheng is a Taiwanese actor, playwright, and theater producer based in New York City.
He received his training at the Neighborhood Playhouse and HB Studio. Kevin has previously produced his own plays at the Chain Theatre, The Players Theatre, East Village Basement, Gene Frankel Theatre, Secret Theatre, and The Flea. Kevin has a passion for producing new works that highlight human connections and explore how people grope their way toward a sense of equanimity in face of unexpected life events. He is currently the New
Works Development Chair of Purple Light Productions and the associate producer for Murmuration Theatre Company.
CAMILLAH KHAN - CSP New Works Fest TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
CAMILLAH KHAN - CSP New Works Fest TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
CAMILLAH KHAN - CSP New Works Fest TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Camillah Khan is an aspiring stage manager with a passion for accesibility in the arts. She is currently in the final year of her Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Technology at New York City College of Technology and is excited to collaborate with Conch Shell Productions.
HORACIO ROJAS - CSP New Works Fest - VIDEOGRAPHER
CAMILLAH KHAN - CSP New Works Fest TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
CAMILLAH KHAN - CSP New Works Fest TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Horacio Rojas is a multidisciplinary visual artist and filmmaker whose work spans fashion, documentary photography, and cinema. Through image-making, he preserves memory, explores human
experience, and bridges personal and collective histories across global communities.
IG: horaciorojasr
BRANDON MANTUANO - INTERN PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
BRANDON MANTUANO - INTERN PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
BRANDON MANTUANO - INTERN PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
Brandon Mantuano, is an Ecuadorian graduate of Hunter College in Documentary and TV Production. He is passionate about live media, storytelling, and creating work that sparks meaningful conversations, experiences and bridges personal and collective histories across global communities.
CSP PROJECTS HE WORKED ON
CSIFF COMMUNITY SCRENINGS - vi
Brandon Mantuano, is an Ecuadorian graduate of Hunter College in Documentary and TV Production. He is passionate about live media, storytelling, and creating work that sparks meaningful conversations, experiences and bridges personal and collective histories across global communities.
CSP PROJECTS HE WORKED ON
CSIFF COMMUNITY SCRENINGS - videographer/ photographer/editor
BLUELIGHT READING SEREIS
photographer
CSP NEW WORKS FEST
photographer
ANNISSA ALLEN - INTERN Audience development
BRANDON MANTUANO - INTERN PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
BRANDON MANTUANO - INTERN PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
ReelWorks Intern
Queens College senior.
Audience development and researcher.
CSIFF COMMUNITY SCREENINGS
BLUELIGHT READING SERIES
SHREYA AMBATTI - STAGE MANAGER BLUELIGHT SERIES
BRANDON MANTUANO - INTERN PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
SHREYA AMBATTI - STAGE MANAGER BLUELIGHT SERIES
Indian-American theatre-maker and travel writer from Queens, NY. She is the founder of the Acacia Tree Collective, currently training at HB Studio, and working as a co-producer and lead artist with Jwala Productions. Her deep passion for global theatrical traditions and human connection has fueled her travels to over 26 countries.
CREATE YOUR SOLO SHOW WORKSHOP
This dynamic two-part workshop is designed to help you build or elevate your one-person show—whether you're just starting out or ready to take your script to the next level.
Led by award-winning solo performer Juliette Jeffers, you'll dive deep into storytelling, structure, and performance, gaining the tools & feedback.