LoveDoesNotHurt

Writers and Directors

Choreographer

Krishuana Michelle Anderson, Celeste, is a 21-year-old performing artist, earning a Bachelor’s
Degree in Theatre at Columbia College Chicago where she is involved in many student organizations,
including but not limited to: Black Student Union, Entrepreneurship Club, and Columbia Normal. She was
also awarded the opportunity to Study Abroad at the University of East London to further her theatre
education partaking in a neighboring community to learn how the arts affected the lives of the adults
and children involved. A few of her past works include: “Medusa’s Tale” portraying the tragic Greek
goddess Medusa, “Ceremonies of Dark Old Men” where she played the lead role of Adele at Columbia
College, Queen Mother and a village dancer in “Unwelcome Truths”, Piece’s Wife and a chorus member
in “43 Plays for 43 Presidents”, Woman and Operator 2 in “Snapshots”, and Kitty in “Terror by Gaslight”
at Dekalb School of the Arts.

Rebecca Cotter, Passion, is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Liberal
Arts & Science and a minor in Theatre. Her first experience with the stage was as a high school
freshman and she has thoroughly enjoyed it ever since. Some of her credits include "Fools,"
"Stagedoor," "Raisin in the Sun," "Vagina Monologues," "Class Action," "Aqua Beats and Moon Verses:
Volume I.~ Tha Remix," and "Aqua Beats and Moon Verses Volume II: Yo Brotha…Wassup Sun?" She
feels very fortunate for another opportunity to work with and learn from AquaMoon and be apart of
such an inspiring cast.

Shanara Fornett, Ms. Mable, the actress, and lyricist, is pleased to be performing in a third project
with AquaMoon. You may have seen her as the hilarious sister-friend, “Toni”, in the smash
independent, romantic thriller Partyline (AAA Studios). Her acting career began not very long ago in
theater, but she already has several notable roles to her credit: Lorraine Hansberry’s Young, Gifted
and Black, “Ruth Younger” in A Raisin in the Sun, “The Angry Vagina” in The Vagina Monologues; “Mau
Mau” in Daughters of the Mock, “Coretta Scott King” in Pieces of a Shattered Dream” and “Gwendolyn
Brooks” in Chicago Black Renaissance. She is a two-time Chicago Community Arts Assistance
Program awardee, which has paid for her acting lessons at Act One Studios and voice lessons at the
Sherwood Conservatory of Music. She has taught praise and hip-hop dance locally and abroad. She
is a proud member of Trinity United Church of Christ’s Adult Drama Ministry. She is a recurring hip-hop
poetemcee with Miraculous Entertainment and can be heard on this year’s album release, “Things That
Define GP”. You may connect with her on Facebook. Her motto is, “With God all things are possible”.

R. Kova Hayse, Kenny, is an artist and entertainer. Known as a Renaissance man, Kova is trained in
the field of Mathematics, Computer Science and Business Administration. He received a B.A. from
University of Chicago in 1995 and immediately began Graduate studies in Applied Mathematics at
University of Iowa. Kova enjoys spoken word and all styles of music especially jazz, blues, gospel,
soul, r & b, hip-hop and reggae. Mr. Hayse is known for his soulful jazz inflected arrangements and
melodic delivery. His influences include Andy Bey, Jimmy Scott, Sarah Vaughan, R. H. Harris, Carmen
McRae, Marion Williams, Nina Simone, Mavis Staples, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Cissy
Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstein, Tony Bennett. Prior to assuming the Role of Kenny, Mr. Hayse
played the role of Brotha in “Volume II.” Kova has also sang and toured with numerous bands and
groups (Shade of Blue, Project Soul, and Perpetual Deep, Voices of Soul.) Kova is currently teaching
Mathematics at East West University as well as studying piano and voice with Elsa Harris at the
HarrisHouseofMusic

Originally from Richton Park, Illinois, Chantal’ Ashante Hill, Dancer, is truly the definition of what a
dancer should be. Her dance ability is fused with passion and pure inspiration. At a young, she began
dancing on community teams and in talent shows. She showcases her versatile movement vocabulary
in modern, ballet, jazz and hip-hop. The phrase big things come in small packages represent her as a
dancer. Chantal’ has always been the dancer that stood out for her sharp precise movements. She
began her early training with Sabrina Johnson of Ignition Dance Squad and Gloria Chatman of
Danspiration Studio. She attended Rich Central High school and has been awarded “Best Female
Dancer.” In 2007, she was a back-up dancer for a Chicago based artist Angela Martin. Later that year,
she performed at a Chicago Bull’s basketball game with Ignition Dance Squad. She recently worked
under the direction of Van Collins at the Rasa Dance Chicago Company summer intensive. Chantal’ is
now performing with the Chicago Steam Basketball ABA league Steamette Dance team. She continues
to perform at Victory Apostolic Church. She has been quoted saying “God has given me the gift to
dance and I will cherish it daily.” She is currently working with the best instructors at Columbia College
Chicago to build onto her technique.

Michael Johnson, Preston, is a 19-year-old Theatre major at Columbia College,Chicago, but that is
not the utmost of his identity; he is a global citizen with the responsibility to share the value of any
forgotten narrative. Michael is honing his skills to share these stories with audiences here and abroad.
He’s been blessed to be introduced to Theatre and its insight into humanity. “I have found myself
pushed to explore its [theater’s] uses and shapes, and I implore the world to do the same by whatever
means.” Mr. Johnson has performed in Columbia College’s HSSI Summer Showcase, “To Kill a Mocking
Bird,” as well as working in a South African NGO putting together a bilingual theater project for youth.
He states, “But my most prized achievements are yet to be accomplished and hopefully I won't rest on
those laurels when they arrive.”

Carmen Jones, Sanique, is passionate about her art. Since the tender age of 5 she has been acting
and soon began dancing when she was 9. She has graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago
obtaining her degree in Theater. With her degree and experience she plans to continue teaching
theater and grow as an actress. Ms. Jones is also cast in the production of Blue Monday with
Chocolate Chip Theater. Her other works include Jesus Christ Super Star, The Wiz, Monologues of a
Dark Child, and For Colored Girls… just to name a few. She is excited to work with AquaBeats &
MoonVerses again. She has traveled with the ensemble throughout the Midwest and the east coast
since 2006. Carmen is part of 3 performing arts organizations, After School Matters/HHW as an
actress and acting instructor, AIM(Anointed in Movement) holding a position in the acting department
and Revelation Theater Company as the casting director. She has taught in schools and summer
programs throughout the city of Chicago. Carmen has over 10 years of dance experience, under the
teaching of Lisa Johnson Willingham and Bryant Ballet (now CCDC). Carmen now serves as dance
choreographer for the Youth Dance Ministry of First Baptist Congregational Church. Carmen Jones is
so grateful for the experience and growth of AquaMoon. She has faith that this company will soar and
influence millions of women and men. When times get hard she will always remember Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Sometimes you have
a vision but you can’t see the journey that it takes to get there, but when you have Faith you can
conquer anything. Domestic violence is big, everywhere we turn, it’s time to stop being silent and put
an end to the growing numbers of emotional and physical abuse with both men and women. One in
every four experience Domestic violence…what are YOU going to do to assure you aren’t that “one?”

Chris Jones, Chuck, was born on the best side, the southside of Chicago. Graduated from Hyde Park
High school, and now finding his way in the world, majoring in Fashion Marketing and Management at
Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Chris is also working part time as a Debate Coach at Urban Prep Charter
academy for Young Men. Chris is excited to be getting a chance to showcase some of his many
talents in the love does not hurt…play by AquaMoon.

Boaz S. McGee, Malik, Chicago native and Chicago State University alum Boaz S. McGee is one of
hip hop’s preeminent, emerging talents. As recording artist Bo Beniz and one-half of super group Bo &
Logik, Boaz has performed nationwide and is the first independent act to headline at Chicago’s
legendary House of Blues. As CEO of GO Sity Entertainment, Boaz is committed to developing other
artists and creating quality events for the community, such as The Chicago Hip Hop Classic and GO
Sity for Youth, an after school program for teens interested in music industry careers. “Love Does Not
Hurt…” is Boaz’s first (yet, certainly not last) theatrical performance. He humbly thanks AquaMoon for
the opportunity.

Jessica Newman, Dancer, was born in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up with the passion for art and
found dancing as her gateway. Jessica has been dancing for the Park District and the Praise Dance
Ministry since the age of 8. She’s also danced with ENDURE and Gallery 37. Jessica is finishing her
last year of high school at Kenwood, where she’s dances for the pom pom team, and plans to study
International Business in college.

Michael Smith, Sam. This is Mike’s first performance in Chicago. He trains at the Chicago Actors
Studio with Ed Fogell. He is thrilled to have met AquaMoon and given the opportunity to portray such a
powerful piece. Mike also writes fiction and holds a Masters in Creative Writing from Northwestern.
Although he is a native of Northern Virginia, he has come to consider Chicago his home.

Devon Thompson, Dancer, Young, Black, and Beautiful, born to the poverty stricken, Englewood
area of the city of Chicago on January 17, 1990. God blessed him to be raised and brought up and
influence by the powerful women within his family; Mother, Jacqueline Thompson; Grandmother, Elnora
Thompson; 4 of his aunts; all taught this young individual to be a man. At an early age of 8, Devon
began to express to the world a musical talent and intensive passion for the same. When he turned 14,
he began showing an interest in dance and has been shaking, shifting, and moving. He went to John
Hope College Prep High School, class of 2008, and graduated top 15% percent of his class.
Immediately after high school, decided to further high artistic ability. Fall of 2008, he attended Columbia
College Chicago with a major in Vocal Performance and a minor in Dance. In the fall of 2009, he
transferred institution and now receives his education at Northeastern Illinois University. Young, Black
and Beautiful, perceives himself as humble and just allows GOD to control his life.

Tierra Winston, Juanita, is a 28-year-old single parent who has a strong passion for acting and
dancing. She began acting at a young age and continued to act as she got older by performing in
several plays and films including but not limited to Aqua Beats and Moon Verses, Vagina Monologues,
School Daze Class of 2005, Fred Claus, It Takes a Village, Don't Call Me Sassy, etc. Tierra has a
Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts in Theater and a Master's Degree in School Social Work currently
working as a school social worker and case manager. She is very grateful for the gifts and talents
God has blessed her with and she dedicates this performance to her #1 fan, her 8-year-old son
Tyriek, and to all women and children who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

Kenton Williams, Pastor Jimmy, was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. He attended
Wendell E. Green Elementary School and Lindblom Technical High School. Mr. Williams continued his
education at Western Illinois University and Grambling State University. He volunteers for Dance Africa
of Chicago at Columbia College, and the National Hip-hop Political Action Network. Kenton is rejoining
AquaMoon’s cast after playing Masculinity in “Aqua Beats and Moon Verses: Volume II ~ Brotha...
Wassup Sun?”