In the Red and Brown Water – Meet the Creative Team

in the red and brown water BY tarell alvin mccraney DIRECTED BY caroline S. clay Meet the creative team
Director \| CAROLINE STEFANIE CLAY Caroline Clay (she/her) is a native of Washington, D.C. and an Assistant Professor of Acting here at UIowa’s Department of Theatre Arts. Best known for her memorable portrayal of “CeCe the Matchmaker” for an entire season on Grey’s Anatomy, she is a 30-year career veteran of five Broadway shows, television, film, and a national tour. She is the winner of an NAACP Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in Skeleton Crew at The Geffen Playhouse (West Coast.) In addition to directing In the Red & Brown Water, and a staged reading of this play as part of an exciting new collaboration with The Stanley Musuem, in conversation with their collections of the African diaspora, she has directed Gwenevere (2022) and Lil’ G: A Gatsby Remix (2023) both by MFA ‘23 Playwright, Isaiah Reaves. As a playwright, Clay is the author of two solo shows, Let it Flo!: The Life & Scandals of Florynce Kennedy, which played Off-Broadway (2016) at the Cherry Lane Theatre, and Sepia Sculptress: Wildfire, Edmonia Lewis (2017) at the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage in Washington, D.C. Currently, she is writing a solo show about famed artist and UIowa alum, Elizabeth Catlett. Nominated by her students, Clay will receive the University of Iowa’s Office of Undergraduate Research’s Distinguished Mentor Award of 2024. Later this summer, she will complete her training to become a Designated Linklater Voice Instructor. Caroline is a proud union member of both Actor’s Equity Association, and SAG-AFTRA. She is deeply grateful to every colleague, faculty & staff member, student, scholar, collaborator, department, and creative division- without whom, this vision would never have become a reality. She dedicates In the Red & Brown Water to beautiful mother, Suzanne. #unionstrong
Choreographer \| KIERON DWAYNE SARGEANT Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Kieron Dwayne Sargeant is an embodiment of African-Caribbean Diaspora traditions. An interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, drummer, and astute dance researcher, he currently holds a distinguished position as an Assistant Professor of Dance, Latin America, Caribbean and Latinax Studies at Skidmore College. Over two decades, Kieron has meticulously documented Caribbean and Western African dance traditions. His pedagogical approach involves the dissemination of dance teachings and workshops that both recognize and reinforce these traditions. His performance pieces often integrate spiritual, cultural, and sacred themes. Notably, his work "He Shall Walk" (2022), presented by Northwestern Black Arts Consortium, offers a profound exploration of his personal journey as a "Mourner". Through choreography, he examines the generational wisdom and history that resonate within the body, manifesting at moments of introspection. Kieron's contributions to the realm of masterclasses are evident in renowned institutions like Florida State University, Collegium for African Diaspora Dance, Woezo Africa Music and Dance Theatre Inc., the International Association of Blacks in Dance, NYU Steinhardt, the Nigerian Dance Guild, Ecole des Sables, and Simon Fraser University. His choreography has been showcased internationally, from the Universoul Circus and SUNY Brockport in the U.S. to stages worldwide with MSC Cruise Lines. He has also collaborated with eminent dance figures including Thomas Talawa Prestø, Makeda Thomas, and Caroline Copeland. Academically, Kieron is accomplished, holding an MFA from Florida State University, an MA from Ohio University, and a BA from the University of West Indies. Among his notable recognitions are the 2019 FA Ada Belle Winthrop King Art Endowment Award, 2020 UNESCO Dance Fellowship and a Grant Wood Fellow in Interdisciplinary Performance in 2022 from the University of Iowa. In 2020, he established the Kieron Sargeant Dance and Dance Education Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago, fostering an environment conducive for artistic growth. Recent accolades include the 2021 International Artist Award from Ayjano Folklore Heritage and Performing Arts Institution of Nigeria, an influential mentorship role with the Mojuba Dance Collective Company and one of the highest city awards, the Mayor of the City of San Fernando Citation Award 2023, for his contributions to arts and culture in Trinidad and Tobago Kieron remains actively engaged in collaborative projects affiliated with Hofstra University and Rutgers University. His collaborations with international scholars and artists further underscore his commitment to understanding and enhancing the global impact of African influences on dance traditions.
Dramaturg \| REBECCA WEAVER Rebecca Weaver (She/They) is in their second year as an MFA candidate in the dramaturgy program here at the University of Iowa. Previously, Rebecca obtained two bachelor’s degrees in English and Drama (2020) at Jacksonville State University where they then received their master’s degree in English (2022). Among their theatre experience, Rebecca has presented their dramaturgical work at several theatre conferences (SETC, PCA/ACA, MATC) and spent time at the Kennedy Center in D.C. as a dramaturgy fellow through KCACTF. Their most recent theatre credits include dramaturging Macbeth (UIowa) You’re Still Here (NPF, UIowa), Ugly Lies the Bone (UIowa), The Children’s Hour (UIowa), Emilie: du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight (JSU), co-dramaturging A Midsummer Night's Dream (The Shakespeare Project), and directing The Diary of Anne Frank by Wendy Kesselman. They are very honored to have worked with the cast and creative team of In the Red and Brown Water, especially the director, Caroline Clay, and hope you enjoy the show!
Stage Manager \| SAVANHA MOORE Savanha Moore (She/Her) is a Theatrical Artist and Production Stage Manager from Southern California. She is happy to be continuing her education at the University of Iowa as a second-year Stage Management MFA candidate. Savanha has always wanted to tell stories that serve a greater purpose and that makes way for the change she would like to see in the world. Thank you to the cast and crew and creative team for their incredible work throughout this process, she is incredibility grateful to be a part of this team. She thanks those who have always supported her on this journey and encouraged her to take that leap of faith; without your support none of this would be possible. Her recent show credits include: The Heist (Immersive Experience, NYC), Macbeth (UIowa, Mabie Theatre), NBC Quantum Leap (Immersive Experience, SDCC 2023), Title Pending (Obsidian Theatre Festival), Lil G: A Gatsby Remix (UIowa Theatre; Thayer Theatre), Braided Sorrow (UIowa Theatre; Thayer Theatre), Mother:Knife (UIowa Theatre, MacVey Theatre), HBO House of the Dragons Activation (Immersive Experience, SDCC 2022), Untitled Baby Play (IAMA Theatre), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Geffen Playhouse). She thanks you for coming and enjoying live theatre; enjoy the show!
Scenic Designer \| BETHANY KASPEREK
Costume Designer \| LOYCE ARTHUR Loyce L. Arthur, associate professor, University of Iowa, has designed costumes for over 100 productions over the course of her career, including How I Learned What I Learned, The 39 Steps, and Peer Gynt, Portland Stage Company, ME; Once On This Island at the Skylight Music Theater, MN; Brokenville, and Nocturnal Wanderer, Athens, Greece; Famous Orpheus, Geva Theater, NY. Her work at the University of Iowa includes BLKS, Welcome to Thebes, American Idiot, Metamorphosis, and her very first play here, Artifacts. Arthur is fascinated with costumes, masks, and puppets far beyond a traditional theater stage. She was lead designer for the Iowa City Carnival Community Parade at the Iowa Arts Festival where 400+ Iowans became moving, dancing, works of art. For 16 years she has been a guest artist at award winning Carnival designer Clary Salandy’s Mahogany workshop in London UK. June 2022, Arthur and her graduate students worked with Mahogany on their section of the history-making parade for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. She has presented research on Carnival in Santiago de Cuba, Toronto Canada, Cartagena Columbia, and Trinidad and Tobago and researched the art form in Leeds UK, Rio de Janeiro Brazil, the Netherlands, Grenada WI, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland and the US. She is winner of a 2024-2025 Fulbright US Scholar Award to teach in Indonesia, the 2023 Hubbard-Walder Award For Excellence in Teaching, and the 2019 CLAS Outstanding Outreach and Public Engagement Award. As she retires from the University of Iowa and redirects in June 2024, she would like to thank all of her amazing colleagues and students for their awe-inspiring creativity, humbling generosity, and abiding warmth and for making this part of her journey over the past 25 years, one of the best times of her life.
Sound Designer \| VICTOR MALDONADO
Lighting Designer \| BRYON WINN Bryon is a professor of design and Director of Theatre for the Department of Theatre Arts. Bryon has designed lighting, media, and/or scenery for theatre, opera, dance, and corporate events throughout the country. This includes over 250 productions and 50 premieres of new plays. His work has been seen at Portland Stage Company, Trinity Rep, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Florida Studio Theatre, Axis Theatre, Intersection for the Arts, Miranda Theatre Company, and Utah Musical Theatre. Bryon is a member of United Scenic Artists 829.
Vocal & Dialect Coach \| MARY MAYO
Intimacy Director \| OWEN BRIGHTMAN
Composer of Legba's song \| KYLEN PHILLIPS*
Assistant Stage Manager \| EMMA MERKES* Emma (she/her) is a third-year undergrad studying stage management as a double major in Theatre and Art. Her other credits at UIowa include rockabye; Something Rotten!; In the Sepulcher, We are Fed; and New Play Festival. She also works as a production assistant at Hancher Auditorium. She is so thankful for the opportunity to work with this production team and cast and she can’t wait to show you all their hard work.
Assistant Costume Designer \| CJ JOHNSON

in the red and brown water
BY tarell alvin mccraney
DIRECTED BY caroline S. clay
Meet the creative team

Director | CAROLINE STEFANIE CLAY

Caroline Clay (she/her) is a native of Washington, D.C. and an Assistant Professor of Acting here at UIowa’s Department of Theatre Arts. Best known for her memorable portrayal of “CeCe the Matchmaker” for an entire season on Grey’s Anatomy, she is a 30-year career veteran of five Broadway shows, television, film, and a national tour. She is the winner of an NAACP Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in Skeleton Crew at The Geffen Playhouse (West Coast.) In addition to directing In the Red & Brown Water, and a staged reading of this play as part of an exciting new collaboration with The Stanley Musuem, in conversation with their collections of the African diaspora, she has directed Gwenevere (2022) and Lil’ G: A Gatsby Remix (2023) both by MFA ‘23 Playwright, Isaiah Reaves. As a playwright, Clay is the author of two solo shows, Let it Flo!: The Life & Scandals of Florynce Kennedy, which played Off-Broadway (2016) at the Cherry Lane Theatre, and Sepia Sculptress: Wildfire, Edmonia Lewis (2017) at the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage in Washington, D.C. Currently, she is writing a solo show about famed artist and UIowa alum, Elizabeth Catlett. Nominated by her students, Clay will receive the University of Iowa’s Office of Undergraduate Research’s Distinguished Mentor Award of 2024. Later this summer, she will complete her training to become a Designated Linklater Voice Instructor. Caroline is a proud union member of both Actor’s Equity Association, and SAG-AFTRA. She is deeply grateful to every colleague, faculty & staff member, student, scholar, collaborator, department, and creative division- without whom, this vision would never have become a reality. She dedicates In the Red & Brown Water to beautiful mother, Suzanne. #unionstrong

Choreographer | KIERON DWAYNE SARGEANT

Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Kieron Dwayne Sargeant is an embodiment of African-Caribbean Diaspora traditions. An interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, drummer, and astute dance researcher, he currently holds a distinguished position as an Assistant Professor of Dance, Latin America, Caribbean and Latinax Studies at Skidmore College.

Over two decades, Kieron has meticulously documented Caribbean and Western African dance traditions. His pedagogical approach involves the dissemination of dance teachings and workshops that both recognize and reinforce these traditions. His performance pieces often integrate spiritual, cultural, and sacred themes. Notably, his work "He Shall Walk" (2022), presented by Northwestern Black Arts Consortium, offers a profound exploration of his personal journey as a "Mourner". Through choreography, he examines the generational wisdom and history that resonate within the body, manifesting at moments of introspection.

Kieron's contributions to the realm of masterclasses are evident in renowned institutions like Florida State University, Collegium for African Diaspora Dance, Woezo Africa Music and Dance Theatre Inc., the International Association of Blacks in Dance, NYU Steinhardt, the Nigerian Dance Guild, Ecole des Sables, and Simon Fraser University. His choreography has been showcased internationally, from the Universoul Circus and SUNY Brockport in the U.S. to stages worldwide with MSC Cruise Lines. He has also collaborated with eminent dance figures including Thomas Talawa Prestø, Makeda Thomas, and Caroline Copeland.

Academically, Kieron is accomplished, holding an MFA from Florida State University, an MA from Ohio University, and a BA from the University of West Indies. Among his notable recognitions are the 2019 FA Ada Belle Winthrop King Art Endowment Award, 2020 UNESCO Dance Fellowship and a Grant Wood Fellow in Interdisciplinary Performance in 2022 from the University of Iowa.

In 2020, he established the Kieron Sargeant Dance and Dance Education Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago, fostering an environment conducive for artistic growth. Recent accolades include the 2021 International Artist Award from Ayjano Folklore Heritage and Performing Arts Institution of Nigeria, an influential mentorship role with the Mojuba Dance Collective Company and one of the highest city awards, the Mayor of the City of San Fernando Citation Award 2023, for his contributions to arts and culture in Trinidad and Tobago

Kieron remains actively engaged in collaborative projects affiliated with Hofstra University and Rutgers University. His collaborations with international scholars and artists further underscore his commitment to understanding and enhancing the global impact of African influences on dance traditions.

Dramaturg | REBECCA WEAVER

Rebecca Weaver (She/They) is in their second year as an MFA candidate in the dramaturgy program here at the University of Iowa. Previously, Rebecca obtained two bachelor’s degrees in English and Drama (2020) at Jacksonville State University where they then received their master’s degree in English (2022). Among their theatre experience, Rebecca has presented their dramaturgical work at several theatre conferences (SETC, PCA/ACA, MATC) and spent time at the Kennedy Center in D.C. as a dramaturgy fellow through KCACTF. Their most recent theatre credits include dramaturging Macbeth (UIowa) You’re Still Here (NPF, UIowa), Ugly Lies the Bone (UIowa), The Children’s Hour (UIowa), Emilie: du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight (JSU), co-dramaturging A Midsummer Night's Dream (The Shakespeare Project), and directing The Diary of Anne Frank by Wendy Kesselman. They are very honored to have worked with the cast and creative team of In the Red and Brown Water, especially the director, Caroline Clay, and hope you enjoy the show!

Stage Manager | SAVANHA MOORE

Savanha Moore (She/Her) is a Theatrical Artist and Production Stage Manager from Southern California. She is happy to be continuing her education at the University of Iowa as a second-year Stage Management MFA candidate. Savanha has always wanted to tell stories that serve a greater purpose and that makes way for the change she would like to see in the world. Thank you to the cast and crew and creative team for their incredible work throughout this process, she is incredibility grateful to be a part of this team. She thanks those who have always supported her on this journey and encouraged her to take that leap of faith; without your support none of this would be possible. Her recent show credits include: The Heist (Immersive Experience, NYC), Macbeth (UIowa, Mabie Theatre), NBC Quantum Leap (Immersive Experience, SDCC 2023), Title Pending (Obsidian Theatre Festival), Lil G: A Gatsby Remix (UIowa Theatre; Thayer Theatre), Braided Sorrow (UIowa Theatre; Thayer Theatre), Mother:Knife (UIowa Theatre, MacVey Theatre), HBO House of the Dragons Activation (Immersive Experience, SDCC 2022), Untitled Baby Play (IAMA Theatre), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Geffen Playhouse). She thanks you for coming and enjoying live theatre; enjoy the show!

Scenic Designer | BETHANY KASPEREK

Costume Designer | LOYCE ARTHUR

Loyce L. Arthur, associate professor, University of Iowa, has designed costumes for over 100 productions over the course of her career, including How I Learned What I Learned, The 39 Steps, and Peer Gynt, Portland Stage Company, ME; Once On This Island at the Skylight Music Theater, MN; Brokenville, and Nocturnal Wanderer, Athens, Greece; Famous Orpheus, Geva Theater, NY. Her work at the University of Iowa includes BLKS, Welcome to Thebes, American Idiot, Metamorphosis, and her very first play here, Artifacts. Arthur is fascinated with costumes, masks, and puppets far beyond a traditional theater stage. She was lead designer for the Iowa City Carnival Community Parade at the Iowa Arts Festival where 400+ Iowans became moving, dancing, works of art. For 16 years she has been a guest artist at award winning Carnival designer Clary Salandy’s Mahogany workshop in London UK. June 2022, Arthur and her graduate students worked with Mahogany on their section of the history-making parade for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. She has presented research on Carnival in Santiago de Cuba, Toronto Canada, Cartagena Columbia, and Trinidad and Tobago and researched the art form in Leeds UK, Rio de Janeiro Brazil, the Netherlands, Grenada WI, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland and the US. She is winner of a 2024-2025 Fulbright US Scholar Award to teach in Indonesia, the 2023 Hubbard-Walder Award For Excellence in Teaching, and the 2019 CLAS Outstanding Outreach and Public Engagement Award. As she retires from the University of Iowa and redirects in June 2024, she would like to thank all of her amazing colleagues and students for their awe-inspiring creativity, humbling generosity, and abiding warmth and for making this part of her journey over the past 25 years, one of the best times of her life.

Sound Designer | VICTOR MALDONADO

Lighting Designer | BRYON WINN

Bryon is a professor of design and Director of Theatre for the Department of Theatre Arts. Bryon has designed lighting, media, and/or scenery for theatre, opera, dance, and corporate events throughout the country. This includes over 250 productions and 50 premieres of new plays. His work has been seen at Portland Stage Company, Trinity Rep, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Florida Studio Theatre, Axis Theatre, Intersection for the Arts, Miranda Theatre Company, and Utah Musical Theatre. Bryon is a member of United Scenic Artists 829.

Vocal & Dialect Coach | MARY MAYO

Intimacy Director | OWEN BRIGHTMAN

Composer of Legba's song | KYLEN PHILLIPS*

Assistant Stage Manager | EMMA MERKES*

Emma (she/her) is a third-year undergrad studying stage management as a double major in Theatre and Art. Her other credits at UIowa include rockabye; Something Rotten!; In the Sepulcher, We are Fed; and New Play Festival. She also works as a production assistant at Hancher Auditorium. She is so thankful for the opportunity to work with this production team and cast and she can’t wait to show you all their hard work.

Assistant Costume Designer | CJ JOHNSON

*Undergraduate student. UI Theatre is dedicated to providing hands-on theatre experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.