THE CAST OF NOIR

Atlanta native Kirjah comes as a newcomer to the DMV acting community. Her most recent accolades include her depiction of the beloved character "Squeak" in The Color Purple presented by Black Rock Center of the Arts. Kirjah has placements in a number of magazines including Bold Journey ATL, Beaunu Magazine, Black Magazine, and Voyage ATL. She has also made appearances on fan favorites including Love and Hip Hop ATL. She brings a unique creativity to the stage and is looking forward to more acting opportunities. Regarding her fondness for the arts, Kirjah says,"I have always harbored a deep affection for the creative arts. Growing up as a foster child presented challenges that taught me about self-love, security, self-worth, and confidence. I want to use my passion in arts to help others find the strength to follow their own dreams."

Daniel Young is a recent graduate from Bowie State University where he studied Theater Arts with a concentration in acting/directing. Daniel has been acting for more than 11 years and has performed in many plays and musicals. His recent credits include "Man" (understudy), in the Helen Hayes nominated My Mamma, "Jimmy Early" in Dreamgirls, "Cash" in the Telly Award Winning Dancing On the Air, "Bernstein/Mr. Martin/Ensemble" in Little Shop of Horrors, "Mr. Warbucks" in Annie, "Peter" in The Boardroom, "Bernardo" in West Side Story, and "Peter" in Witnesses to the Cross. Daniel also had his directorial debut for the virtual production of Noonie & Rocky in 2020. In addition to directing and acting, Daniel has recently ventured into playwriting. He is honored to be a part of NOIR production and embracing what the creative future holds.

A Southern Maryland resident, Bowie State University graduate, and Seidel Fellow at 1st Stage, Terrence is excited to make his first professional theatrical appearance in NOIR. In other productions, Terrence played “Trouble/ Doctor” in In The Blood by Susan Lori Parks and “Omari” in Dominique Morriseau’s Pipeline. Terrence is also a voice actor who was recently heard as “Joseph Rouleau” in the award-winning The Everything is OK Show written and directed by Milo Ferguson. Regarding NOIR, Terrence hopes the play resonates with you as much as it does for him.

Carl Stewart is an actor and voice actor from New Orleans, Louisiana. He received his bachelor's degree and training from Howard University. Carl has worked with theaters including Imagination Stage and Olney Theatre Center for the latter's 73rd National Players Tour. He gives thanks and warmest regards to the crew and cast of NOIR as well as God and his family.

Alexander Hammett is a Maryland born filmmaker who thrives from making content that shows people of color in different genres. He has won awards for acting and directing, and often works in the lighting department. He started off working onstage and in tech in theater, and continued onward into film once he got into George Mason University. If there was one thing he would tell you, it would be,“I just want to make the things I loved to see as a kid with people who look like me. The more people I can inspire to make the things they love, the better.” Alex continues to surround himself with likeminded people in order to continue to make this goal become reality.

Mel Burwell has been performing in theater productions since the age of 15. As a Theater Performance major at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), she has performed, written, directed, and choreographed many of the NCCU theater department productions. She has also worked with the National Black Theater Festival from 2022 to 2023 under such actors as Lamman Rucker and Phylicia Rashad. Mel has been in such productions as The Color Purple, For Colored Girls, Mama’s Child, and Sarafina. She has written and directed plays such as Behind These Walls, Emmitt, Diary of Eve, What Kind of Man, and most recently NOIR. She looks forward to continuing her passion and desire for theater.

Tiffany Strother, born and raised in Washington, D.C., studied theater arts at the University of the District of Columbia where she obtained her bachelor’s degree. She works as a Drama teacher for District of Columbia Public Schools and has earned several acting credits. Tiffany was an extra in the feature film The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and acted on stage in The Coffee Cafe, Behind the Mask, Homegirls, Colored Museum and The Wiz. She performed in What Doesn’t Kill Me with City At Peace DC and Saving Us Saints with Heralds of Hope. She has also appeared in the play My Boyfriend’s Wife which has over 400K YouTube views and the web series He Loves Me, He Loves You Not. She has stage managed shows such as A Day of Atonement with the African Continuum Theatre and Rough Draft of My Life by Under the Spells Production. Tiffany enjoys writing, dancing, and traveling with her family. She choreographed and stage managed 101 Dalmatian Kids in 2023. Her recent stage credits include Crucified, Grease with a Side of Mumbo Sauce, and A Raisin in the Sun. She makes her directorial debut in June 2024.