Stage Manager: Faith Marsala
Assistant Stage Manager: Chris Ochman
Technical Director: Luigi LoCascio
Set Designer: Sheila Fastoff
Lighting Designer: Max Teicher
Sound Designer: Joyce Cheng
Projection Designer: Ethan Borrok
Props Manager: Braxton Stone
Costume Designer: Mallory Tirone
Assistant Costume Design: Sophia Brito

Undine: Amaya Sonubi
Stephie / Rosa / Caseworker / Pregnant Woman: Jamya Haygood-El
Accountant / Officer / Addict 1 / Paramedic 1: Amarya Genesis
Agent Duva / Flow / Gregory / Person in Line / Loudspeaker Voice: Isaac So
Hervé / Father / Yoruba Priest / Dealer / Paramedic 2: André White
Dr. Khdair / Inmate 2 / Counselor: Duorui Shi
Rapper Boyfriend / Judge / Addict 2 / Woman in Line / Doctor: Taylor Hannah
Allison / Mother / Inmate 1 / Devora / Undine Understudy: Indira Adelle Surage
Grandma / Prison Guard: Khadija Mberwa
Guy / Lance: Samarth Yaralakatte Mallappa

In Fabulation, or The Re-Education of Undine, we encounter a sophisticated, ambitious Black woman forced to navigate an unforgiving social system after a sudden and painful betrayal. Undine went to great lengths to transcend her humble childhood and craft a gilded lifestyle that shattered under the pressure of forces outside her power, leaving her exposed to the social ills that she’d worked so hard to escape.

Our multicultural cast highlights the universal impact of systemic oppression, which corrupts and confuses, regardless of one’s identity or position. In this production, we examine how oppressive forces shape our lives across generations, linking us all in the struggle for resilience and the right to pursue a healthy, meaningful life against a system that sets us up to fail.

~Thembi Duncan, Director

THEMBI DUNCAN (she/her): WNY directing projects include Rajiv Joseph’s King James at D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre, as well as Crowns by Regina Taylor and Lanie Robertson’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, both at MusicalFare Theatre. D.C.-area directing highlights include Br'er Cotton by Tearrance A. Chisholm, Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar, Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith, and several of her own plays, including WTF Happened to Baby Sister?!. Ms. Duncan holds a B.A. in Theatre, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Maryland and an M.S. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from SUNY Potsdam. To learn more, visit https://thembiduncan.com/.

AMARYA GENESIS (Richard/Ensemble) (she/her) is currently a Senior Theatre Performance major. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make her UB theatre debut this semester, and would like to thank everyone involved for making the collaborative process of this production so memorable. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their continued support, as always. You know who you are! IG: @amaryagenesis

TAYLOR HANNAH (Ensemble/Swing) (she/her) is currently a sophomore BFA Theatre Performance major with a minor in Dance. She has been performing since she was six, dancing at Buffalo City Ballet in The Nutcracker (Clara and others) for many years. She recently performed in the LV Shakespeare Showcase held at the KCT last Spring. She is so excited to perform in her first UBTHD production! Some of her favorite credits include Wizard of Oz Jr. (Glinda), Legally Blonde Jr. (Courtney), Fame Jr. (Dance Ensemble), and many more! Lastly, she would like to thank her parents and friends for all their support. @t.eemarie <3

JAMYA HAYGOOD-EL (Stephie/Ensemble) (she/her) is a Sophomore Theatre Performance major here at UB. She has been in many musicals and plays since she was a little girl. She recently was in Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (U/S Maria/Jenny/Nelson). Jamya would like to thank her family for coming all the way to Buffalo to support her. Jamya hopes everyone enjoys the show!

SAMARTH YARALAKATTE MALLAPPA (Guy/Lance) (he/him) is currently an MBA student with a passion for theatre and the arts. He has been involved in stage productions since high school, participating in mimes, mad ads, drama, and other theatrical performances. Samarth has also worked as an assistant director on an upcoming South Indian film, set to release in a few months. In addition to acting, he enjoys writing scripts, watching films, and reading, all of which fuel his passion for theatre and drama.

KHADIJA MBERWA (Grandma/Prison Guard) (she/her) is currently a Sophomore Theater Performance major. She’s been acting since she was seven years old and has been involved in plays and musicals like A Midsummer Nights Dream, 12 Angry Men, Animal Farm, She Kills Monsters and Memphis in her high school years. She is the 2023 Annual Winner of the Lorna C. Hill Speaking Contest. Khadija is very thankful and excited to be part of her first production here at UB and thanks the cast and crew of Fabulation for such an amazing experience. Insta: @dija.emazz

DUORUI SHI (Dr. Khdair/Inmate 2/Counselor) is a current UB international student who is majoring in musical theater. She is passionate about both dancing and acting. She started studying musical theatre at 10 and has performed on various stages in China. This is her first performance at UB and also in the United States, and she is delighted to be a part of this play, which is a very meaningful performance for her. She would like to thank all the actors and staff for their hard work and dedication, and for all of the encouragement they gave her! She hopes you can come to see Fabulation or, Re-education of Undine and enjoy this play! Follow her journey on Instagram: @ drrrstory

AMAYA SONUBI (Undine) (she/her) is so excited to perform in UB’s production of Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine! Amaya is currently a junior in the University’s Honors College, working towards her Music Theatre BFA & Criminology BA. She has participated in many UB Department of Theatre & Dance productions, most notably: 9 to 5 (Kathy), Puffs (Professor Turban/Mr. Voldy) and The Intruder (Geneviève). Amaya would like to thank her family for supporting her through her theatre journey, and the amazing cast/crew who’ve worked on this production. She hopes everyone enjoys the show and learns something along the way! Instagram: @amaya.sonubi

INDIRA ADELLE SURAGE (Allison/Mother/Ensemble) is a Junior BFA Theatre Performance major, born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Saint Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean. She currently serves as the Junior Student Representative for Theatre Performance. This production marks her third consecutive role in a UB Theatre Department show, with previous credits including Adriana Kale/Oracle in Outrage by Itamar Moses, and Quincy/Bart in Anne Washburn’s Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play. A violinist since the age of six, Indira has also showcased her talents as a singer and commercial model since 2021. She recently appeared as a background actor in upcoming projects on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Peacock. Her years at UB have deepened her passion for acting, and she feels blessed, thankful to God, and grateful to her family and friends for their support as she pursues a career in the entertainment industry.

ANDRÉ WHITE (Herve/Father/Ensemble) is a Junior pursuing a Theatre Performance BFA major at the University at Buffalo. He has been growing his acting craft from a young age and is excited to perform in Fabulation, or the Re-education of Undine with such a fabulous cast! Previous UB production roles include Father Understudy in Eurydice, Socrates in Outrage, and Speed in the Odd Couple SDS. He also participated in backstage crew for ChoreoLab (ASM) and the musical 9 to 5 (Fly Rail/Deck Crew). He would like to thank all of his cast mates and professors for their great support and inspiration. He would also like to thank his Mother, Father, Brother AJ, and family for their everlasting love and support. Enjoy the show!

ETHAN BORROK (Projection Designer) is a Senior design tech student who is very excited to be working on Fabulation as the Projection Designer. He has also worked on multiple productions from the Department of Theatre and Dance, such as Cinderella in Spring of 2022, and last year Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play. He has also worked on multiple Zodiaque Dance concerts and other departmental dance shows as the Projection and Lighting Designer. He would like to thank all of his fellow designers, as well as the design mentors and cast members, for their incredible work. Enjoy the show.

JOYCE CHENG (Sound Designer) a senior from New York City, is pursuing Theatre Design & Technology with a concentration in Sound at the University at Buffalo. Her notable works at UB include serving as Sound Designer & Mixer for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and 9 to 5: The Musical!, as well as Sound Designer and Stage Manager roles for the Zodiaque Dance Company. She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for supporting her. After graduation, Joyce aims to be a “sound princess,” aspiring to mix for a K-Pop concert! She hopes you enjoy the show! Instagram: @j.melody.

SHEILA FASTOFF (Set Designer) is a Junior Design/Technology BFA major with a minor in Education. She has focused on set design, with this being her second time set designing at UB. Overall, Sheila has been a part of at least one production every semester she has attended UB, and she is so proud of the cast, crew, and production's teamwork into making this wonderful show!

LISA GALLAGHER (Electrician/Lighting Board Programmer/Operator) (she/her) is a Theatre Design/Technology major. Her pervious work at UB includes sound designing Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play, and sound/projection designing Ride the Cyclone. She is very excited to work her first show as a light board programmer! She would like to thank UB THD for allowing her the opportunity to work in so many mediums of theatre. Enjoy the show!

LUIGI LOCASCIO (Technical Director) is currently a 5th-year student in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering double major with a minor in Theatre. He has been in and around theater since middle school and was recently the Technical Director for the 50th anniversary of Zodiaque Dance Company here at UB. Luigi would like to congratulate his fellow cast and crew of Fabulation for a show well done. When Luigi isn't busy in the scene shop or doing engineering homework, you can find him on the sidelines of UB Football and UB Basketball as a UB Cheerleader. Insta: @luigilocoloco

FAITH MARSALA (Stage Manager) started off her technical theatre career working under the Natural Muscle Association as a Scorekeeper, Audio Editor, and now Show Manager. She then went on to perform in five high school shows as well as Co-Direct an original show written by one of her peers. During her time here at the University at Buffalo, she has been the Assistant Stage Manager for Renascence and Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play. Faith hopes to pursue a career in stage management and will be continuing this path in the next semester.

MAX TEICHER (Lighting Designer) is a senior in UB’s Design Tech and Management major and the Lighting Designer and Head Electrician of Fabulation. He has explored many facets of scenography, including costume design for Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play and scenic design for Renaissance, both at UB. Recently, Max was the Assistant Props Master and Fabricator for Shipwrecked at Road Less Travelled Productions. During the summer, Max is a stagehand and LX Tech with national live event company Dynamic Productions USA. Max is excited to attend Live Design International as Production Assistant for the second time, and return to the Zodiaque Dance Company design team as Lighting Supervisor for the spring 50th anniversary season.

MALLORY TIRONE (Costume Designer) (she/her) is currently a Junior BFA Theatre Design and Technology student. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Mallory has been heavily involved in theatre and dance from a very young age. With previous experience as the Lighting Designer for UB's Zodiaque Dance Company, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, and Dancers Workshop, she is thrilled for her first production as Costume Designer, on this production of Fabulation. Mallory would like to thank her friends and family for all of their continuous love and support.

DANIELLE B WALKER (RASM) (she/her) is currently a first year Music Theatre BFA honors student, with a minor in Education. Fabulation is Danielle’s first involvement with the UB Theatre and Dance department. A few of her favorite performance opportunities within the last year includes Steel Magnolias (Shelby), Urinetown (Little Sally), It’s a Wonderful Life (Mary Bailey), and Little Women (Amy March). Danielle also directed Women in Literature this past summer. She has loved being a part of the behind the scenes work for this incredible play with such a supportive cast and crew. As always, much love for her crazy family. She hopes you enjoy the show! Insta: @dbethw05

Rehearsal Assistant Stage Managers: Fatema Ahmed, Danielle Walker
Scenic Artists: Elisabetta Antonacci, Cameron Thompson
Electrician/Programmer/Light Op: Lisa Gallagher
Dresser Supervisor: Liam Deyell
Dressers: Sarah Chowaniec, Danielle Walker
Sound/Projections Op: Lowden Flower
A2/Crew: Ryan Butler
Crew: Hannah Countermine, Bolaji Idowu, Caroline Jameson, Sophia Larish

Department Graphics:  Elisabetta Antonacci, Lisa Gallagher
Projects Studio Manager:  Theresa Banks
Assistant Sound:  Noah Beckwith
Head Carpenter:  Ethan Brod
Sound Supervisor:  Joyce Cheng
Props Director:  Alexandria Connolly
Electrician:  Molly Crandall
Scenic Artist:  Elle Dixon
Costume Shop Assistant:  Angel Frias Fuertes
Projections Technologist:  Marcus Harter
Co-Assistant Scenic Artists:  Faith Marsala, Cameron Thompson
Props Warehouse Manager:  Aidan Sumrall

Assistant Technical Directors: Tom Burke, Erich Frank
Interim Costume Shop Manager: Jenn Carter
Costume Technician: Judy Curtis
Asst. Costume Shop Manager/Wardrobe Supervisor: Cindy Darling
Crew Instructor: Rick Haug
Intimacy Director: Lindsay Brandon Hunter
Lighting & Projections Mentor: Lynne Koscielniak
Sound & Technical Direction Mentor: Jon Shimon
SM Mentor / Production Stage Manager: Melinda J. Lamoreux
Paint & Props Mentor: Marc Quattlebaum
Costume Mentor: Cathy Norgren
Fight Director: Danielle Rosvally
Tango Dance Consultant: Joshua Ikechukwu
Production Photographer: Ken Smith

Department Chair:  Eero Laine
Associate Chair/Producing Director:  Lynne Koscielniak
Production Manager:  Rick Haug
Assistant Production Manager:  Ally Hasselback
Department Administrators:  R. Macklin Oslzewski, Veronica Sedota
Senior Staff Assistant:  Rob Falgiano
Administrative Assistant:  Kristin Mann

The UB Department of Theatre and Dance is a proud member of the UB College of Arts and Sciences. With a firm commitment to the advancement of creative research, experiential learning, and community engagement, the UBTHD 2024-2025 Production Season is administered by the Department of Theatre and Dance. We acknowledge our full faculty and staff for their part in preparing students for work on stage and behind the scenes. We thank UB Center for the Arts for their support in making these productions possible. This production is registered as an Associate Production in the Region 2 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Program.

UB Theatre and Dance wishes to acknowledge the generous continued philanthropic support of Fox Run at Orchard Park, an official contributing sponsor of the UBTHD 2024-2025 season.

Our season of programming is also made possible by ticket purchases and donations from patrons like you. We thank you for your continued support of our works. If you would like to further support THD, please visit: https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/theatre-dance/about/support.html