The document introduces 'Peace Corps Noire Americaine', a radio play reflecting the experiences of a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, written and directed by Jessica Bodiford. It features a talented cast including Tashimahlanay Evans and Janae Powell, highlighting their careers and performances. The production is part of the Atlanta Fringe Festival, with acknowledgments to collaborators and supporters of the project.

1. Peace Corps Noire Amèricaine
May 2012
www.atlantafringe.org/peace-corps-noire-americaine
Peace Corps Noire Amèricaine
A note from the playwright
Normally, when people ask me, ―What was it like being a Peace Corps Volunteer?‖ I’m not sure where to begin. By
the time I figure it out, most would-be engaged listeners have moved on to the next topic. Writing Peace Corps Noire
Amèricainegives me the chance to share some of my most memorable experiences with the play’s actors and sound
engineers and you. Living in Togo wasn’t really what I expected—it was so much more. Peace Corps really did live
up to its old slogan, ―The toughest job you’ll ever love.‖
Thanks for listening,
Jessica
P.S. If you haven’t had a chance to hear the radio play, visit www.atlantafringe.org/peace-corps-noire-americaine.
The Cast
Each actor played several roles. The roles listed are the actors’ main characters.
In alphabetical order
Conphidance (African Man) is the epitome of a multi-talentedentertainer. From drumming
todancing, fusing traditional and modern African elements with pop culture, thensongwriting and
playwriting to acting, with improvisation and comedy, he hasfully embraced life on stage and in front
of the camera. They say his courage is greater than his fearwhich makes him Conphidance;
"CON"stands for Conscious, "PH" for Philosophical, "I-DANCE" forEntertainer. He is a conscious,
philosophical, entertainer. Conphidance can be contacted at conphidance@gmail.com or 863.255.9304.
TashimahLanay Evans (Jessica) proves that Atlantic City, New Jersey has far more to offer than
the Boardwalk, the casinos and Monopoly. In addition to appearing in films such as Stomp the Yard and
The Kissing Bandit and on the hit MTV television show Yo’ Momma, Tashimah has also starred in a
pilot (Lena Street Ladies – Thor Entertainment Group) and has been featured in two shorts. Her
talent is far from limited to her acting abilities, as she is both a skilled and trained singer and dancer.
She has honed her craft under the direction of some of the best talent in Atlanta, and continues to
go after her dream with conviction, intensity, and resilience. TashimahLanay Evans believes that stars are not made,
but born. She knows that she was born to act, and every day she diligently pursues her opportunity to prove it to
everyone else.
Janae(Gilbert) Powell(Kahdijah)was destined to be a star being that she was born in Hollywood,
CA. Janae has been on stage doing plays since elementary school. She began her drama training in
high school and college. After graduating from South Carolina State University, she moved to
Georgia to be closer to family and pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. Janae has done
background extra work for many feature films. She is currently doing voice over work and featured
and principal roles in local films and web series. She lives in Marietta, GA with her husband, Larry. Her future goals
include more feature films and to one day be on the Silver Screen and win an Oscar.

2. Peace Corps Noire Amèricaine
May 2012
www.atlantafringe.org/peace-corps-noire-americaine
Michele Ray (Announcer, Southern Woman)has performed as a singer for 20 years. Her
performances include different venues in many states, France and The Netherlands. She had the
privilege to be a soloist at the 50th Anniversary of the Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB,
International Baptist Women’s Conference, and The American Church in Paris. She has performed
as a background artist for several motion pictures in Atlanta and supporting role in Uncanny X-Men
web series. She was recently cast in the stage production of Ruth the Play and the Indie film Loretta.Peace Corps Noire
Americainefor the Atlanta Fringe Festival is her debut as a voiceover artist.
The Production Staff
Jessica Bodiford (Writer/Director)has written and directed for productions in both the United States and West
Africa. One of her multi-lingual pieces was performed for several of Togo, West Africa’s dignitaries, including the
U.S. Ambassador to Togo. Additionally, she directed a music video called "Nam Lucky" (check it out on youtube)
for the Global Fund and Population Services International. Jessica received a full scholarship to the University of
Florida and has a BA in Theatre. She also earned an MBA from Kennesaw State University as a Peace Corps
Fellow. Jessica is currently on the steering committee for the inaugural Atlanta Fringe Festival and a judge for the
Suzi Bass Awards.Peace Corps Noire Amèricaineis Jessica’s first radio play. Follow her on Twitter @ JesGoldTheatre.
Reggie Rooks (Final Sound Engineer) is the CEO of CrossRoad Entertainment, an Atlanta-based entertainment
and multimedia company. Originally from Alabama, Reggie moved to Atlanta in 2005 where he enhanced his
knowledge about the entertainment industry and recruited some of the city’s top up-and-coming entertainers.
Reggie built CrossRoad Entertainment for budget-conscious people planning events or taking their careers to the
next level.CrossRoad Entertainment offers many services including: DJ services, live and studio recording,
photography, web and graphic design, event planning and promotion and video editing. Check Reggie and his crew
out on Facebook at Crossroad Entertainment or call404-313-9698.
Special Thanks
To the Atlanta Fringe Festival, www.AtlantaFringe.org for this awesome radio play opportunity!
To WonderRoot, www.WonderRoot.org, for providing studio space, an especially big thank you to that great sound
engineer, Israel.
To Yawovi, Victoire, Ephiphane, MmeWussinu and others back in Togo who made a lasting impression on me.