Meet The Cast

Jonathan Jason Green is a true Renaissance man—actor, writer, rapper, and fashion designer behind the clothing brand SMWHR Everywhere. His flow can be heard in freestyles on SWAY IN THE MORNING and ON THE RADAR, as well as his two recent tapes, Heartbroken Somewhere and Honey, I Blew Up The Kid, available on all music platforms. A magnetic presence on stage and screen, Green has left his mark on every film and series he’s graced—including the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore.

Demyra Ravyne Payne A South Florida native and proud HBCU alumna, Demyra holds a BFA in Theatre and an MFA in Acting and has enjoyed performing across stage, television, and film. Some credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Old Black & White Hollywood, A Raisin in the Sun, Hairspray, and now Transparency, where she is delighted to bring Kelly to life. Most recently, she appeared in the Tubi film Second Time Around. Demyra loves stories about ordinary people navigating extraordinary moments because, let's be honest, most of us are figuring it out as we go. She is honored to be part of this Juneteenth celebration and grateful for your support of live theater. If Kelly makes you blush, gasp, text somebody after the show, or even talk back to the stage, please send all love, likes, complaints, questions, and concerns to Chef Beanz. John 3:3-16

Actor. Writer. Photographer. Filmmaker Paul L. Davis has a story to tell...he just wants you to listen. With a lifetime of experiences and skills both taught and gleaned, Paul has one goal: to make you feel. Initially embarking on his varied career in the creative arts while serving his country and stationed in Japan, Paul has spent a literally lifetime preparing for his moment. Like most, Paul first dipped his feet in the performing arts as a grade school student performing a small role and singing in a school showcase in Whittier, CA. He would lean into his knack for creating through his writing for many years before delving deeply into expression via music. Sing, photograph, film...repeat. That is the cycle that Paul lived for years, all the while picking up tools for his own actor's tool belt. After decades of "behind the scenes" work, the itch to perform grew to be undeniable and he would eventually cave to his actual desire and has sought out instruction and guidance from that moment. That instruction began, in earnest, at the New York Film Academy and has gone through many twists and turns, most recently landing him under the tutelage of Lesly Kahn and associates. All in all, Paul has amassed both formal and informal education that enable him to be truly present and available in a multitude of situations. Paul seeks to serve every opportunity with purity, professionalism, and vision.

Originally from Massachusetts and now based in Los Angeles, Nava Goodman is a passionate actor whose love of performance began in church productions and continued through college and beyond. A student of the Meisner technique at Baron Brown Studio, she is dedicated to using storytelling as a means to inspire, entertain, and connect with audiences. Her work is driven by a deep appreciation for the transformative power of theater and film and the unique ability of acting to spark thought, healing, and human connection. Nava is thrilled to return to Transparency Play Los Angeles for a second production and is grateful to be part of a creative community that celebrates authenticity and bold storytelling. She is excited to bring her interpretation to a new monologue and thanks the cast, crew, and audience for sharing in the experience.

Award-winning actress, poet, producer, and content creator from Brooklyn, New York, she has built a dynamic career across film, television, and digital media. Known for appearances in Insecure, FBI, S.W.A.T., and American Horror Story, she brings depth, authenticity, and versatility to every role. Beyond acting, she is passionate about storytelling through poetry, producing, and content creation, using her voice to inspire, entertain, and connect with audiences worldwide. Follow the Journey @Atika.Greene

Twon Marcel Pope is Actor/Director/Curator hailing from Oakland, CA. After graduating Oakland School for the Arts, Twon became and acting coach for the International Performing Arts Showcase while teaching young performers in various schools & programs around the Bay Area. Twon spent two years studying at the African American Shakespeare Co, prior to landing in LA in 2016. In 2017, Twon received a Scenie Theatre Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role for of CROOKS in Of Mice and Men. Some personal favorite roles include, (CLAUDIO) Much Ado About Nothing; (ZONITA) in African American Shakespeare Co. rendition of Cinderella; (GUS GREENLEE) Blackballed: The Rise and Fall of Negro League Baseball and (MS. ROJ) in The Colored Museum. Twon is a proud company member at Towne Street Theatre (LA) and the creator & founder of “A Tribe Called Melanin” an award winning improv group that produces monthly comedy shows & offers affordable workshops for short form improvisation while building community in the Los Angeles area.

Al-Shabazz Jabateh is thrilled to be joining this production. A Los Angeles-based actor, his recent credits include the Netflix feature Fight for ’84 as Olympic boxer Tyrell Biggs and a recurring role on Grotesquerie. His work has also been seen in Bel-Air, Prime Day Special, and various commercial projects. With a background in athletics and a passion for storytelling, he enjoys bringing grounded, dynamic characters to life. Al-Shabazz would like to thank the cast, crew, friends, and family for their continued support and hopes you enjoy the show.

Mekaela Howard is excited to be joining the Transparency family and to be working with an all-star cast. A native of Oakland, CA and a CSUN Cinema/TV graduate, Mekaela first took to the stage at the age of 8 and has been acting, singing and dancing ever since. With her eyes set on television and film, Mekaela moved to LA and has since acted in various movies, tv shows, commercials and music videos, though she will always regard theatre as her first love. Mekaela thanks God for His unconditional love and divine timing and she thanks her family for their unwavering support over the years.

contact: emcee1016@gmail.com

Julian Smith is a Los Angeles based actor, writer and singer. He is originally from Daytona Beach, Florida and has developed his résumé working in film, television, community, regional and educational theatre. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, he moved to Los Angeles to make an impact in the entertainment industry. When Julian is not performing, he is a resident teaching artist in the Los Angeles area, where he shares his knowledge, experience, and passion for theatre with children and young adults.

Anthony Purnell is a Los Angeles-based actor, comedian, and singer. For this North Philadelphia native, the dream to perform started in third grade. Television was a big influence for the then Elwood Elementary School student in Oak Lane. Specifically, he was intrigued by the crazy antics of the Steve Urkel character in the nighttime comedy “Family Matters,” played by Jaleel White. Now, almost two decades later, Anthony Purnell is in Hollywood, on television and independent film sets, as well as on stages around SoCal performing his unique brand of stand-up comedy. ​His very first professional role was at the Prince Theater in Philadelphia, and while living in Orlando, Florida, Purnell was part of the principal cast of the cable television Christian Comedy Variety show, SKITz, which has one many best tv show awards at film festival.

Jennifer Rockett is a graduate of California State University Long Beach where she studied Human Development and Business Entrepreneurship and California State University Dominguez Hills where she received a Master’s degree in Education. One of her greatest joys is to be able to uplift others through performing arts including acting and music. She attended Renaissance Highschool for the Arts where she studied and perfected her craft as a vocalist. During that time, she was casted in several play productions and studied piano and guitar. She is currently an elementary educator, but she remains dedicated to her passion. She serves on the worship team at her church and continues to share her musical gifts at a variety of events in the community.

Brieyonna Monèt is an Actress, Writer, Improver, comedian, and has her own Juice Business (Briethe Fresh).

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O/I is a Los Angeles–based artist and multi-instrumentalist whose sound bridges the musical traditions of Atlanta and LA. Known for his dynamic saxophone playing and rich keyboard work, he fuses live musicianship with contemporary R&B to create immersive, emotionally charged performances. From smooth grooves to soaring solos, O/I brings a fresh energy that leaves a lasting impression on audiences

Phone: 470-493-2332

Email: brianatlnewkirk@gmail.com

Quain Bevans Jr., also known as Chef Beanz, is a Camden, NJ native and Los Angeles-based actor, author, playwright, and motivational speaker. He is best known for creating Transparency, a web-series and live stage production focused on emotional vulnerability and modern relationships, and for promoting the philosophy of “Intentional Consumption,” which encourages mindfulness in the media, conversations, and energy we engage with. Bevans has appeared in shows like This Is Us, and delivered a TEDx talk titled “3 Steps to ‘Ace’ Your Next Conversation,”. Through his storytelling, merchandise, and public speaking, he inspires audiences to live with purpose and authenticity.

email: mrchefbeanz@gmail.com

IG: @chef_beanz /@transparency.series

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