Nicki Takes a Breath Written and directed by Sara Amanda
		Wednesday 10 - Saturday 20 July, 2024 At the Tower Theatre, Stoke Newington

One of five plays performed together as part of Ain't I A Woman? - a theatrical initiative examining the intersection of race and gender; written, directed and produced by black women.

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Photography by Pau Ros

Cast List Adenike/Nike (“Nicki”) : Keia Johnson Nicole/Nic (“Nicki”) : Saffron Dey

Production Team Director : Sara Amanda

	Keia Johnson grew up in a military family all over the world, but it was her move to Memphis that helped her establish her sound and performance style. While starting as a performer and recording several independent projects, the theatre has always been a part of her life. Over the last decade, Keia has been cast in The Color Purple (ensemble, 2013), Once On This Island (TiMoune, 2014), Hoodoo Love (Toulou, 2015), Simply Simone (Nina, 2015), The Parchman Hour (2019) & The Night Watcher (2021). She was nominated for an Ostrander Award for best Lead Actress in a Musical for Simply Simone. From 2016-2018, she traveled the world on Holland America Cruise lines singing Blues, Rock and Roll, Jazz, Classic R&B, and Soul. Under her company, KJ Management, she writes and curates shows for regional cruise lines and Artist Management. She is studying for her Master's in Musical Theatre at Goldsmith’s University.			Saffron Dey is a London born actor who trained at the Brit School and the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, receiving a BA Hons in Acting. Since graduating at drama school she has worked on a number of productions, from staged readings at the National Theatre, and most notably playing the role of Angie in Top Girls at the Liverpool Everyman. This is will be Saffrons debut performance at the Tower Theatre.
	Based in Birmingham, Sara Amanda holds a degree in Applied Theatre and Masters in Dramaturgy and Writing for Performance. She works as a Theatre in Education practitioner and has experience in TV, including continuing drama, BBC productions, independent film, and theatre. Sara won the Amplified Audience Award in 2021 and was previously the artistic director of the touring Rush Theatre Company. Currently, she is mentored by Pains Plough.