Micah Meets a Mami Wata

FTC is thrilled to announce our 2025 summer production and the final installment in our 2024/25 Season of Resilience. Micah Meets a Mami Wata is an enchanting new play for young audiences by Prentiss Matthews III.

Inspired by African mythology, marine life, and the environment, Micah Meets a Mami Wata follows the journey of Micah, a young Black boy who embarks on an extraordinary underwater adventure. When he encounters a mystical Mami Wata, Micah learns the true meaning of friendship, mer-magic, and the joy of being yourself—even in a world that tells you otherwise. This vibrant and heartwarming production promises to be a spellbinding experience for audiences of all ages, blending folklore with themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the wonders of the deep blue sea.

FTC commissioned this play for young audiences to be part of The BIPOC Superhero Project, a national program at theatres across the country including Seattle, Chicago

This summer, don’t miss the chance to dive into Micah’s world and experience a magical tale that will spark imagination and inspire young hearts.

Meet the Playwright

Prentiss Matthews III is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist from Atlanta, Georgia, with a BFA in Theatre from Valdosta State University. His work as an actor, playwright, director, and teaching artist centers on storytelling for healing, social change, and joy.

A former Playwriting Fellow at The Union for Contemporary Art, Prentiss developed The Golden Loc, a TYA play inspired by African mythology, which won Best Play of 2024 at the BroadwayWorld Michigan Awards in partnership with the Obsidian Theatre Festival. His plays have been recognized by Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, the Black Theatre Network, and more.

His recent honors include:

• Finalist – Purple Crayon Players’ 16th Annual Fresh Works Festival
• Finalist – 2024 Obsidian Theatre Festival
• Commissioned Playwright – 2024-25 TYA BIPOC Superhero Project (Fonseca Theatre)

Prentiss’s storytelling amplifies Black narratives, mythology, and intergenerational healing. He creates theatre that fosters connection, joy, and transformation. When not writing, he enjoys Zumba, exploring art museums, and hunting for the best boba tea.

Meet the Cast

Phoenix Ray Warrior as Micah

Phoenix Ray Warrior is a passionate young creative making his FTC debut. Phoenix loves telling stories and entertaining others through his YouTube channel, Pheastmode where he shares fun videos full of creativity and energy. He enjoys laser tag, escape rooms, video games, and anything that challenges his imagination and brings people together. A fun fact about Phoenix: his name was almost Nova, but when he was born, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and he came into the world red. Because of that powerful beginning, his name became Phoenix—like the mythical bird that rises from the ashes. That same fire and spirit live in everything he does. When Phoenix was told he had the “chops” for acting, he had no idea what that meant—but now he knows it means he’s got real talent. He’s thrilled to be a part of this amazing production and can’t wait to shine on.

Makayla McElwain as Emi

Makayla McElwain has been a proud member of Fonseca Theater since 2019, where she continues to grow as a performer and creative. In 2023, Makayla was honored with a Rosie Award, recognizing her outstanding talent and dedication to the arts. Some of her favorite roles include dynamic characters that allow her to express emotion and bring powerful stories to life on stage. In addition to acting, Makayla is a visual artist who enjoys drawing and painting, often using her free time to create new pieces. A true creative at heart, she also plays the alto saxophone and finds joy in exploring different forms of artistic expression. Makayla is passionate about storytelling and hopes to inspire others through her performances and artwork. A fun fact: she believes that creativity is her superpower—and she’s just getting started!

Josiah McCruiston as Dad/Brumbly

Josiah McCruiston is a nationally recognized multidisciplinary artist, award-winning playwright, director, and visionary arts leader. As founder of Grand Griot Productions and the acclaimed Musical Theatre Summer Camp, he empowers youth and adults through Afrocentric storytelling and professional training. His play, 5 Moods for Black Anguish, was a 2023 OnyxFest finalist. Josiah serves as the Performing Arts Chair at Providence Cristo Rey High School, where he fosters a brave space for young artists from underserved communities. A sought-after instructor in Afro-Centric Acting Methods, he has a fixed focus on creating a future for creatives that are free from barriers, and they are grounded and accountable. He has performed and taught nationally, collaborated with museums and cultural institutions, and serves at Witherspoon Presbyterian Church. Rooted in the legacy of the Black Arts Movement, Josiah is a proud son, devoted fiancé, and unstoppable force for cultural transformation.  Follow his journey @grandgriotprod

Arika Casey as Mom/Sticky

Arika Casey is a native of Indianapolis. She is honored to be sharing the stage with such amazing artists. Her recent credits include, Sophisticated Ladies based on the music of Duke Ellington at Beef & Boards, Tales Out of Twelve O’ 8 by Jamaal McCray at Storefront Theatre, and Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation by India Nicole Burton at Phoenix Theatre. Arika serves as a principal dancer in Kenyettá Dance Company; Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts which premiered June 2024 on WYFI. Arika is a professional teaching artist that specializes in dance education for the youth. She also a certified yoga instructor at Capture Fitness. IG: @aree.lyn

Joshua Short as Olokun/ensemble

Joshua Short is a stage and film actor from the Indianapolis area. He studied with Asante Arts Institute of Indianapolis and focused on social issues. Joshua, aka “The Craftsman Crafted by God’s Hands”. Is also and dancer rapper and storyteller. He’s the Co-Producer of the Taco Show. A Dinner And show style Variety Show in Indy at the Fonseca Theatre.

Empressnika as Yemaya/ensemble

Empressnikia is an Indianapolis-based creative passionate about authentic artistic expression. Though she has always loved the arts, her zeal for performance was reignited in 2023. Since then, she has appeared in productions such as A Touch of Glory, Str8 Up Frederick Douglass, and most recently, Seeds of Freedom. Outside of performing, she shares her love for the arts as a teaching artist with the Asante Art Institute. She is honored to be part of this production and grateful for the opportunity to keep creating in this community.

Ja’Taun Tiara as Enchantra/ensemble

Ja’Taun Tiara, a dynamic performer originally from Gary, Indiana, brings powerful presence and versatility to every role she is blessed with embodying. She has a resume that spans commercials, award-winning films, hit TV and web series like Fatal Attraction and Save My Soul, and standout live stage performances in The Wizer of Odds, Family Betrayal, The Room and The Quilting, while also gracing magazines, websites, and runways as a lively model as well. Ja’Taun is a seasoned artist who has a purposeful heart, committed to continue honing her craft with the goal of engaging in storytelling that helps to heal and inspire others.