2Plays2Days

“2 Plays, 2 Days” is a series of staged-readings, talkbacks, and writing workshops inspired by two plays that follow a family’s response to a relative diagnosed with bipolar disorder: by Camille Simone Thomas and by DaMonique Ballou.

Both plays center the playwrights’ lived experiences of having family members with bipolar disorder. The goal of “2 Plays, 2 Days” is to captivate the attention of BIPOC college students and members of the Harlem community through staged readings of Mud and Mara. The talkbacks and workshops that follow will engage and enthrall audiences into conversations that imagine possibilities for supporting people with mood disorders and their families.

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Kiara Luna: Kiara is a licensed mental health therapist, who began her journey with a simple yet profound belief: that everyone deserves the opportunity to become their best selves. Drawing from her diverse experiences and deep-rooted passion for transformation, she founded Knew You Psychotherapy as a beacon of hope for those seeking empowerment, increased self-awareness and growth.

As a trailblazer in her field, Kiara has graced the pages of prominent publications such as Fatherly, Psych Central, Bustle, WeddingWire, and more, sharing her expertise and insights on mental wellness and personal growth. Her bestselling book, "Becoming a Knew You," has touched the lives of countless readers, inspiring them to embark on their own transformative journeys.

Rachel Ann: Rachel Ann is a Christian holistic life coach, specializing in supporting Christian BIWOC to show up as their authentic selves, without fear or judgment and helping them understand how the past impacts the present and, potentially, the future. Her journey began in counseling, advising, coaching and mentoring back in 2014. As a previous psychotherapist and educator, she now develops mindset and wellness programs, equipping clients with tools for self-sufficiency, healthy coping mechanisms, and mindfulness techniques to develop healthy views of self, build confidence, and operate in the fullness of who they're called to be. She lives in New York City with her husband and six plant babies. When she's not coaching, you can find her sipping boba, dancing to Afrobeats, or volunteering at her church.

Joshua Ware: Joshua spent the majority of his career in the Crown Heights community providing psychotherapy to older teens and adults who normally wouldn't have access to therapy. His expertise and curricula focus on dismantling the stigma of mental health care within the Black/Caribbean community in order to create healing spaces for those who are prevented from having access. He specializes in individual trauma-based therapy and is well versed in many evidence-based practices, which allows him to tailor his approach for disenfranchised people.

Joshua is the founder and CEO of Butterfly Garden Counseling, PLLC which is a mental health private practice that provides care using evidence based practices that are both trauma informed and cultural adapted to the specific population that the practice serves.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

323 Columbia St, 323 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, United States