SHPIEL THEATRE, WITH ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE, IS PROUD TO PRESENT:

#CHARLOTTESVILLE

2PM Performance features the following leaders and scholars:

Sadiqa Reynolds, Esq.

Sadiqa Reynolds, Esq., stands as a proven force in executive leadership and public service. Her distinguished career—spanning roles as a lawyer, former judge, Inspector General, and CEO—showcases a rare ability to lead, innovate, and drive significant impact. Fueled by entrepreneurial vision, she founded a $68 million sports and learning center after leading the campaign to fund the clean up of the brownfield where it would be located, a powerful testament to her capacity for large-scale execution. She has been named Person of the Year by Louisville Magazine, Woman of Power by the National Urban League, a top “100 Women to Watch’’ nationally by BizWomen’s Business Journal, Community Leader of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, an Enterprising Woman to Watch and Woman of Influence by Business First. She currently serves as Founder & President of the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, CEO of the Perception Institute, and was recently appointed by Governor Beshear to serve as trustee for the University of Louisville. She is passionate about justice, equity and healing.

Dr. Carol Ely

Dr. Carol Ely is the author of To Seek the Peace of the City: Jewish Life in Charlottesville, a complement to two exhibitions she developed and curated on Jews in Charlottesville — Jewish Life at Mr. Jefferson’s University for the University of Virginia and the other at the Albemarle County Historical Society. She has also written Jewish Louisville: Portrait of a Community. She holds a Ph.D. in American History from Brandeis University, and has a long career in museum work, most recently as CEO of Historic Locust Grove in Louisville, the Speed Museum in Louisville, and the Virginia Discovery Museum in Charlottesville. She was adjunct professor in Public   History at the University of Louisville and taught history at Indiana University Southeast.

Trent Spoolstra

Trent Spoolstra is the Community Relations Council Director for the Jewish Community of Louisville. He helps oversee public relations on behalf of the Jewish community by making key connections with a wide variety of communities to advance Jewish values in the areas of education, advocacy, and coalition building.

7PM Performance features the following leaders and scholars:

Rabbi Ben Freed

Rabbi Ben Freed was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He served as student rabbi of Congregation Agudath Achim in Little Rock, Arkansas for two years and was a rabbinic intern at the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale, New York and at Kehilat Ramot Zion in Jerusalem. Prior to rabbinical school, Rabbi Freed earned degrees in journalism and Middle Eastern studies from the University of Texas and worked as a reporter, yoga instructor, Uber driver, and Bar Mitzvah DJ. Rabbi Freed shares his home with his wife Ariane Barrie-Stern and their daughter Meirav. In his spare time he enjoys dancing (especially tap), sports (playing as well as watching), and exploring Louisville and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Roy Fuller

Dr. Roy Fuller is a Lecturer in the Department of Interdisciplinary and Public Humanities and the Honors Program at the University of Louisville where he teaches courses in religious studies. He also teaches at Bellarmine University in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies and the Interdisciplinary Program. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Fuller has served as Project Coordinator of the Art and Soul Program of the Speed Art Museum, a nationally recognized effort that explored the relationships between religion and art. He has also been involved in interfaith relations and served as Executive Director of the Kentuckiana Interfaith Community.

Saravanan Murugan

Saravanan Murugan is a technologist, mentor, and community builder whose journey from Chennai, India, to Louisville, Kentucky, is a powerful testament to resilience and purpose. Raised by a single mother who worked in a shoe factory, Murugan became a first-generation college graduate, earning degrees in mathematics and computer applications. His career in voice-based technology began in Chennai, where he was selected from over 1,200 candidates—a pivotal moment that launched a remarkable path forward. Murugan relocated to Louisville in 2012, where he now works in technology solutions. His leadership is defined not only by innovation but also by a deep commitment to human connection and service. Certified as a “Leader with Purpose,” he has mentored over 1,500 students in STEM and led environmental initiatives that brought together hundreds of volunteers to care for Louisville’s parks.

 

PURCHASE TICKETS

Benjamin Fund of Central Kentucky Foundation

Made possible, in part by grants from the Jewish Heritage Fund and the Benjamin Fund of Central Kentucky Foundation
Community Partners: Bellarmine University Theatre Program, Asia Institute-Crane House, Keneseth Israel Congregation

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Panel discussions after each of the two performances.
#Charlottesville is presented with the permission of Richard Jordan Productions and Yellow Raincoat Productions with Pleasance