Joan & Samuel: A Tale of Gaslighting and Independence
Creator & Writer
Director: Karissa McKinney
Joan & Samuel: A Tale of Gaslighting and Independence is about Samuel, a medieval soldier, who returns from war expecting a warm embrace, only to find that his wife, Joan, embraced women’s empowerment instead.
Ophir says, “Joan and Samuel was written and produced in search of a creative outlet that would encompass all of my interests – My love for
comedy, writing, acting, and even drawing (the poster).Fortunate to have an amazing team, which included the incredible Charlie Hoffman, the project grew to become better than we ever expected. I am so grateful for the amazing experience this has been so far, and I am submitting this project for your consideration in the hope that it might bring light and joy to other people as well.”
Biography
Writer Biography: Ophir Mashiah
Ophir Mashiah is an Israeli actor & writer passionate about everything that makes people laugh, or cry, but mostly laugh. Having extensive training from the UCLA acting certificate program, UCB and Lesly Kahn, Ophir has been fortunate to hone her craft performing in multiple films, commercials, and theater shows.
Her original comedy “Needs”, which she created with her comedian sister, Or Mash (Wild n’ out), has proven to be a fan favorite, winning awards at film festivals like Toronto Film Magazine Fest, Atlanta Women In Comedy Film Festival and London-Worldwide Comedy Film Festival. Most recently, Ophir received commendation for her fresh take on the comedic role of Autolycus, from Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”, at the Long Beach Shakespeare Company. Between pandemics, strikes and in her free time, Ophir enjoys cooking delicious meals and playing with her dog Bella.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Director Biography: Karissa McKinney
Karissa McKinney is an actor, director, theater producer and acting coach. She has directed numerous projects including the powerful theater production Cold Tangerines, derived from the book of same name, which explores essays on identity, motherhood and what it is to live by the principle of being enough just as you are. Further credits include National commercials, the internet series Ghost & Stuff, Inc., Spamalot, Just Like Life, Little Candle Productions and many others.
In each endeavor she aims to share stories of authenticity and truth. She is passionate and committed to creating art that delves into the human condition and opens safe spaces for honest conversations. In life, as in McKinney’s work she balances depth and levity, often finding humor in the most unexpected of places. She currently spends time as a private acting coach and works with the company Rock Your Reel where she helps actors bring their best work to life.
Ms. McKinney brings her NYU education, Meisner training and varied experience to each project, always leaving room and space for others to bring their own process to the table. She is dedicated to helping actors live truthfully in imaginary circumstances, working hard to create environments that make way for exploration and collaboration. Collaborating with other actors is her sweet spot. She absolutely loves her work and what art, theater and film can do, believing that it can expose us, transform us and heal us.