Original Creative Team

Brent Buell (Director) is a New York theater director (unFRAMED; From Sing Sing to Broadway; You Can’t Leave That There; Deathbed; The Gospel According to Josh), playwright (The Gate; The Gem Exchange; Wood Bars; Undone Divas), and novelist (Rapturous). He is narrator for the upcoming documentary, A New Kind of Justice. For ten years, Buell directed theater in New York’s maximum-security prisons with Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). His work inspired A24’s movie Sing Sing directed by Greg Kwedar and starring Oscar nominated Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin and Oscar-nominated Paul Raci (who plays Buell). His comedy, Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code, is featured in the movie which garnered three Academy Award nominations. He is proud that Building the Wall is a wake-up call for everyone about how our day to day decisions either strengthen or erode our humanity. He thanks his wife, Janice, for her ongoing belief in the good to be found in people.

Maggie Caradonna (Stage Manager) Maggie Caradonna (she/they) is a NYC based Stage Manager, and current full time stage manager at Ailey II. They are really excited to be back with Ripple Effect Artists after Assistant Stage Managing Radiant Vermin in 2024. With degrees in stage management and psychology from Ithaca College, she loves playing her part in performances that are just as much about the social commentary and human experience as they are about the art itself. Recent theatrical credits include: The Best Gift: A Christmas Carol Musical (Ramsey Theatre Company), Guys on Ice (Lake George Dinner Theatre).

Rebecca Conaway (Assistant Director/ Sound Designer) is a NYC based director, stage manager, and scenic artist with a B.S. in Theatre Studies from the University of Evansville. Rebecca is excited to combine her passions for theatre and political activism through this poignant production. She is drawn to working on stories that highlight the complex socio-political dynamics within society and is continually inspired to create art that speaks to our world now, and what it could be. Rebecca is thrilled to be joining this team as the assistant director and sound designer - working in the room and through the headphones to bring us into this immersive cautionary tale regarding the state of our country. Other Directing Credits Include: Emma (Johns Hopkins University),  Animal Farm (UE’s Rogue and Peasant Aces), Measure for Measure (University of Evansville), Anniversary (University of Evansville).

Elianna Kruskal (Lighting Designer) (they/he) is a NYC based lighting designer, programmer, and stage manager for theatre and dance. They recently graduated from University of Michigan with a BFA in Theatre Design and Production, and a BA in Social Theory and Practice. He has spent much of the past year touring the country with Ailey II! Recent design credits include: Sunbeam (Fresh Fruit Festival), S.O.G. Story (New York Theatre Festival), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (MUSKET), and John Proctor is the Villain (UM University Productions). Elianna is excited to be working on a piece that encourages audiences to think critically and consider how we can all keep each other safe. www.EliannaKruskal.com

Jessie Fahay (Executive Producer / Founding Director) is a visionary theatre producer/creator who has spent 17 years creating provocative productions that spark change beyond the stage. Merging artistic excellence with social impact, she pioneered a model post-show conversations with human rights leaders and integrated philanthropy. In addition to delivering a A TEDx Talk on arts-driven advocacy, Jessie has spoken on educational affordability nationwide.  As an actor/producer with an MFA and MBA, she bridges the worlds of artistic innovation and strategic leadership, proving that theatre isn't just entertainment—it's a catalyst for dialogue, empathy, and transformative action on critical human rights issues.