David Samuel (he/him/his) is a first-generation Ethiopian- American, born in Texas and raised in Maryland. He is also an actor, musician, writer, and producer. As a writer and performer, he recently shared his five-act solo show, “Away, You Ethiop!” as part of his residency at BRIC Arts House as part of the 2022/2023 BRIClab Performing Arts cohort. His plays in development also include Lēxo, and Mīstir. As an actor, he has performed around the U.S. and Canada in musicals, new plays, and Off-Broadway in Shakespeare. His documentary, Niguse and The Red Terror, was screened at the 2021 Harlem International Film Festival. As part of the documentary release, he curated and designed a photo journal, and designed a line of apparel, through his production company, Third World Vision. As KINGOFAXUM, he has written, produced, recorded, and released three EPs and 11 singles and produced and directed two music videos. He was an Allen Lee Hughes Fellow in Artistic Development at Arena Stage. MFA: Brown University/Trinity Rep. Select Credits: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (1st National Tour), Twelfth Night (Fiasco), As You Like It (Classic Stage Company), Brother Toad (KC Rep)