ADVOCACY
Before you start with the, “What does an artist know about politics?” spiel, know that I have a Political Science -Public Service degree from the University of California, Davis in June 2024. I care deeply about numerous social issues and utilize my art and social work to make a difference where I can. Below, you'll find some examples of my political engagement, though my passions extend beyond these topics.
EARTHDAY.ORG
We are a part of the Earth’s ecosystem, so whether we like it or not, we are affected by the environment as much as we affect it. We need to stop using the earth as a trash can for our plastic and smoke, for the health of the planet and those who inhabit it.
This year, I have had the opportunity to work with EARTHDAY.ORG in working towards the goals of a plastic and waste free world.
Articles, Interviews, and Quotes
Rather hail than bullets.
Americans find a semblance of normalcy in living with the fear of encountering gun violence in schools, while grocery shopping, or simply walking down the street. But the reflex of ducking when we hear a car backfire, seeking cover when fireworks go off, and the perpetual unease of never being able to sit with our back to the door should not be considered “normal”.
In 2018, I collaborated with numerous peers across the West Coast to coordinate a walkout protesting gun violence. As students, we made a collective decision to take a firm stance, standing resolute even in the face of adverse weather: “Rather hail than bullets.”
Political Art
Refuge
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine after falsely claiming military drills at the border, leaving even the Russian soldiers unaware they would be in battle the next day. Over a year, millions of Ukrainians were displaced.
Our performance, devised and performed a year after these events, provided us with insights into the lives of displaced Ukrainians through written and audio firsthand accounts from our directors' friends.
It's easy to feel detached from such tragedies, but we must remember our connection to them. As our director, Vita Tzykun, said, "staying quiet because we do not want to offend anyone is how evil in the world prevails."
Creating a piece as so current and impactful as "Refuge" was a momentous lifetime opportunity; doubly significant for myself as my first taste of theater.
Roots In My Garden
Roots In My Garden was adapted from a short story by Jo Lauer’s , who witnessed firsthand the emotional turmoil resulting from "Miller-Jenkins v. Miller-Jenkins,” a legal exploring same-sex parental rights and custody disputes within civil unions, particularly across state lines, deeply impacted Jo's perspective.
As Emily, I delved into the experience of one who believed she’d been abandoned by her ‘Mama.’ Come to find out, 20 years later, her non-biological mother had been writing her letters and trying to connect with her since the day they were separated.
This narrative underscores the ongoing need for societal awareness and advocacy to uphold the rights for LGBTQ+ parents and their children, advocating for a more just and equitable future for all families.
As You Like It
I am a strong proponent of interpreting Shakespeare's works as living documents, adapting their interpretation to the context of current society. Any true lover of Shakespeare understands how seamlessly these texts can transition with a little exploration.
Our director, Josy Miller, provided the cast with the opportunity to explore our gender identities within our characters in As You Like It. As a gender nonconforming individual myself, it was liberating to finally express my identity on stage as Rosalind/Ganymede while having a solid text to rely on, making my first experience with Shakespeare immensely fulfilling.
But this extends beyond Shakespeare, as this fluid mindset opens doors for queer artists to find space within works, even if they were originally written without them in mind.
HEAT - Documentary
HEAT follows three women living in Low East Side projects. As public housing in the area continues to become privatized, these woman are forced to confront what “home” means to them.
I am honored to have taken part in such a present and meaningful project.
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