Storytelling Alchemy with Sona Tatoyan

HERO Theatre founder Elisa Bocanegra reflects on mentor-mentee relationships, becoming an ancestor, and healing through the arts. Rooted between the Los Angeles Latine community and Bogotá, Colombia, Elisa’s theatre work is full of hope and trust in the disorder.

Hakawati founder Sona Tatoyan tells the story of her great-great-grandfather growing up during the Armenian genocide, her summers spent in Aleppo, and how art is an inheritance. Tune in and learn more about Hakawati and Sona’s play, AZAD (the rabbit and the wolf).

Aganza Kisaka, founder of Yenze Theatre Conservatoire, discusses being an entrepreneur, a teacher, and an artist in Uganda. She reflects on consistency as key and celebrating the little wins. Aganza speaks on how people perceive the arts in Uganda and invites listeners to learn about her company.

In this final episode of season four, ​​Malia'Kekia, co-founder of B4 The Other Creations, explores how play and vulnerability drive transformational breakthroughs. Malia'Kekia shares their journey as an educator and leader, emphasizing the power of releasing perfectionism and embracing the unknown. The episode highlights fostering innovation and deep connections through the unique pedagogy of play.

In this episode, Native theatremaker and founder of Safe Harbors NYC, Murielle Borst Tarrant shares her journey and vision. Safe Harbors NYC supports Indigenous performing arts, providing a creative sanctuary and advocating for cultural equity. Discover strategies to overcome industry frustrations, build inclusive spaces, and see the light ahead. Tune in for wisdom and inspiration to create meaningful change in the theatre industry.

In this episode, Renee Harrison, founder of Black Girls Do Theater, discusses evolving the theatre industry, envisioning a post-liberation future, and embracing radical transformation. Renee shares how she fosters community and collaboration in theatre. This conversation inspires you to envision and create a more inclusive, innovative theatre landscape. Tune in for visionary insights and empowerment to quantum leap into new possibilities.

In this episode, Carla Stillwell and Yura Sapi challenge the "starving artist" trope, offering tips to overcome scarcity mindsets in theatre. Carla, founder of the Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Art, shares personal experiences advocating for breaking traditional theatre boundaries and fostering holistic, inclusive environments emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration, and highlighting storytelling's power, especially for people of color.

Join us on a journey with Sharia Benn, founder of Sankofa African American Theatre Company, as she shares her inspiring origin story and the challenges of fostering representation in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's theatre scene. Delve into the challenges of representation, the soul work of theatre, and the transformative impact of art in shaping communities. Join us for a compelling exploration of identity, equity, and the art of social change.

Experience the transformational journey of Silk Road Cultural Center, formerly Silk Road Theatre Project and Silk Road Rising, as co-founder Jamil Khoury shares on navigating the landscape of storytelling post-9/11. From combating stereotypes and standards to nurturing diverse voices, follow their evolution from live theatre to digital platforms, culminating in a multidisciplinary approach aimed at fostering connection and understanding. Join the movement towards inclusivity and empowerment in the arts.

Discover Tiffany Vega's inspiring journey from premature birth to trailblazing theatre professional. From East Harlem to Evolution Management Consultants, she highlights the power of authenticity, perseverance, and innovation in the theatre industry. Gain your insights into challenging norms and fostering diversity for the future of our live entertainment artform.