TeAda Performing Artist Impact Fellowship
ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
WHO WE ARE:
The TeAda Performing Artist Impact Fellowship offers actors, artists, and activists interested in social justice art the opportunity to train in TeAda’s performing arts methodology. Fellows engage and support community in a space that expands capacity to express personal and collective narratives. A pioneer in social justice theater TeAda has developed various programs and theater productions that seek to empower communities of color. The TeAda Performing Artists Impact Fellows are partnered with TeAda Productions local program and community organization partners. The 2017/2018 fellows worked with TeAda’s CreAtive Self-Care Spring workshop series and community partner organizations UCLA Labor Center, Los Angeles Worker Center Network, Pilipino Workers Center of Los Angeles (PWC), Program for Torture Victims (PTV), Antena Los Angeles, Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA), and Garment Worker Center (GWC) . The 2018-2022 Fellows partnered with TeAda Productions Los Angeles performance workshop series and community partner the Program for Torture Victims (PTV).
WHY:
TeAda methodology emphasizes storytelling as a tool for social justice, healing and solidarity among communities of color and marginalized groups.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Under the guidance of a seasoned TeAda Teaching Artist, the fellow is immersed in storytelling circles with a local partner organization and a diverse group of community participants. This will allow fellows to undergo hands on training in specific TeAda methodology.
THE GOAL:
This fellowship allows for the exploration and development of authentic storytelling from communities with the goal of encouraging healing and inter-community solidarity. Fellows will have the opportunity to apply TeAda methodology and technique in workshops and participate in a culminating live performance alongside community members giving fellows hands on experience in leading social justice arts workshops. Impact Fellow must agree to fully engage in a safe space for expression, healing, solidarity, community building and sharing with low-wage workers, immigrant and refugee communities.
Impact Fellows engage in a safe space for expression, healing, solidarity, community building and sharing with immigrant and refugee communities. All activities take place in Los Angeles, CA.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Program for Torture Victims (PTV) restores the health and human dignity of survivors of human rights abuse providing critical assistance to more than 300 refugees annually. As the pioneer in human rights
abuse rehabilitation, PTV has developed an integrated and comprehensive approach that encompasses a full spectrum of needs. Committed to survivors’ well-being and care, PTV has partnered with some of the region’s leading health and legal service providers, including the Eisner Health, St. John’s Well Child & Family Center, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Public Counsel, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, among others.
2021/2022 IMPACT FELLOWS
2021/2022 Impact Fellows
2020/2021 IMPACT FELLOW BIOS
Andrik Ochoa (they/them/their pronouns) is a non-binary actor and advocate, with a degree in performing arts with emphasis in acting from Universidad de Guadalajara and UCLA. They are also an LGBT+ and human rights defender who is passionate about promoting inclusion and diversity through their work. Their unique versatility has allowed them to bring to life both male and female characters across the board in film and theater. Andrik's personal journey of self discovery and understanding their own identity has further inspired their love for storytelling and the desire to give a voice to the people and communities who need it most.
Carina Larios (she/her) born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She cares deeply about social justice issues leading to studying psychology and criminology at UC Irvine. Carina worked with children and teenagers in after school programs and a group home. Recently, she spent 20 months is Costa Rica as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Youth Development sector to assist schools and a nonprofit to establish and promote youth programs. Upon her return to California, she has become part of Program for Torture Victims’ team as a Survivor Advocate.
Carol Gomez (she/we) was born and raised in Malaysia. Growing up, she trained in dance and studied the piano. After secondary school, she was welcomed into the “Marion D’Cruz and Dancers” company, a contemporary, experimental interdisciplinary and intercultural dance theater that in part challenged and mirrored back the socio-economic-political realities of the nation. Since moving to the US, she has spent her career engaging with community for racial solidarity, immigrant rights and trauma responsive healing work. She founded the Boston-based Matahari: Eye of the Day in 2002, (since renamed Matahari Justice) engaging BIPOCQI communities and allies to end family violence and support immigrant women’s leadership. In California, she continues her work as a community organizer, a trauma responsive therapist and the Clinical Director at the Program for Torture Victims.
Kiki Rivera (she/we/ they) is an internationally produced, award-winning theatre artist, educator, and arts activist. Kiki has her BA in Theatre as well as her MFA in Playwriting from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM). Original plays include Puzzy (featuring award-winning New Zealand Playwright Victor Rodger), Faʻalavelave: The Interruption and “Lost Boy” featured in Plantation Plays commissioned by The Leeward Theatre. As an educated gender-queer person of color (Samoan-Filipinx born and raised in Hawaii) that is cis-femme presenting, Kiki acknowledges her privilege and responsibility to those marginalized communities. Her work focuses on cultural and sexual identity and the effects of colonization. Kiki is one of many voices for Pacific Islanders in the diaspora and is published in Samoan Queer Lives edited by Yuki Kihara and Dan Talaupapa McMullin. Kiki believes in self-reflective storytelling from a contemporary indigenous perspective and creating space for marginalized theatre artists of color.
Michael Mugambe, MSW (he/him) is a social worker and theatre instructor from Uganda and currently living in Seattle, Washington. He holds a B. A Drama (Hons) degree from Makerere University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington. Throughout his professional life, Michael has used interactive arts-based approaches like participatory theatre to advance social justice, transform conflicts and advocate for human rights. He is a founding member of Rafiki Theatre a non-profit organization using art-based approaches with communities experiencing inter-ethnic violence and conflicts in 5 East African countries. Michael’s simple definition of art is; Life.
Million Sium (he/him) Born and raised in Asmara Eritrea/Ethiopia located in north eastern Africa. On course to earn a degree in veterinary his studies and life were dramatically interrupted. After expressing criticism of the current government policies against religion and political freedom which were notorious for brutal treatment of its people, Million was imprisoned and tortured. With help from his father, he was fortunate to flee Eritrea and seek safety in America. Having to start life anew with no social support presented many challenges. Once his asylum was approved he began working and studying simultaneously. Determined to succeed, holds an AA degree from Los Angeles City College, and a BA degree from Cal State LA University. He is currently working on his own business.
Ngwa Johnson (he/him) hails from Southern Cameroon. He studied Geography in the university of Yaounde 1 Cameroon. Holds an MA in Community Development and Urban Planning from the University of Babes Bolyai Romania. Prior to coming to the US, he was a Secondary and High School Geography teacher. He loves to explain the Origin, Distribution, Development and impact of the features on the earth's surface to man. Johnson loves watching soccer games. He is a Client of PTV and a volunteer to All Saints Episcopal Church LA, CA.
Nicole M. Smith of Neuveausoul Productions (she/her)Radical Healing Artist and Organizer, Nicole M Smith, has experience and expertise in using artistic methods to address trauma, difficult experiences and injustice, to unravel dynamics of disempowerment, oppression, and systemic methods of control. Nicole has crafted her aesthetic by fusing Theatre of the Oppressed, Art of Hosting, Mindfulness, Supportive Listening, and the Amplification of Muted Voice(s). She does this through lecture, performance, teachings, and workshop/residency design and partnership. Her work has been experienced at: the International Federation of Settlement Houses in Berlin, GER; at the Youth Services of America Conference in Houston, TX; at the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America Conference in New Orleans, LA, and more. She has spoken at: Augsburg College, Macalester College, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and more; held residency at: Roosevelt High School, Southside Family Charter School, University Settlement in New York City, and more; she is a Partnered Artist with Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools (K-12), is a Graduate of the Creative Community Leadership Institute and HOPE Community’s SPEAC Program, recognized by Intermedia Arts’ as a Changemaking Artist, and more. She has held positions with: Penumbra Theatre (Administrative Intern), YWCA - St. Paul (Youth Specialist) Children’s Theatre Company (Teen Programs Coordinator), Pillsbury House + Theatre (Artistic Associate/Youth Specialist) and Intermedia Arts (Community Engagement Coordinator). In Fall 2016, she was honored to have been invited to the White House (under Obama’s Administration) for her work in the Bisexual/Queer Community. Having spent four years as a member of Central Touring Theatre’s Black Box Program, she still lovingly deems herself a: “Jan Mandell kid.”
2019/2020 IMPACT FELLOWS
MARIA G. MARTINEZ, MBALIRE MUSA, CARLA VEGA, HAKIM LUYONG, MERCEDES FLORISLAS, ROGERS TAMALE, CHRISTELLE BAGUIDY, OXANA SAFRONOVA with Lead Artist OVA SAOPENG.
2019/2020 Impact FELLOW BIOS
Carla Vega is a multi-disciplinary performing artist based in Los Angeles for over 20 years. With foundations rooted in Theatre, Film, Writing, Singing, Martial Arts/ Dance, Teaching and Spirit, she has performed in venues all over California, as well as internationally. With TeAda, Carla developed and performed her original 1-woman show, "Grandma's Hands" and continues to work as a collaborator and teaching artist. Currently, she is a company member of PlaygroundLA Theatre Co. and Los Angeles Playback Theatre Co., Kaiser Permanante’s CareActors, and longtime collaborator/singer/actor with Great Leap, Inc. She also works in TV & film, & appears in commercials, tv, and films nationwide and beyond. Carla believes in the power of the performing arts- utilizing imagination and storytelling as healthy outlets and catalysts for healing, positive change, to help create leaders who shape our future with inspiration, innovation and love for humanity. Follow her on FB: @carla.vega.universalbreath or IG: @i.am.carlavega
Christelle Baguidy is from Haiti and raised in Florida. She studied theater for three years at a theater conservatory in Los Angeles and commedia dell’atre in Italy. Her stage credits include Nasty Norca in ‘Our Lady of 121st Street’ at the Odyessy Theatre Ensemble and at KCACTF festival in Utah, Fannie Dove in ‘Flyin’ West’ and appeared in an original play entitled PAIN. She returns as a second year TeAda Impact Fellow building upon her work with TeAda in ‘Refugee State: Home Place.’
Hakim Luyonga studied Computer Science and IT at Kampala University, Uganda. He volunteered for Friends of Street Kids Organization counseling youth in Kampala, Uganda. In Los Angeles, he has modeled for Bantu Fest and appeared in several Black Pearls Productions.
Maria G. Martinez is an actor, writer, director and producer. She explores and shares her life experiences through writing, storytelling, theater, and comedy. As an immigrant, minority, female, Maria utilizes her life experiences to explore issues that impact various marginalized communities. Maria’s first introduction to TeAda and its unique creative process was in their production of “Native Immigrant”. It was with TeAda that Maria wrote and staged her first one-act play “Breakfast with my Mother” based on Maria’s caregiving experiences with her mother who was suffering from dementia. In the past seven years Maria has been part of the Chicanas, Cholas y Chisme, a group of women writers, directors and, producers, at CASA 0101 Theater. Maria has also been a writer, director and producer for the past six years in The Ten Minute Play Festival at Frida Kahlo Theater. Maria’s story, “Breaking My Father’s Rules” has been published in “Our Stories,” a Collection of Personal Narratives, edited by Roberta Orona-Cordova and published by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. Maria is very happy and excited about being selected to take part in TeAda’s Performing Artist Impact Fellowship Program and she’s looking forward to, again, collaborating with TeAda and developing new projects that focus on issues impacting the immigrant and refugee communities.
Mbalire Musa is from Uganda where he studied social work at Makerere University. He is pursuing a modeling and acting career in Los Angeles having appeared at Bantu Fest. He enjoys cooking and singing.
Mercedes Floresislas is originally from Mexico. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and award winning playwright who writes trilingual plays to create opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing actors. She is a recipient of the Gerbode Special Award in the Arts 2019. Mercedes obtained her MFA in Creative Writing for the Performing Arts at UCR where she is currently teaching part time in the Theater, Film and Digital Media Department.
Rogers Tamale began writing at an early age. Prior to settling in the US, Rogers worked in banking and statistics. He holds a degree in Economics and a Masters in Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda. Rogers is a client at the Program for Torture Victims volunteers with Big Sunday and returns to TeAda as a second year Performing Artist Impact Fellow.
Oxana Safronova is a member of Program for Torture Victims and currently working towards a Liberal Arts and Humanity degree. Originally from Russia, she studied at Rostov Pedagogical University and worked as an art director for music concerts and live events.
2018/2019 IMPACT FELLOWS
2018/2019 IMPACT FELLOW BioS
Christelle Baguidy is from Haiti and raised in Florida. She studied theater for three years at a theater conservatory. She also studied commedia dell’atre in Italy for a summer study abroad program. She has played NASTY NORCA from the play Our Lady of 121st Street at the Odyessy Theatre Ensemble and at KCACTF festival in Utah. She was part of Flyin’ West as Fannie Dove and appeared in an original play entitled PAIN. She’s grateful to be working with TeAda and looks forward to bringing their vision to light.
Grace Nabasaaka is a PTV member she holds a Bachelor's degree from Uganda Christian University Mukono in Mass Communication. She has a journalism background and worked for Horizon Television and CBS FM. She has been acting on stage and performing folk songs and dances since childhood.
Natalie Camunas is a native Los Angeleno, USC graduate, queer second gen Latinx actor, writer, singer, voice-over artist, and entrepreneur. As an actor, Natalie just finished a triple understudy engagement in Luis Valdez’ Valley of the Heart at Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum. Previously, she originated the role of Gabby Orozco in the World Premiere Co-Production of American Mariachi at the Old Globe Theatre & Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Recent TV/Film credits: Goliath opposite Billy Bob Thornton, Speechless on ABC, Netflix feature Bright opposite Will Smith directed by David Ayer. As a voice over artist, you can hear Natalie’s voice in promo spots for Fox’s 911. As a playwright, Natalie’s plays have been seen all over the world, including Los Angeles, New York, and Ireland. As an entrepreneur, she runs two businesses: The Hallway Space, a free monthly community space for folks of color to co-create, and The Happy Actor, a space for coaching, succeeding, and thriving in Hollywood. nataliecamunas.com, thehallwayspace.com
Natiq Akinyemi Eshilokun, is a west African Immigrant now living in Los Angeles, CA. He is a writer, actor and filmmaker. He studied at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. He is passionate about the intersection between arts and social justice. He worked for the National Youth Service Corps, creating stage plays that educated people about HIV, gender inequality, and other social issues. His internship with Toyin Abraham, a famous Nigerian actress, inspired him to work hard and persevere. Natiq hopes to tell diverse African stories from an authentic perspective.
Rogers Tamale began writing at an early age. He has worked in banking and statistics prior to coming in the US. Rogers holds a degree in Economics and a Masters in business administration, all from Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda. Since coming to the US, Rogers is a client at the Program for Torture Victims and a volunteer with Big Sunday. Rogers Tamale lives in Los Angeles, California.
2017/2018 IMPACT FELLOWS
2017/2018 IMPACT FELLOW BIOS
Toni Temehana Pasion is a dancer and educator of Tagalog, Ilocano, and Kapampangan heritages, born in San Jose, California and raised in Los Angeles, California. She received her BA from the University of California, Riverside in Asian American Studies and Women’s Studies, and her MA in Dance at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her creative practice includes Hawaiian hula, Philippine dance, ori Tahiti, contemporary dance, and writing. Toni is the founder and producer of A Stage of Our Own (ASOO), a Philippine and Pacific Island collective of artists, organizers, educators, and researchers, creating contemporary works centered on womxn’s experiences. She is also a Teaching Artist of Dance for Arts Alive, serving various elementary schools in the South Bay. Her curriculum includes dance, music, language, geography, and cultural values. She works towards expanding culture-based education, thereby fostering a future generation geared towards social equality and tolerance. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TONI, VISIT tonipasion.com
Uhuru Moor, the Uhuruverse is a Los Angeles-based PROTEST ARTIST who uses multiple mediums and performance styles to speak against oppression and demand and encourage liberation. Best known as the electric guitarist for the band Fuck U Pay Us (a four piece Black femme punk band demanding land reparations for the African Holocaust and free self defense training for femmes), the Uhuruvese also raps and sings--their solo album, The Brightest Oddest Strangest Star U Ever Did Saw Up Close and Afar From Planet Earth to Mars and Beyond!! was released January 1, 2018. The Uhuruverse directed the psychedelic film noir, “FIGHT IN HEELS”, a collaboration with the #SNATCHPOWER artist collective. The Uhuruverse founded #SNATCHPOWER in 2014. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UHURU, VISIT SnatchPower.comthehallwayspace.com
Chella Isabel Marie Coleman is a transgender activist using art as well as organizing in the community in Los Angeles California. Using art as well as popular education to educate folks around issues that impact the trans and gender non conforming community especially low income trans women of color. She also is a part of many other organizations seeking to better high risk low income communities. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHELLA, VISIT chellacoleman.com
Anatalia Vallez is a performer/artivist from Orange County, passionate about theater and performance as a tool for creating consciousness and community. She is currently an ensemble member of Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble, as a playwright, and performer. Her first exposure to Latinx theater was through a program called Barrio Actors Guild in Santa Ana where, as a teenager, she got to share her very first monologues. Anatalia took up a minor in Theater and Performance Studies at UC Berkeley where she learned about the history of theater in Latinoamerica and around the world, theater of the sphere and theater of the oppressed. As a result, she helped start the Performance Colectiva at CAL. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANATALIA, VISIT anataliavallez.weebly.com
2018 COMMUNITY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS: UCLA Labor Center, Los Angeles Worker Center Network, Pilipino Workers Center of Los Angeles (PWC), Program for Torture Victims (PTV), Antena Los Angeles, Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA), Garment Worker Center (GWC)
