It's Time to Pay Homage to the Power of Theatre

As I was mopping by my kitchen earlier today, I was inspired to write this blog by an idea that I just cannot get out of my head, an idea to do something new and relevant in my industry/field, an idea that will surpass any creative endeavor I have ever pursued, an idea that will tie all of my passions into one, an idea that will touch the lives of many. This blog is not to introduce this said idea, but rather to talk about the inspiration.

As a theatre artist/educator, I cannot help to think of how strong the impact of theatre is. I come across so many people that have allowed theatre to influence them in some kind of way, which  made them become actors, teachers, producers, critics, designers, writers, or simply a theatre go-er. Every person I know in this industry has their own personal story as to how they found theatre, or rather, how theatre found them and changed their life. I personally love hearing these stories. To hear the root of where it all started for them. Theatre changes lives. 

For those that do not feel like they have any personal connection to the theatre or are uninterested, they do not realize that theatre is all around. It is life! Without the tradition of storytelling from our past history, there would be no entertainment -- storytelling was the first form of entertainment. And let's quickly analyze today's entertainment, and the garbage that is out there. From music, to video games, to reality television, I cannot help but shake my head at the quality of entertainment that is out there. I'm not talking about quality in production; I'm talking about quality in value. Where are the lessons to be taught? Where is the service to social responsibility?

However, I go to a theatre performance and can see these lessons being taught, the mirror to life that reflects today's social issues and the regression of society. There is so much power in theatre -- the way it makes us feel, the way it inspires, the way it moves, the way it promotes change. 

It's so ironic that "bad theatre" is very unappreciated in this business, as shows will easily close left and right. Yet, bad reality television is booming! I don't even know how many seasons there are of Bad Girls Club (do they still give that show?) And although I understand many of them are quote end quote, "Trying to Change," instead, the idea of being a reality T.V. star translates to being their goal, with the use of aggressive behavior and poor decision making. How do we still support this type of entertainment? Where is the theatrical essence, the inspirational storytelling?

With that said, I soon will embark on a journey that will give tribute to the power of theatre in it's simplest form. A journey that will also pay homage to the ideals of community, education, and youth empowerment. Please, continue to join me as I walk on this new path in my career, allowing my passion for theatre and education to intertwine and serve its purpose to advocate awareness and change. 

Talia... the Educator

Master in Educational Theatre

I am beyond ecstatic to announce my most recent accomplishment, graduating from Graduate School. I remember the blog I wrote the Fall before my first semester, and it did not seem like "just yesterday." It has been such a long journey, and I cannot remember what it feels like to not be a student. Even with its hardships, I am so unbelievably proud of myself. I am the first person in my family to graduate with a Master's Degree.

Graduate school is no joke. I really had to hone in on my management skills in all aspects of my life. It was challenging to juggle school, work, acting, family, and a social life. I did my best; and at times I had to decline acting gigs or family events for my school work, and countless social gatherings with friends. But I knew that it was all going to be worth it at the end, and reminded myself that my tight schedule was only temporary. And of course I couldn't have done it without the loving support of my loved ones.

As I reflect on my entire experience, I do not know which semester was toughest. It could be the semester I took 9 credits, including a weekend course - which occupied all of my time. Or, the semester I had to take the edTPA, a new Teacher Performance Assessment, a.k.a. "the longest headache of my life." Or, it could be adding Student Teaching to my already busy schedule, which took a year to complete; alongside completing my thesis. My first semester seemed so long ago, it could have possibly been the toughest as well; as I was adjusting to being a student again, tediously learning the APA format for my research papers and getting into the swing of being a student again after a six year break. You know what, I'm not going to choose. They were all tough! 

Next up, applying my new found pedagogy to my teaching artist experience and becoming a phenomenal educator.

Ending Highlights of my Graduate Experience:

• 4.0 GPA
• Inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi
• Graduated with Honors from School of Education
• One of the first four in the state to participate in the edTPA pilot program for Performing Arts - Theater
• Completing my thesis and co-creating Theatre ¡Para Todos! (A blog containing my research findings to be used as a resource to support Theatre Arts education)

Talia... the Nueva Latina

Hello All,

I wanted to write a brief blog about my Nueva Latina experience thus far. It has truly been an amazing experience, and I'm excited to share it with the world. 

Earlier in the year, I was cast as an ensemble member for the "Nueva Latina Monologues", written by Linda Nieves-Powell. Linda is such an amazing playwright who advocates for the Latina community through her work. I knew of her work from her long running college tour of "Yo Soy Latina" (which I had an opportunity to be a part of, but unfortunately, could not because of conflicts in my schedule.) This new piece was for Orgullosa's Nueva Latina Campaign, presented by Procter & Gamble. This was my first time doing a corporate piece. The "Nueva Latina Monologues" was intended to be a 30 minute play to be performed at the Nueva Latina Launch in New York City on February 26. This launch took place at the Helen Mills Theatre, and was a red carpet closed media event. 


This was also my first time on the red carpet as a showcased talent. Being on that carpet gave me such a high. I was so grateful that I was a part of this unique and amazing experience. I took my mother to the event and she cried the minute she saw me step onto the red carpet after the performance. Unfortunately, I was only allowed one guest; but I'm so glad that I brought my mom. She has never stopped believing in me, and is my number one fan. The photo below is when we met Dascha Polanco, from "Orange is the New Black."

Dascha is such a sweetheart. I am so glad that I met her. She was sitting in the front row with us throughout every moment of the show; she was such a great audience member. As were the rest of the audience members. The audience also held other prominent Latinas in the industry such as Angie Martinez (our host), Roslyn Sanchez, Lala Anthony, and Adrienne Bailon. I am so glad that these celebrities were able to witness OUR story, as they are a part of it too. The Nueva Latina Monologues represents all of us. I was privileged to share this work of art in a room of fellow Latinas, striving to create their own path as a modern Latina. 

A little over a month later, the "Nueva Latina Monologues" was performed in Miami for the Hispanicize 2014. This was my first time attending this Annual Conference about all-things Hispanic. We performed the piece at a luncheon in the Intercontinental Hotel, in downtown Miami for an audience of about 400. But this trip wasn't all work, in fact, we had a lot of down time and we were able to enjoy Miami with the extra time we had. 

I am a proud supporter of the Nueva Latina Campaign. This has all been such a humbling experience. It feels good to invest in a project that promotes being a bi-cultural Latina. As a second generation American, of Puerto Rican descent this was something I struggled with. My parents raised me to be American, and to reach for the American dream; yet, I didn't want to feel like I was neglecting my Spanish culture. I was always a blend of the two; and I struggled mostly with people in my surroundings, telling me I was too "White" or too "Spanish". Growing up, I hated how other people tried to define me based on the fairness of my skin, or my heavy Nuyorican accent. These things do not define me as a person, they are just a part of the way I look, or how I talk. My values define me. The way I perceive life defines me. How I respond to situations and treat others define me. I cannot be defined based on how the media portrays a Latina. I hope this campaign stretches across the nation to address misconceptions, and erase ignorance continuing to educate others, and ourselves.

Please visit my website www.taliamarrero.com to see footage, include our Behind the Scenes takes, snippets of the performance. Below, I included some of my favorite pictures; a variety of photos from the red carpet, rehearsals, backstage, etc. 

Enjoy... and don't forget to check out the footage on my site. 

#NuevaLatina  

#Orgullosa

Ghetto Babylon

I never wrote a blog about my Ghetto Babylon experience, and just wanted to take a quick minute to give tribute to this wonderful play. I had the pleasure of reading for the role of Sarafina Santos in Ghetto Babylon a few years ago, for the Dramatic Question Theatre's "Playwrights/Directors Lab" (PDL) series, which took place at the Theater for the New City. I also played Sarafina at the Repetorio Español in the 2010 Metlife "Nuestras Voces" National Playwriting Competition, which took home 3rd Prize. After many revisions, another PDL series, and a full literary make-over of the character, I brought Sarafina to life at the Workshop Performance of the play at the Soho Playhouse in 2011. Two gracious years later, Ghetto Babylon was picked up to be a part of the 59E59 Theater's 2013 Season Line-up, an Off-Broadway house in New York City.


As one of the original actors, I could not be more than happy for the official production of this play. Three new cast members came on board, and we sold out our entire run, with Michael Mejias' brilliant words and Gregory Simmons' amazing direction. After each show, as I said goodbye to the playwright, I hugged Mejias and repeated these same words every night: "Thank you for writing this play." I truly believe that this story was meant to be told to the world. It is so inspiring, and touches so many lives. You cannot help but fall in love with the characters that grace the stage. It was so fun to bring Sarafina to life after so many years of helping to flesh out her character. She is someone who lives in me now. One review stated,

"[Talia's] performance is of the nature that you walk out convinced Sarafina and Marrero are one in the same. She's quick in delivering her one-liners and heartbreaking towards the end" (Jeffrey Miele of BroadwayWorld.com).


Click here to read review

http://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/BWW-Reviews-GHETTO-BABYLON-Hits-It-Out-Of-The-Park-20130805#

Thank you Michael Mejias, for writing this play.


Here are some photos to enjoy...