Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Asencio.
Nadia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was a writer before I could write; I would orate tales and fables to my mother before I was old enough to go to school and, being the great mom that she was (and is), she’d take careful dictation of them all. My mother’s undying support validated my artistic inclinations.
My godfather introduced me to the world of theatre and art; he taught me to appreciate art’s ability to emote deep truths about life and the human condition; how art could elevate, challenge, and change the world – both the internal world of the artist, as well as that of the audience. He taught me to revere artistic expression and its rightful place as the pinnacle of human culture and society.
From there, I continued acting and writing and painting throughout my life. Many artists in all disciplines have shaped me and my worldview; I can’t think of a more profound legacy than to create art that inspires others, and that helps even one person see the world through a different lens.
Has it been a smooth road?
Women in the arts will come across barriers that most women encounter in every industry: men are in power, and they don’t like that power challenged. Most will ignore you until you become a threat to their position, at which point they will come after you, either by undermining you or trying to bed you because they believe that this will place you under their control. This happens constantly. Avoid these traps at all cost; don’t be afraid to burn a bridge by hitting back when attacked, and don’t get involved with a man who considers himself your superior.
Last year, I directed three plays that I had written for the off-Broadway stage; one of them, a complicated and nuanced absurdist piece about domestic violence inspired by the work of Luis Buñuel, had a large cast: 11 actors. It was very challenging work. The play was being produced for the NY Theatre Summer Fest and we were three days before opening night when – at a full-run rehearsal with all actors present – one of my male actors informed me that he wouldn’t be taking my direction because “I consulted with my acting coach, and he disagrees with your choices. It would go against my artistic integrity.” I fired him on the spot. The rest of the cast sat in silenced shock. I told them that as much as I appreciated them all if anyone else felt that they couldn’t take my direction, they were free to leave. No one did.
Two days later, we had another rehearsal with the replacement, who came in off-book and gave a seamless performance. The cast thanked me for sticking to my vision; the play was a success.
I’d tell younger women just starting out to do the work, to refine their skills, to master their craft. And that once they achieve a solid level of expertise, to never, ever let anyone tell them how to call the shots.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Joan of Art – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I created The Scarlet Harlot Theatre Co., in order to produce plays that are relevant to women, specifically. About women, starring women and produced by women, especially Hispanic, Latina, and Black women. We rarely have our stories told or heard in any meaningful or realistic way. I want to change that.
I am a painter and as such, I am now starting a new venture – Joan of Art, a medium that will exhibit and endorse the rich and varied underground art world in New York City. I’m excited about bringing talented artists to the fore so that the world can enjoy their work and the culture that nourishes it.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Absolutely. Like I said earlier, my mother is a strong, independent, intelligent woman whose unwavering support during my childhood gave me all the validation I needed to forge ahead with my artistic inclinations. She taught me to speak my truth and especially to speak truth to power, to challenge it, to never let anyone dictate my path for me. To this day, she’s my number one; every good thing I’ve accomplished is due to her.
I also had an amazing godfather who was steeped in the art world and taught me at a young age what art is and the power it has to change lives. Sadly, he passed when I was still a kid, but his impact on my life has remained.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Realistically, if a woman wants an opportunity, she must create it. There’s no other way.
Thankfully, we live in a technologically advanced age, where opportunity abounds for those with the vision and the discipline to advance their goals. Eventually, however, their growth will reach a point in which a producer will face well-established and well-funded organizations that can “make or break” them, usually headed by powerful men; when this is the case, compromises might be made.
But if a woman is asked to compromise her self or her vision, then it’s time for her to create her own well-established organization.
Women are good at creating lasting and productive bonds; we’re nurtures by design. When we learn to support and build with each other, our opportunities will expand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nadiaasencio.com
- Email: nadia.asencio001@gmail.com
- Instagram: @newyorknadia13
Image Credit:
Photos of artwork courtesy of Nadia Asencio, Photos of Nadia Asencio courtesy of Mike Muñoz
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