Season 2 Episode 12 | 212
Special Guest: Julissa Contreras
Website/Information: https://www.julissacontreras.com/

Episode Description:

We are thrilled to welcome a remarkable guest, Julissa Contreras, a talented content creator, podcaster and playwright hailing from the Bronx. Julissa has taken the theater world by storm with her off-Broadway debut production, "Vamonos," and she joins us to share her inspiring journey.

Julissa, as an Afro-Latina Dominicana, has a unique perspective on the theatrical landscape. We delve deep into the inequalities that persist within the American theater community. Julissa passionately discusses the stark lack of content and opportunities for minorities in the theater world, which has led to a discouraging cycle of disinterest and insufficient support from the minority community itself. Her insights shine a light on the need for greater inclusivity and representation on and off stage.

Julissa also takes us on an incredible journey of self-discovery as she recounts her transformative trip to Ghana. This voyage allowed her to reconnect with her African roots and explore the intersections of her identity as an Afro-Latina Dominicana. Her experiences in Ghana and the profound impact they had on her perspective on life are nothing short of captivating.

Join us for an episode filled with powerful words that matter as we explore the depths of theater inequalities and the beautiful journey of self-discovery through the eyes and experiences of Julissa Contreras. It's a conversation that highlights the importance of diverse voices in the world of theater and the broader quest for inclusivity in all aspects of life.

__________________TABLE OF CONTENTS____________________00:00
00:04:47 Guest Intro
00:05:32 Ron's Experience w/ Theatre
00:06:52 Intar Theather
00:10:14 Why Intar? (Why not Intar?)
00:14:08 Stop molding your work for the commercialization
00:15:30 Shoutout to the "Vamonos" Team
00:15:45 Ron's casting gripe
00:16:25 Casting for Dominican Father Role
00:18:48 What is "Vamonos" about
00:21:46 Writing Vamanos
00:22:54 Standing in solidarity
00:23:44 Giving the play another life
00:25:07 NY Times not showing love
00:26:12 "La que ta buena soy yo!"
00:27:18 Taking time to write more pieces
00:28:38 Focus on finishing a book "That book I said I was Writing"
00:29:37 Topics of Santeria
00:34:40 Progressive Father Character in "Vamonos"
00:36:47 3 plays by Afro Latina's at the same time
00:41:03 Desires of taking the show on the road
00:42:38 State of Theatre
00:44:57 What are the origins of Theatre History
00:46:03 Getting our community to come out to Theatre
00:47:51 Why stay in Theatre
00:50:42 Justice in taking up the space we deserve
00:52:03 Women to Men ratio as theatre goers
00:56:21 Black and Brown Men don't get indoctrinated into American Theatre
01:00:23 What took Julissa out to Colorado
01:08:32 Conversations with Parents
01:10:50 Trip to Ghana
01:17:12 Talk about practices that have been demonized
01:32:56 Last Call for Words



Record date: 08.09.23
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Guest Social | IG @jewleesah
Additional Camera by @milagroswashere
Host Social | IG @ron.kain | @dre.drizzo | @just.ladyh