Today we’d like to introduce you to Odalys Nanin.
Hi Odalys, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a Cuban American writer, director, actress and producer founder and artistic director of MACHA Theatre Co. Mujeres(Women) Advancing Culture, History & Art. I founded this non-profit theater in 2000 because there were no venues back then interested in the Latina Lesbian stories. Our company has successfully accomplished what I was told was impossible to tell stories about our Latina Lesbian experience with faces that we can identify with on stage. We strive to build social, cultural & artistic bridges between the LGBTQI of different ethnicity and the Los Angeles community and beyond.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been at all a smooth road for me as an Out Latina. I was told that no one would come see our stories because Latinos had no money or interest in theater or Latina lesbian stories. So, I had no economical support back in 2000. I had to find private donors and put in my own money into MACHATheater projects. Our first production was a Lesbian adaptation of BLOOD WEDDING which I translated, directed and produced at the Ventura Court Theater. It was sold out and it received Backstage Critic’s Choice! I remember that I applied for a grant to produce this adaptation and I received a letter stating that they found no need for this type of work. Meaning no support for Latina Lesbian plays. There were only two foundations back then that did support our work the Astraea Foundation and the Liberty Arts Foundation. I have always followed my heart and my gut feeling so a persevered. Never give up on your dreams!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
ODALYS NANIN – (Writer, actor, producer) is an out Latinx Lesbian writer and has written ten plays: Garbo’s Cuban Lover, FRIDA- Stroke of Passion, The Nun & the Countess, Marilyn-My Secret, Lavender Love, Naked in the Tropics, Beyond Love, Love Struck, Skin of Hone, … She has earned a stellar reputation as a prolific writer garnering many awards; the Maverick award and the Pat Parker award from Christopher Street West. She’s a role model for Career Girls. She’s written three screenplays, written & produced two documentaries, and three short films and is presently recurring as Brenda in Games People Play at Black Entertainment TV. She has appeared in Jane the Virgin, Criminal Minds, NYPD-Blues, Santa Barbara… She was chosen by OUT Magazine as one of 100 people that made a difference. Her play Garbo’s Cuban Lover opens February 10-25 at CASA 0101 THEATER It was nominated Best Play by the Advocate Magazine, LA Weekly Critic’s Pick, Backstage Critic’s Choice and received raving reviews by the Los Angeles Times.
What makes you happy?
Researching, writing & creating new stories because it fulfills my artist soul. My home, pets, family and traveling.
Contact Info:
- Website: machatheatre.org
- Instagram: odalys_nanin
- Facebook: OdalysNanin
- Twitter: OdalysNanin
- Youtube: machatheatre
- Other: OdalysNanin.com
Image Credits
Photos by Chris Hume, Michael Helms & Dana Patrick
