Nilsa Reyna
- Actress
When I started my career in Chicago, I was part of the founding ensemble of Teatro Luna. We took charge of our narratives, devised our own work, and were the writer/performers of our stories: Latina stereotypes in Hollywood, similarities and differences within the Latiné diaspora, internalized racism, and not being Latina enough, was first explored. I still infuse the personal/political spirit of collaboration and ensemble we explored in my work today.
In May of 2012, just like Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, the neuroanatomist, I had a stroke at a young age. Upon recovery, I was inspired to dramatize my story, Stroke Vagina, a Moyamoya Story. I attended occupational and physical therapy to build the strength to dress myself, carry groceries up to my apartment, and relearn to type and write. The act of which helped with dexterity and kept me vulnerable and hopeful.
Six and a half years later, I was then formally diagnosed with moyamoya, a rare cerebrovascular disease. In December of 2018, Dr. Gary Steinberg and his team at Stanford, performed a cranial STA to MCA left side bypass, resulting in twice the blood flow to my brain. Weeks into recovery I began dreaming in Spanish and my vocabulary expanded. Experiencing the plasticity of my brain and healing from brain surgery began part two of my journey.
Shocked to realize a staple had been left in my forehead, I worried about looking like Frankenstein's monster. Not one to lose an opportunity for humor, dear friend and director of my first show, the late Janie Martinez said, "No, Nil, this is your next show, The Bride of Moyamoya!"
Part one, a solo show written for an actor or a multi-actor cast takes us on the impossible journey of finding answers to an unknown medical condition. Part two physicalizes the ups and downs of healing with an ensemble cast. I have been writing ever since!
Hopeful and resilient people seeking healing, forgiveness and a sense of community are recurrent themes. Characters facing life or death, with optimism or humor, live in the worlds I write. Art encouraging conversation, mindfulness, and empathy inspires me. I continue to write stories that heal, galvanize action, and introduce solutions. Inclusive and equitable cultures living in safe and healthy environments is what everyone deserves.
In May of 2012, just like Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, the neuroanatomist, I had a stroke at a young age. Upon recovery, I was inspired to dramatize my story, Stroke Vagina, a Moyamoya Story. I attended occupational and physical therapy to build the strength to dress myself, carry groceries up to my apartment, and relearn to type and write. The act of which helped with dexterity and kept me vulnerable and hopeful.
Six and a half years later, I was then formally diagnosed with moyamoya, a rare cerebrovascular disease. In December of 2018, Dr. Gary Steinberg and his team at Stanford, performed a cranial STA to MCA left side bypass, resulting in twice the blood flow to my brain. Weeks into recovery I began dreaming in Spanish and my vocabulary expanded. Experiencing the plasticity of my brain and healing from brain surgery began part two of my journey.
Shocked to realize a staple had been left in my forehead, I worried about looking like Frankenstein's monster. Not one to lose an opportunity for humor, dear friend and director of my first show, the late Janie Martinez said, "No, Nil, this is your next show, The Bride of Moyamoya!"
Part one, a solo show written for an actor or a multi-actor cast takes us on the impossible journey of finding answers to an unknown medical condition. Part two physicalizes the ups and downs of healing with an ensemble cast. I have been writing ever since!
Hopeful and resilient people seeking healing, forgiveness and a sense of community are recurrent themes. Characters facing life or death, with optimism or humor, live in the worlds I write. Art encouraging conversation, mindfulness, and empathy inspires me. I continue to write stories that heal, galvanize action, and introduce solutions. Inclusive and equitable cultures living in safe and healthy environments is what everyone deserves.
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