We recently connected with Berto (Aranya) Borroto and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Berto (Aranya), thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I thrive most beautifully when I’m in a creative space. I have always felt that my calling has always been to be a storyteller. My passion is to create stories, art, performances, and to share that with my audiences. However, all passions come with a sacrifice. Part of the territory of being an artist is having those “regular” jobs that help you pay the bills in between gigs. Even when I’m working a regular day job, I find myself finding ways to incorporate my artistry and creativity. I don’t think I could live a life that isn’t surrounded by some type of art or creative energy.

Berto (Aranya), before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in Orlando, Florida and attended a Performing Arts high school, which is where I got the bug for being a performer. I attended the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program in Minneapolis, Minnesota and got my BFA in Acting. As an actor, I have worked in the Twin Cities and performed in shows such as the SpongeBob Musical (as SpongeBob), the Seagull, Twelfth Night, and a staged reading of a new play written by John Leguizamo. While studying abroad I watched a production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on the West End, and was heavily inspired to start doing drag. My drag name is Aranya, which means “spider” in spanish, and is inspired by my favorite super-hero, Spider-Man. My greatest inspirations in drag are Bianca Del Rio, Anetra, Carmen Farala, my drag mother Kamaree Williams, and dear friend Domita Sanchez. I perform all over the Twin Cities with Flip Phone Events, and at Lush, the Saloon, and the Gay 90’s. When watching me perform you can expect a polished and conceptual performance. I’ll either make you laugh, dance, cry, or feel extremely nostalgic…the point is you’re gonna LOVE IT! I am most proud of my recent performance at our biggest local competition–Flip Phone Superstar, where I was able to finish the night being crowned the new winner! I have plenty of other projects and fun things I can’t quite mention yet, but feel free to follow me on social media @aranyaxberto to keep up with any upcoming news! You may even see me on your TV’s soon!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission as an artist is to create and uplift stories with Queer People of Color at the center of them. When I was growing up I never felt like I saw myself represented in major forms of media. My goal is to build my career to a point of notability that will allow me to then create more art that represents those who have always felt underrepresented.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting to hear how your work affects your audience. I’ve had so many beautiful moments with some of my audience members where they will express how much my work has meant to them. As an actor, I’ve been told that my talent and range is remarkable. In drag, I always love hearing members of the Latine community tell me how much it means to them to see performances and hear songs that make them and their cultures feel seen and heard. As an educator, I most value seeing the impact I make on young students who are excited and willing to become the next generation of theater-makers. It fills me with joy to know that I had an influence on them shaping their talent and falling even deeper in love with their craft.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @aranyaxberto
• Facebook: Berto Borroto
• Twitter: @aranyaxberto

Image Credits
MarXX Productions, Darin Kamnetz Photography, Molly Weibel, 1000 Words Photography