We were lucky to catch up with Nea Somogyi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nea , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Well, as a struggling artist in the Big Apple, we often find ourselves accepting jobs for the remuneration, even when the content doesn’t quite resonate with us. However, that makes meaningful projects a much more rewarding experience. This year I’ve had the opportunity of seeing two amazing projects, I was called in for, come to life. The first one was the dance theater piece called “IDENTITY” by the exceptional choreographer Charly Wenzel. We had the opportunity of performing the piece at the Theater for the New City’s Festival of the Arts. This project explored what it means to have an identity beyond our country of origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender expression. It moved the audience with the reminder that in the end, we’re all humans in this tiny planet in a big galaxy, and what really matters are the bonds you make with others. The second project was a short film by the name “Apple Pie Dreams” directed by Alexander Vorobyev and written and produced by Elisha Jachetti. The story takes place over the course of one day, following a group of prospective applicants for a US citizenship. A dark comedy that reflects on the opportunities and the quality of life the US can offer, in comparison to other nations. A vast majority of people dream of a life in the United States, but very few are aware of what it takes and what they’re willing to sacrifice for the big old American Dream. It was a genuine fulfilling experience to work with actors from all over world and connect through something we feel deeply identified with. Empathy and understanding were the big take aways from both these projects.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Of course. I am a Costa Rican actress, singer, stage & film fighter and dancer currently living in New York City. I moved to NYC in 2019 in hopes of furthering my career and expanding my knowledge of the world in order to bridge more people together through newer stories rooted in thought provoking empathy and understanding. I believe art should unite, heal and mobilize. My hope is that my work inspires others to be good humans and spread kindness, which is much needed in the current world we live in. I’m an artist who’s constantly on the move, whether it is working, training or nurturing meaningful relationships. I’m always looking for ways to expand and improve my creativity, my content and my environment. My heart, my soul, my discipline and my professionalism are always with me in every project and adventure. I live in the present, while building the future.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Sure. Resilience is definitely a common highlight of artists, Amidst the doubt, lack of recognition and constant rejection, us actors must be resilient in order to stay in this business and as we hear a lot, “stay on top of the game”. Adding to the common obstacles, I left behind my home, my fiance, my family, my friends, everything that makes me feel safe and comfortable for a dream without guarantee in a place that can be isolated. Every step in this journey, however, has been of an immense growth. It hasn’t been linear, there are days where I feel home sick, where I doubt myself or get frustrated by the bureaucracy we constantly face. Nonetheless, when hard work pays off, I am reminded why I’m here and hold on to that moment for as long as I can to make sure it lives in the top of my head as a motivation to keep going and keep putting in the work. When a goal is reached my heart is full, but when I am able to share it with those I care about the most, it simply makes the sacrifice worth it. I’ll keep being resilient and true to my work, as long as I can make this world a better place through it.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Society needs art as much as the basic needs. I would even argue it is a basic need. Regardless of what we are going through, no matter where we are, we’re consuming art everyday. In order to protect it and support it we first need to be aware of this and give it the value and recognition it deserves. We can help by supporting small and local businesses, go to the movie theaters and watch your region’s films, got to the theater and watch a show, bring a friend. Start by acknowledging your artist friends and sharing their work. Got to concerts of newer musicians. If you’re a parent, teach your kids about art, go to art exhibits, buy clothing and accessories from artesanal brands. We can even reach out to the local communities and ask about the artistic engagements and programs of the area, as well as volunteer to help promote the artistic agenda. Every action counts!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neasomogyi.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nea_somogyi
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/nea.somogyi
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/nea-somogyi/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGs9MOd71qxq18C9Ie0Kynw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nea_somogyi
Image Credits
“IDENTITY” by Charly Wenzel, Photographs by Max Martínez.