Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Wosiak

Hi Julia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

Acting has been my passion since childhood and all the other forms of art such as literature, film, and music, have shaped the way I see the world and try to live my life. I saw stories everywhere and soon began to write on my own. Zuzka Jankowska, an incredible artist as well as my friend, was the first one to read and critique my work back in middle school. I used to email her weekly with a new chapter of my book, and all I can say is that she loved it. Growing up in Poland I saw so many stories, that I’ve never seen in the theater or on screen. So many beautiful and tragic accounts of life, full of grief and pain. During the pandemic, I spent a lot of time on the phone with my grandmother, and as always, she told me so much about the lives of people around her and the way they were affected by the history of my country. The effects of war and communism on every generation, on families- how they function and their dynamics. That’s when I started writing a screenplay that later turned into a play. I decided to send it to The New York Theater Festival and got accepted. Our House premiered off-off Broadway at Teatro Latea on the Lower East Side of New York. It’s a play about a Polish family that deals with generational trauma and shame. I was lucky to work with the brilliant director Emma Rose and act alongside Tomás Róman, Ben Mankoff and Deborah Bivens.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Studying in my room, between classes and extracurriculars. It felt like I was fighting for something almost impossible. Of course, moving alone across the world and being away from my family and friends was difficult, but the worst part of it was fear. I try to remember that obstacles are just life happening. The things that have hurt me in the past that I think about every day. When I was writing my play that’s what I tried to remember. Our House is about hidden pain, shame, and fear but also how love and forgiveness can help heal wounds of the past, and for that, we need each other so much. People need people, we can heal one another with care, attention, love, and acceptance. Another big struggle for me is the expectations that make me forget that I’m just a person. Writing and acting are a celebration of humanity, especially the bad parts. These are the stories we tell. By creating art, we pay attention to every day and every moment, but it’s hard to remember that when it’s happening to you. To see the beauty in sadness and grief even when it’s happening to you. But maybe that’s what makes it interesting.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

When I work I try to give the character as much love as I can. I try to not judge them and understand their choices and their story. I believe that to honor your character you have to feel free. I used to get worried about planning every detail of the scene, but now I trust myself more. I try to connect my own experiences with the character and then I sort of let them be. It’s important to me to keep asking questions and to keep learning, even while performing. I have recently written, produced, and starred in Our House, at the New York Theater Festival, off-off Broadway. It was an incredible opportunity, as the play is very personal and celebrates Polish history. I worked with such talented and brilliant artists and will be thankful for their help forever. Our House is a family drama that delves into the enduring effects of war and communism on each generation. The character I played, Alice, was the youngest of three, stuck at home taking care of her sick mother. She’s the one who tries to make everyone feel better, to make them stop fighting. And like all the other characters, she has many secrets and might not be exactly what you’d expect her to be. I have also starred in a short film titled “Fortune of Chance”, directed by Crawford Schafbuch. Fortune of Chance is about a couple who meet in an unlikely way in a New York City park, after waking up after a long night out. It was my first time working with comedy in a while! I played the character of Marla, who at first seemed like the opposite of me, which was scary but exciting. Playing Marla and riding an old bike that broke every 10 minutes around Prospect Park made me feel so free. I have also starred in the multiple award-winning GROM directed by Jordy Antonio and had a role in Cortado directed by Juan Teisaire.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

What I love most about New York is the incredible diversity and the people. New Yorkers are known for their kindness and straightforwardness, which I find refreshing and inspiring. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity fosters a unique sense of community and mutual respect. Another aspect I adore is the thriving art scene. From world-renowned theaters on Broadway to the countless galleries and street art, New York is a haven for creatives and art enthusiasts. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a groundbreaking play, an innovative art exhibition, or a hidden gem in an offbeat neighborhood. Additionally, the opportunities here are unparalleled. The city never sleeps, and neither do the chances to learn, grow, and succeed. Whether it’s professional advancement or personal enrichment, New York provides endless possibilities. There’s something magical about New York at night. The city lights up in a way that’s both dazzling and comforting. The energy is palpable, and the streets are alive with activity, offering a sense of endless potential. It’s my favourite place on the planet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliawosiak.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia.wosiak/?hl=en
• Other: https://newyorktheaterfestival.com/our-house/