We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea Miranda González a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

“The initial small risks I embarked upon gradually evolved over time, transforming into significant and life-altering decisions for me.

Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to the enchantment of theater, thanks to my grandmother’s influence and her deep appreciation for the arts. At 17, I took a bold step by writing, directing, and performing my first high school monologue. In that moment, the path of my life became clear—I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

Following my passion, I pursued Theatrical Arts at the University of Costa Rica. In 2017, I directed my inaugural professional play, ‘Deburdeles’ (The War Unspoken), laying the cornerstone for Manifiesto Escénico Producciones, my intimate theater company. But it wasn’t merely about theatrical excellence; I sought to infuse my productions with an aesthetic that mirrored my beliefs in social and political change.

As a Latina deeply rooted in environmental and human rights activism, my joy lies in bringing stories to life that resonate with human emotions. My theater embraces an aesthetic blend of magical realism, absurdism, and contemporary styles, aspiring not only to entertain but to provoke tangible change in audiences.

My journey unexpectedly led me to Houston, Texas, away from my Costa Rican roots. Surprisingly, I found solace and purpose in this new community. In 2022, I directed my first English play, ‘Fando & Lis’ by Fernando Arrabal, marking a pivotal moment in my artistic journey.

It hasn’t been easy. The effort and tears were the seeds I needed to plant. Finally, I can start to see the first crops. And that’s energy for the way ahead.

Reflecting on these 15 years, from my teenage aspirations to the present, I realize that my theater journey has transported me to a new home, a different language, and a vibrant community—and the same heartbeat that breathes life into the stage.

Discovering a supportive artistic community in Houston solidified my belief that this city is where my voice and artistry need to flourish. This year, I joined the Rec Room Writers group, which has expanded my storytelling horizons and allowed collaboration with talented minds who resonate with my work.

This progression over 15 years underscores how taking initial risks and remaining true to my artistic vision can lead to remarkable growth and fulfillment. My journey stands as a testament to aspiring artists, illustrating how perseverance, dedication, and embracing unexpected opportunities can pave the way for a fulfilling creative career.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello, I’m Andrea Miranda González, deeply passionate about theater and storytelling. With over 12 years of professional acting experience and 6 years dedicated to directing and playwrighting, I recently delved into publishing with ‘Andrea Miranda 3 Plays.’

This collection includes three plays addressing pressing societal issues. ‘The War Unspoken’ takes readers back to World War II, exploring the lives of seven women united amidst war’s turmoil. ‘Censured’ immerses audiences in the narrative of discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly highlighting the experiences of transgender individuals. It encourages reflection on societal progress and the challenges that persist.

‘Whale Cemetery’ offers a glimpse into a future where Earth faces its final days. Set in a whale graveyard-turned-garbage dump, the play sheds light on the struggles of the elderly population.

Despite the apparent differences, each play holds a personal significance for me. ‘Deburdeles,’ a historical fiction piece, is inspired by my great-great-grandmother, Ella Lutz, a German woman who migrated to Costa Rica during the war.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, ‘Censured,’ written in 2018, emerged from the political divisions concerning LGBTQIA+ rights in Costa Rica. I felt a profound need to lend my voice on matters of human rights and religious fanaticism.

‘Whale Cemetery’ offers a glimpse into the year 2064, a future where global warming has devastated our world. As part of this imagined future’s elderly generation, we grapple with the consequences of humanity’s actions.

Each play embodies a piece of my personal journey, reflecting my dedication to spotlighting crucial societal discussions through theater.

‘Andrea Miranda 3 Plays’ is available online at stores like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, and more, in digital and physical formats. My aim is to connect with a community valuing thought-provoking and impactful theater, encompassing political, dystopian, and contemporary themes. I aspire to resonate with individuals who identify with the societal narratives and messages I bring forth through my work.

I invite readers to explore these plays, engage with their themes, and join me on a journey challenging perceptions and sparking conversations about our world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is fueled by a dual mission. Primarily, I strive to continually contribute to the theater communities both in the USA and in Costa Rica. I aim to share my stories with the world while steadfastly supporting women in the arts, particularly in Costa Rica.

I’m on the verge of publishing my second book, ‘Dramaturgia Manifiesta contra la Violencia Patriarcal,’ a collection featuring 9 plays, including the Spanish version of ‘The War Unspoken’ (Deburdeles), alongside plays written by Costa Rican women. Unfortunately, Costa Rica grapples with deep-seated sexism, and violence against women remains an everyday occurrence. By providing a platform for these stories, I hope to bolster feminist movements and challenge the oppressive silence perpetuated by phallocentric governments, amplifying the voices of Costa Rican artists. This endeavor is crucial as the prevailing voices in the arts, if not entirely, predominantly belong to men.

My mission is one of perpetual action, continuity, and creation. I am dedicated to the ongoing process of producing and offering Manifiesto Escenico as a platform for voices that often go unheard.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My upbringing was entrenched in a deeply religious environment; my father, an evangelical pastor, surrounded our home with fervent religious ideologies and apocalyptic tales. This environment, coupled with my education in Christian schools, made me feel confined and stifled during my childhood and teenage years. Unfortunately, this atmosphere led me into constant bouts of depression, isolation, and eventually, the development of eating disorders. I reached a point where self-harm became a way to cope, and I found myself hospitalized.

Despite my spiritual background, prayer seemed to exacerbate my struggles rather than alleviate them. It was during the inception of my journey in Theatrical Arts that a pivotal shift occurred. I realized that my body was my instrument, and caring for it was paramount. Art became my therapy, and through storytelling, I found solace and a voice to express my prayers to the world. In the depths of my struggles, art became my salvation, a catalyst that guided me to self-rescue and recovery.

Through the transformative power of art, I discovered the strength to heal myself. This journey taught me resilience—finding redemption in creativity, reclaiming my voice, and rebuilding a life from the fragments of despair. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and emerge stronger.

Contact Info:

• Website: andremirandag.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manifiesto_escenico

Image Credits
Nicole Roman photographer of Cementerio de Ballenas, Deburdeles and Censuradas images.