We were lucky to catch up with Atlese Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Atlese, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I began Ambiance Theatre in November of 2018 because I desired a space for Black theatre artists, writers especially, to have their work reach a Black audience. It wasn’t to say that non-Black people could not come to see an Ambiance production, but simply, that Black audiences are underrepresented in Minnesota. I was tired of performing or seeing a brilliant performance be used to “you’re so articulate” or some other micro-aggressive comment that ignored the depth and quality of the work presented. So in 2018, I started Ambiance theatre by producing a public reading of Eshay Brantley and Ricardo Beaird’s work. Afterward, Ambiance produced 3 live shows, a public reading, a panel discussion and partnered with HowlRound Theatre Commons, the Guthrie, The Playwrights’ Center, and more,
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
I am from Saint Paul, MN, by way of Chicago, IL. I’ve always enjoyed storytelling both in books and listening to my elders tell me about their childhoods and experiences. My “ear hustling” and reading birthed poetry from my pen and I used to write private poems to myself to practice the form. In high school, I tried theatre and there I found that my words had the power to reach people in ways I previously thought I could not do. After attending Penumbra Theatre’s Summer Institute I knew I wanted to do theatre professionally and begin my own theatre company just as the founders of Penumbra had. In 2018 with two writers and $2,500, I started taking action on my dream. Today I am working on ways to expand my work, increase capacity, and work internationally.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’m currently in a pivot. I am in school for my master’s in Strategic Marketing. Some people ask me: “why marketing?” after so many years in theatre. Truthfully, theatre is a business and I need to be business minded. Halfway through my studies I already see a difference in how my planning for the next 5 years is shaping up and the opportunities that are opening up for me. I believe life requires flexibility. We don’t have to abandon our passions or dreams because we choose to do other things that can support our lives. In fact, having a variety of experiences can feed into the dream. I’ve worn many hats in theatre so I know this career requires someone who is capable of being vulnerable, willing to lead, willing to listen, and able to serve. Each “diversion” has actually brought me closer to what I desired.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I can’t speak about my resilience without first speaking to those who came before me, specifically, my grandmother Atlese Pittman. My grandmother came from a large family in Mississippi that was actually quite cruel. After birthing her second child, my eldest auntie, my grandmother’s sister took her daughter from her and threw her out to die after giving birth. My grandmother did not die. She walked until someone saw her and brought her to the hospital. These are the kind of women I come from. Women who have endured hell and rose from the embers. Eventually, my grandmother met my grandfather and they moved to Chicago where my mother and other uncles and aunties were born. Resilence? It would be shameful for me not to be. The reality is I have a lot more opportunities than my grandmother had so if she could fight for her life in a circumstance that should have killed her, I can rise again when things get a little rocky.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tealovinbookworm/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atlese-robinson-06120a102/
Image Credits
Malick Ceesay – Flyer Design Adrian Lowe – Logo Design Saymoukda Vongsay – Flyer Design