Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lucia Sapienza. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Lucia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I was a little girl one of the first movies my parents made me watch alongside all Disney’s movies, was Jesus Christ Superstar. At the same time, my parents introduced me to the study of music when I was 5 years old, the result was that for all my life I took for granted that my future was in music or the arts in general. My grandfather is also a playwright. I grew up with his story and lessons, so when I graduated from school I went without hesitation to apply for musical and theater academies. So we can say, that even though I didn’t have an exact idea of what kind of artist I would become, I always knew that my life would’ve been for the art.

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.

My name is Lucia, and I’m a professional actress and performer. I graduated from the Gypsy Musical Academy in Italy and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Additionally, I’m a director and co-founder of Thymos Productions LLC, a production company I established with my dear colleague Francesca Pecchi. Through Thymos, our mission is to create a safe space for international artists in New York, helping them find their voice and develop their original works.

Recently, I adapted, produced, and directed a play based on Aeschylus’ “Suppliant Maidens,” which premiered this past May with an all-female, all-international cast.

I prefer not to confine myself to titles like “performer,” “actor,” or “director.” My passion lies in artistic research, exploring various social themes, and highlighting global issues through the lens of art. For instance, “Suppliant Maidens” was not only a platform to discuss feminism and women’s autonomy over their bodies and destinies, but also a commentary on immigration, reflecting the challenges people face worldwide, including in America, as they seek acceptance in a new country.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

there is a clear mission that drives my creative journey. At the heart of my work is a commitment to creating a safe space for international artists in New York, enabling them to find their voice and create original works. Through Thymos Productions, we strive to foster a supportive community where diverse artistic expressions can thrive.
I aim to create a community of artists who address social and global issues through theatre, provoking thought, inspiring dialogue, and fostering a broader understanding and empathy in society. Ultimately, my goal is to use art to illuminate the human experience and advocate for social change.

I also have a personal dream to create an artistic bridge between my home country, Italy, and the artistic landscape of New York, through Thymos Productions. Italy has historically struggled with a lack of support for young artists and limited production opportunities. This issue, which we also face in America, is even more pronounced in Italy, making it extremely difficult for artists to sustain themselves financially through their art alone. Consequently, many young artists lose their voice and their motivation to bring new ideas into the world.

There are already individuals working to change this in Italy, and I am eager to contribute to this effort through Thymos. My goal is to extend Thymos’ mission to Italy, supporting new works, nurturing emerging artists, and fostering the creation of fresh, innovative pieces of art. By doing so, I hope to help revitalize the Italian artistic landscape and provide young artists with the opportunities and encouragement they need to succeed.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

First and foremost, I don’t believe in the notion of “non-creatives.” However, if we use this term to describe people who don’t work in the fields of art and entertainment, it’s clear that many of them see art merely as a form of entertainment. Fortunately, there are still those who recognize the social role and profound contribution of the arts. Aristotle said that art is a mirror of society, and I believe that our current society often treats art in a fast-paced, capitalistic, and superficial manner.

Many “non-creatives” express a desire to attend the theatre simply for fun, to escape from their everyday stresses. Consequently, many high-level productions lack depth, leaving audiences with nothing new to ponder or reflect upon. While I don’t oppose this kind of entertainment, my focus is on promoting a theatre that encourages reflection, change, and adds value to the lives of its audience.

I am aware that this approach may not be universally popular or widely supported, but there are numerous artists dedicated to this mission, and that is what I support. Throughout my artistic career, I’ve often been told—especially in Italy—that pursuing a career in the arts meant avoiding “real” work, rigorous studies, and genuine responsibility. This toxic idea reduces art and theatre to mere fun and entertainment, dismissing the need for study and professionalism. Many “non-creatives” hold this misguided perspective, failing to recognize the true value and impact of the arts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.actressluciasapienza.com/
• Instagram: lucia_sapienza
• Other: Thymos Productions Website: https://www.thymosproductions.com/
  Thymos Instagram: Thymos.productions

Image Credits

Paul DuBois
Bronwen Sharp
Michele “Mike” Illuzzi