We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nelia McNicol a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nelia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

I was born with a deep desire to work in the arts, fascinated by story telling through the medium of theatre, film and television. I was dancing and performing from as early as I can remember and dreamed of being on Broadway. When I was 17, I was accepted into Joffrey Ballet Schools Jazz and Contemporary 4 year trainee program. I knew that the opportunities and people I was meant to meet and work with were on the other side of the world so I left the small coastal town where I grew up in north eastern Australia and set off to NYC.

I had the incredible opportunity to perform works by world renowned choreographers, including; Akira Uchida, Billy Griffin, Gabrielle Lamb and Sarah O’gleby. Anyone that has left their home town and moved to NYC knows that it is not the most forgiving city and the transition is, for most people, uncomfortable. It took me a few years to find my footing here. After a couple of rocky chapters I started creating theater and involving myself in storytelling that I was challenged by and really passionate about.

On September 29th I made my off-broadway debut in my one-woman show, They Called Me Rita. The project had been almost 2 years in the making, from the first idea to bringing it to stage in the epicenter of theater nexus. They Called Me Rita was selected as part of the United Solo Festival Fall 2023 season, the largest solo theater festival in the world. The play garnered a sold-out opening at Off-Broadway at Theatre Row and attracted notable industry professionals including Forest Whitaker and Tony Castrigno. Written by Onyx Hartwell, They Called Me Rita is inspired by the life of Rita Hayworth and explores her life throughout her triumphant moments and private truths.

“Far from the traditional linear biography, the fluid blending of fact, impression and emotion was a remarkable way to experience the mind of the icon.” says producer Tony Castrigno (MTTM theatrics) “Nelia McNicol gave a brave performance as she explored the many sides of Ms. Hayworth, blending dance and spoken word to give us a very nearly (at times) naked view into her life. Brava!”

Creating work that I’m passionate about is very fulfilling. Theater is the greatest medium for actors as the story is on your shoulders to tell in the truest most captivating way. I love bringing original work to New York’s theater scene. It is exciting to tell stories and escape reality for a little while!

Nelia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After graduating with a BFA in Dance from Joffrey, I pivoted my trajectory and completely focused on acting. I dove in with my acting coach, Lil Malinich and began studying the Susan Batson Method and Meisner technique. I instantly fell in love with using emotional memory to find the truth in storytelling. Being a dancer, I was blessed with a great sense of body awareness which fed the character work. Over this past summer I starred in Laundry and Bourbon, a one act black comedy by James McLure. A classic and hilarious three women play set in 1970’s Texas which opened at the NuBox Theatre on 52nd St in Hell’s Kitchen. I played the role of Elizabeth, the most central and grounded character.  It has always been important to me that I am challenged as an artist which led me to creating my one-woman show. Lil and I had the idea to create a show that highlighted my strengths as a performer back in 2021, having a professional background in dance, a strong understanding of the method and love of performing this felt right. I took a dive into researching who I wanted the play to be inspired by and when I came across Rita Hayworth I was immediately drawn to her story. Though she endured so much suffering behind closed doors, I was fascinated by the adversity she faced and her resilience and strength to overcome it. Many months of research and diving into character exercises later, we brought on the playwright, Onyx Hartwell who wrote a poetic, raw and rich 60 minute play that told Rita’s life in chapter form. Each scene blended together with our choreographer, Aydan Cohen who used movement to smooth out the transitions and chapters of Rita’s life together. Our team is so excited to evolve the play and give audiences the opportunity to experience our tribute to Rita Hayworth. It’s a dream come dream being able to create theatre that you are so passionate about and have it be produced in the heart of theatre excellence in NYC.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Connecting with people on an intimate level is fulfilling and rewarding. Taking someone on an emotional journey, allowing them to feel and connect with a story that I’m telling is really beautiful. People will always remember how you made them feel. When I go to the theatre I love being swept away. Acting is powerful and takes the ability to be deeply vulnerable, stripping away your layers and allowing yourself to give fully to the character.

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

My goal is to create art that touches people’s hearts, allowing them to feel and be inspired by rich, provoking and truthful storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: neliamcnicol.com
• Instagram: @neliamcniicol
• Other: They Called Me Rita (one-woman show)
• Instagram: @theycalledmerita

Image Credits
Corey Hayes Photo (picture 1,6,7)