Artist Spotlight: Alison de la Cruz
Alison de la Cruz is an artist who blurs the boundaries of genre with her creative works. As an artist and producer, Alison has been an active member of the Pilipino Artist Network. She has also been instrumental in the growth of FilAm ARTS, as a performer, former Artistic Director, and Festival Director for FPAC.
We had a few moments to catch up with her, amidst her busy schedule and rehearsals for the upcoming Vagina Monologues performance, in which Alison is a part of an all-Pinay cast. The performance is Saturday, March 7th, at 7:30pm, and the Aratani Japan American Theatre in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
A Interview With….
Alison De La Cruz
Tell us about yourself?
I am a teacher and a producer.
What is The Vagina Monologues and how did you become a part of it?
The Vagina Monologues is a play written in 1996 by Eve Ensler. In 1998, Eve created the V-Day campaign as a global non-profit that has raised over $50 million for women’s anti-violence groups through benefits of The Vagina Monologues performances. A friend from the Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF) asked me to help out three years ago. Last year I was able to participate in the all-Asian cast. It grew so large that they had two shows! This year I am part of the cast agin, this time, an all-Pinay cast.
What is your role in The Vagina Monologues?
My character is a woman from the South and is ultimately
Photo by Ernie Pena
a lesbian. It starts from her being straight and illustrates her journey to lesbianhood.
What did you like most about being a part of the production?
This was a cool opportunity to hang out with some bad ass women. John Lawrence Rivera is the director and he was a cool person to work with as well.
How long have you been practicing your craft?
I’ve been performing and producing for 10 years.
You were once a Director at FilAm ARTS. How has that helped you in understanding your culture?
FilAm ARTS has been helpful of understanding the scope of our society. I ran into folks from FilAm ARTS and saw the challenges of the state and the Filipino community and artist scope and capacity. I came to FilAm ARTS when it was incorporated in 1996. It was an interesting time to be there. The organization was coming alive and learning how to make a bigger impact in community. I have been to every FPAC since 1997 and directed 4 festivals, volunteered, judged competitions… I was fortunate enough to be the Director when Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa came to FPAC. I was showing him around on behalf of FilAm ARTS for the day.
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming involved with FilAm ARTS?
Be prepared to do anything and be willing to be a customer service guru. Take pride in the fact that you help the community shine. It’s a place for artist to showcase, and business to sell, and it’s a place to rise above the politics. To artists, be professional and patient. We are working hard to help you showcase your talent. The MC’s and directors’ heart is in the right place. It’s really precious and understands, Give a wide margin of grace. Enjoy it. Love is a lot of work, and the people who carry the banner of work is giving the community and the people involved a time to shine.
For more information about Alison de la Cruz, visit: www.myspace.com/alisonmdelacruz
For more information on the Vagina Monolouges performance, please go to: http://www.jaccc.org/aratani_japanamerica_events.htm
