BIO

Hi there!

First, I am not on any social media. And I’m going to forego the third person voice on my website. After all, this is me disclosing small pieces about my life and/or art practice.

My pronouns are she/they. My use of “they” signifies my genderqueerness, and they also calls into any space I inhabit my ancestors. They travel with me. They show up in unexpected, necessary, and beautiful ways. My ancestors are from all over the world, but, overwhelmingly they are Mexican Inidigenous. As a Two Spirit Xicana/x lesbian feminist, I aim to cultivate their presence and strength in what I do and how I do it. I do my best to remain grounded as a cultural worker, because I understand the responsibility my ancestors have entrusted me with for this life.

I grew up in the Payaya Territories (san anto, tx), and despite the ongoing poverty and multiple “isms” that adversely affected my/our lives… we had a great source of love and protective factors in our mamá. That’s the kernel, by the way. Why I have never turned my back on my communities… because it would be an immense betrayal to my own mother and all of her incredible sacrifices.

The ongoing policies of historical erasure and/or misinformation in the texas’ public school system ensured it would take me many years to discover my peoples’ untold histories, contributions, and stories. This is why my entire artistic trajectory of over 30 years has centered characters/stories from Xicana Indigenous Lesbians, Two Spirit & LGBTQ+ folks, Womxn of Color, and other historically aggrieved communities.

I aspire to be in lineage with those queer womxn of color who made it possible for me to be an audacious OUT lesbian in the mid-90’s when it was considered “career suicide.” What many well-meaning heterosexuals didn’t comprehend (some still don’t) is that living in my skin authentically prevented me from actual suicide. So there’s that. And while more folks are accepting of jotería… today, identifying as “Xicana/x” is considered “career suicide.” Que sad…

So, aquí estamos… and despite the naysayers, prior to embracing filmmaking, I was a prolific theater artist/producer. I am the Founding Artistic Director of Cara Mía Theater Co. in Dallas, TX. At the time, it was dedicated to Chicano theater, literacy, and educational programs. After I left the company in the capable hands of founding board member, Eliberto González, and invited Marisela Barrera (a talented local teatrista) to serve as Artistic Director—I began to focus more on openly queer teatro and queer Chicana solo performance.

My meeting and eventual training under Cherríe L. Moraga and Celia Herrera Rodríguez led me to to embracing the identity and spiritual practices of Xicana Indigeneity. These experiences rooted my solo comedies in the indigenous principles of sacred clowning.

Of importance, my artistic performance and theater work only happened because I had learned to self-produce. I also didn’t buy into the “opportunities” to do non-queer and non-Chicana/Xicana theater work. I was often told as an actor, “You’re talented enough to do Shakespeare.” I’ll let you unpack that statement and its inherent bias.

In 2012, I transferred my teatro producing skills and shifted most of my artistic energy to independent filmmaking. (The ongoing digital revolution had created an opening for artists like me.) Along with the dedicated and talented Marisa Becerra, we co-founded AdeRisa Productions. The independent company has been a vehicle for us and our collaborators to grow artistically as filmmakers/ screenwriters/ artists/ community members.  Since the company’s inception, we devised and implemented a mindful production work-model, which includes bringing a spiritual elder onto set: nancy Chargualaf martin. I am elated to witness how today there are many more segments of the filmmaking community who value creating a holistic production experience. 

I acknowledge my artistic teachers along my journey, especially Prof. Patrick Kelley, Cora Cardona, Cherríe L. Moraga, Celia Herrera Rodríguez, Ruth Atkinson, and nancy Chargualaf martin. These are individuals who poured their time, talents, resources, and wisdom into me. Moreover, all of my fellow collaborators over the years merit my love, respect, and gratitude. Many of my current peers, and artists that I have never met, continue to inspire and influence me. There are also friends and community members who have championed or taught my works over the years… they too have contributed to my artistic life.

Finally, regardless of genre or medium, my/our artistic works are presented as offerings. They may or may not speak to you. But something in the project compelled me, and needed to be created. I am in awe of how much artmaking has helped me to grow and to heal. It continues to be the most vital practice I have cultivated. This is why I continue to create original works, mentor others, and collaborate with fellow artists. Art saves lives. La Cultura Cura… and I believe we were all born with creative capacities.

May you honor the creative in you. May you be blessed along your journey. May you feel yourself held by your ancestors. Tlazocamati for reading., and may our paths cross in a good way one day.

Adelina Anthony