THE COMPLEXITY AND POETRY OF LATINX IDENTITY AND ACTOR TRAINING, A NARRATIVE

The work in this essay builds on Espinosa’s creative research in and dedication to Latinx actor training, which began in the early 2000s. Professor Espinosa uses narrative memory as a springboard to examine the complexities of discovering one’s voz cultural (cultural voice). Espinosa puts herself at the fore to incorporate history into meaningful learning to be shared with actor-trainers. She teaches and writes from her wounds (a concept and a practice given to her by her mentor, Catherine Fitzmaurice). The essay offers insights and best practices, coupled with quotes from Latinx students from the recent past and present—and from Latinx luminaries in the field. These quotes allow the reader to hear “the voice of the student,” signal changes in thought, and affirm that Latinx students in actor training need to be met with cultural knowledge and understanding.