A Self described "millenial" avidly invested in the condition of the world. The best way that fariso found to express her passion was through the arts. Creative by nature, and not afraid of a challenge the lady originally from texas, has sought to take New York City and beyond by storm; Recenly relocated, to study theater performance at Fordham University in the Bronx. an actress by craft, and a playwright as well, Fariso's plight to infuse a sense of awareness through her thespian efforts. That plight in her own words is a "commitment to engaging her feral inventiveness to create multisensory experiences that shift the spirits of her audience members."
That is not a tall task to the veteran of 3 productions thus far, and an eye on more. Her catalog includes, The Wedding Band, The Day Room, and The Colored Museum. Her latest effort, Georgia is a one-woman play about a young couple who revel in the complexities of love propositioned within the context of socialized disregard and entitlement. It’s the story of a gendered intimacy that permits damage to prevail within the textured space of love. Georgia is premiering at the Nuyorican Poets cafe in NYC in March 25th-28th 2011.
In addition to her theatrical prowess, Fariso is somewhat of a public/youthful advocate as well. Her passion for the arts and for the creation of opportunities which better this world and the people in it, has compelled Fariso to found and serve as director of Setting the Stage, a college-prep program for underrepresented high school students interested in studying theatre. With a grueling schedule as mention, Fariso also finds time to advocate for the rights of the mentally disabled community.
A jack of all trades you may say; passionate, creative, and conscious. A person who leads by example and makes waves for what she believes in, on and off the stage. Parle Magazine introduces Fariso Jordan. I sat down with Miss Jordan to gain and distribute some more insight into the person behind the art, behind the message:
What are some of the highlights of your journey from Texas to NYC?
I remember seeing my first Broadway show ever, The Color Purple. It was such a spiritual experience. I remember just knowing that I was in the right place. There were so many ups and downs that came along with the journey, and it’s moments like those that always kept me going.
What degree of culture shock did you experience when arriving in the big apple?
Culture shock was huge. I’m from Texas, and so you know we’re known for our southern charm and hospitality. So by nature I’m always smiling, always friendly, saying hi to people I don’t know. I always got this hard, seemingly cold response from New Yorkers. I remember thinking, like, what is wrong with these people, why is everybody "SO RUDE?!" It took me a really long time to adjust, at least a year. I’ve since learned that deep down New Yorkers aren’t any meaner or any nicer than Texans. Texans are just polite. Being polite doesn’t mean anything.
Why do you characterize yourself as a story teller creatively?
I love simplicity. That’s what I believe great theatre is- the ability to tell a story- creatively, beautifully, and simply.
What made you choose to be one?
I don’t know if anybody “chooses” this lifestyle. If you do, then you’re crazy. Being an actor is extremely hard. You have to be really
smart, very courageous, and continuously resilient. If I could do anything else but act, I would. But I can’t. I think of acting as more
of a calling. It’s what I have to do in order to be happy, complete, and true to who I am and was created to be.
Which do you enjoy more being a playwright or an actress?
It depends on the day. Both are fulfilling in different ways, fordifferent reasons, but I could never pick one over the other. The rehearsal room for Georgia was a very fascinating one because it was the first time that I had to be held accountable both as a playwright
and as an actor at the very same time. There were times when I didn’twant all of that responsibility, and there were times when I was so happy to be in control of my own vision.
A one woman show is great responsibility- what sparked the creation?
I’m a creator. I get ideas. I have gifts. I’m not going to wait on someone else to tell me when to go, or how to go. I’m the type that’s just gonna go and keep on going.
Without giving away too much of the content, why do you feel that the story of Georgia had to be shared with the world?
Georgia is a love story, a complicated love story. I think everyone can relate to having an attraction, whether it’s to another person or
an idea or an object, that goes against everything we know or think that we know. Georgia speaks to those impulses we have that defy all logic. I think the best part about Georgia is that it says things that people are usually too scared to say, don’t know how to say, or can’t explain.Georgia also delves into topics from sex and gender to the role of religion; The way that these matters manifest themselves into our daily lives and into our culture as a whole is something that I believe we need to take a more active look at. Put simply, Georgia is a fun and exciting way to investigate these matters.
Tell us a little bit about Setting the Stage
Setting the Stage is a college preparation program serving under-represented high school students of color, and/or students from families of low-income who are interested in theatre. I started this program at Fordham University and now I’m working to establish it in the city for the public.
What does social advocacy mean to you and why are you so enthused about it?
Social advocacy is something I believe we are all called to: making the world a better place. I am passionate about people, therefore I am passionate about helping people. My passion makes me want to make an impact and doing everything I can to improve my surroundings.
Who are some of your creative influences?
I believe that Whoopi Goldberg is an extraordinary genius, especially as it relates to her early solo performance work. You’ll see that in Georgia, I am really intrigued by the idea of perspective. A lot of work by Anna Deavere Smith deals with various, opposing viewpoints, so her work inspires me a lot as well.
What was the most useful piece of advice you have received in your
theatrical career?
The best part about Fordham is its emphasis on producing well-rounded artists. I took a solo performance class my junior year called FlyingSolo, where I first started to work on Georgia. This class really gave me a sense of empowerment of my theatre career. I learned that I can create my own work, I can be in control of my own career. I learned to be more aggressive.
What is the first element you start with when drafting?
I have to write by hand at first. And I just let it free flow, I write and I write and I write. I let all of the characters get everything
out without interruption. And right when I try to go back and edit, organize and interpret, the characters usually have more to say. I
think the most important part about writing is to let go of the control. Out of everything I have ever written, I have never planned
any of it.
The Crucible is considered a classic, can you tell us about your role
as Tituba, how was that experience?
Tituba was one of my favorite, most complicated roles ever. The Crucible is a very dark play, and Tituba is huge character, and at the time I was still in high school. It took a lot out of me to be able to tap into Tituba’s vulnerability and other aspects of her complex personality. But my directors showed no mercy.They believed in me even at that young age that I had what it took to play such a compelling role, and so they continued to push me. And they proved themselves right. Doing The Crucible is another experience that reminds me of why I love acting so much.
How are you able to represent so many different personalities in a wide range of roles? Where do you channel the energy to be such a flexible actress?
Acting is being able to get into the mindset of any personality,understand their motivations, and present their case faultlessly
before the audience. In Georgia, there are 4 characters with mindsets,beliefs, and experiences that are in constant collision with one
another. I see my duty as an actor much like that of each character’s defense attorney before a jury. I did extensive research into the
psychology of each character. I kept journals for the private thoughts of each character. I practiced how each character walks, how each character speaks, I discovered why each character speaks and walks the way that they do. It was a lot of work. The most challenging character to prepare for was the male character that I portray, Ronnie. He might be my favorite character.
As a writer and one whom likes to think of himself as being creative, I find inspiration in those who love to create and express. In Fariso Jordan I see a woman who will let nothing stand in her way of getting her message to the world. A woman who takes pride in controlling her destiny creatively and theatrically. I find the inspiration to think outside of the box and grab the bull of life by the horns and direct it. You too will find inspiration, and insight- as well as a model for compassion and advocacy in Miss Fariso Jordan.
Please be sure to support Parle's Production in collaboration with Fariso Jordan...... GEORGIA
Written & Performed by:
Fariso Jordan
Directed & Produced by:
Kevin Benoit for Parlé Entertainment
Debuts at the Nuyorican Poets Café
236 E. 3rd Street
bet. Avenues B & C
March 26th
7 p.m.
March 27th
6 p.m.
March 28th
7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $10 for students
$15 for all other purchases at the door
Get Your Tickets Online NOW:
March 26, 2011: https://secure.gigmaven.com/events/4977/orders/new
March 27, 2011: https://secure.gigmaven.com/events/4978/orders/new
March 28, 2011: https://secure.gigmaven.com/events/4979/orders/new
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