Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Trenda Loftin (she/her) and I am a Black, queer, femme artivist and an art-integrated social justice consultant. Whether I am cultivating a theatre piece or facilitating a workshop, I utilize theatre techniques and social justice frameworks to examine social patterns, explore the nuances of identity, elevate artistic expression and imagine the possibilities of greater justice in our communities. Body-centered and collaborative, I work to create performances and trainings that anchor in connection and the (re)memory of collective power.
Why did you decide to become an artist?
My calling was made clear to me before I knew I could design my own path. 6-12th grade acting was a long run of housekeeper and derelict roles surrounded by white kids in brown face performing West Side Story. When 11th grade came, I was already tired. Being an artist wasn’t a decision but I did choose to be an artivist. I chose it so I could remain a practicing artist. I chose artivist so I could be in charge of the stories my body was used to tell and to support others looking to do the same.
Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?
My favorite creative projects have been the ones that are highly collaborative, deeply personal, and that not only address injustice on a variety of levels but also articulate possibilities for change. I’ve worked with the participants of Voices From Inside to create their first play. Utilizing writing and physical prompts, we co-created a piece that highlighted some of the realities of incarceration, addiction, and resilience. Other projects include a 6-week theatre series at Franklin County Jail which culminated into a staged reading of my play “When the System Swallows You” and included original works of the participants.
Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.
Every job I’ve had has influenced the way I move creatively and as a consultant. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry, was a middle and high school teacher, and a youth programs educator at a social justice organization. As I’ve shifted away from working full-time for other people or organizations, I’m finding myself closer to my ideal life/art/work balance. I’m working closely with theatre companies to increase their accessibility and address inequity within programs, practices, and policies. I’m getting to provide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training and support for organizations interested in interactive and creative approaches.
How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine?
Creating an ensemble, with mostly strangers, solely through virtual engagement is both challenging and incredibly powerful. When each person is moving through the familiarity and distractions of home space, there’s an intimacy that can’t quite be replicated. Internet and device speed, access to quiet, family dynamics, and the mental and physical health impacts of COVID-19 have become key factors in the ways we are able to engage- they are in the virtual room with us- there’s an invitation to hold those truths. This echoes one of my core values - always inviting the whole person into the creative process.
Where can we find your work?
Some of my work can be found on my website www.trendaloftin.com and through Real Live Theatre’s website www.reallivetheatre.net.