Headshots by Emily Lambert Photography
about ‘ANASEINI KATOA
My name is ‘ANASEINI KATOA
(Pronounced: ah-nuh-say-nee kuh-tow-uh)
For me storytelling has always been rooted in its power to connect people and to teach something. Storytelling in my culture was and still is a way of surviving memories, traditions, family history, and strengthening family ties. Family gatherings are where those stories live for me, it is where story is told, and my elders are some of my most favorite storytellers. Now as an adult, storytelling goes beyond stories that connected my own family, to including and exploring stories of humanity that connect the world.
I seek to create art that explores the human spirit in all of its complexities and examines the many different ways people can connect to each other through story. I want to give voice to untold stories and to use my voice to help retell old stories in a new way. This is one of the reasons why I love Shakespeare. The stories are always getting reinvented or deconstructed in new ways, and because the stories have stood the test of time, it invites me to help tell the story with all that I am and all that I bring to the table. Stories that explore the layers of flawed characters to find where we relate, stories where characters are fighting for or searching to belong, and stories of perseverance, strength, and the human capacity for love and change in all of its nuances are what I hope to work on.
Résumé
Media
Demo Reel for Anaseini Katoa (2:07)
Anaseini Katoa in the Disney+ film, Better Nate Than Ever.
Comedy: Anaseini Katoa - Shampoo (1:23) (Performance Video)
Drama: Anaseini Katoa - Compulsions (1:14) (Performance Video)
Drama: Anaseini Katoa - Good People (1:01) (Performance Video)
'Musical Theatre: Anaseini Katoa - Anyone Would Do Reprise from Violet (:49) (Performance Video)
News
‘anaseini can be seen in the world premiere production of nancy at mosaic theatre by rhiana yazzie. directed by ken-matt martin. produced in partnership with new native theatre.
MARCH 28 – APRIL 21, 2024
It’s 1985 in Washington, DC and two women are trying to steer their futures—Nancy Reagan from the White House, orchestrating her husband “Ronnie’s” political career according to daily astrological trends, and Esmeralda, a Navajo mother advocating for her community. Their worlds converge over an unbelievable discovery—Nancy has a direct familial connection to Pocahontas. Strange history collides with 80s nostalgia in this epic story that cuts through the veneer of shoulder pads, neon, and Van Halen with irreverent heart and deep empathy. Award-winning playwright Rhiana Yazzie makes her East Coast premiere with a very DC play about ancestry and ambition.
catch ‘anaseini at roundabout theatre company’s reading of ola nā iwi (the bones live) by Victoria nalani kneubuhl. directed by cara hinh.
The reading of OLA NĀ IWI (THE BONES LIVE) is through Roundabout Theatre Company’s Refocus Project. For more information and to get tickets click here.
The performance takes place Monday, May 22 at the Laura Pels Theatre. It will also be available for streaming this fall.
‘anaseini recently participated in the native american artist lab’s reading of the isle is full of noises by sean-joseph choo at the playwright’s realm.
For more information on the play and the playwright, click here.
‘anaseini was last seen in Lincoln center theater’s the skin of our teeth
better nate than ever started streaming april 1st on disney+
‘Anaseini was featured on BETTER NATE THAN EVER as the Director.
Talking Story and Shakespeare in the Pasifika
NY Shakespeare Exchange and the Bard travel to the sceptred isles of the Pasifika/Moana to exchange stories and views on identity, heritage, and mana (spirit), and explore how these stories intersect with the works and characters of Shakespeare’s canon.
Freestyle Labs from New York Shakespeare Exchange combine performance and town hall discussion to create a unique evening of theater. These Sceptred Isles begins with a performance that combines excerpts from Shakespeare with Pasifika takes on the Bard, and real stories of Pasifika/Moanan identity. The performance will be followed by a discussion and Q&A with our performers and panelists, which will expand to include questions from the audience by evening’s end.
TEXT BY: William Shakespeare, Jackie Pualani Johnson, Tusiata Avia, and interviews with the actors
ARRANGED AND DIRECTED BY: Jessica Bauman
PRODUCED AND MODERATED BY: ‘Anaseini Katoa & Jessica Bauman
PERFORMING ACTORS: Alyxandra Ciale Charfauros (they/them), Sean-Joseph Choo (he/him), Pedro Ka’awaloa (he/him), ‘Anaseini Katoa (she/her)