Feature: Multidisciplinary Artist Kayla May Paz Suarez
Kayla May Paz Suarez (K/Siya/They) is a Pilipina American multidisciplinary artist. They were born and raised in the San Lorenzo Village located in the East Bay and now reside in Spanish Harlem, New York.
Recently, Suarez founded Vaudevillian Ensemble (NYC), an ensemble group dedicated to telling new stories.
Kayla May studied acting at the Pacific Conservatory Theater. Frustrated but inspired by the lack of representation of first-generation Pilipinx stories in theater and film, she created Expressive AF*/ 5ft. Lumpia, a web series mockumentary of her life.
She is passionate about translating the intergenerational gap of homeland and settled land through decolonized comedic storytelling.
Suarez is a teaching artist through various Bay Area theater companies including Epiphany Dance Theater where she is also the Director of Education and Communications.
Kayla May debuted their 1 person show as Awesome Theater’s first Artist In Residence in 2019 with “The Kaylamay Project: Laughing Through My Trauma” which will have another virtual premiere in Spring 2021.
Through Vaudevillian Ensemble, Suarez shares the piece, "MAKING LUMPIA: a conversation," which they both wrote and directed.
When asked about what their work means to them, Suarez shares the following:
"My work challenges me to look at different perspectives. I think it's important to hear and see other's stories which is why I gravitate towards creating conversational pieces. I hope what I help bring into the world opens up a curiosity in folx that wasn't there before."
Suarez also recently submitted an original piece to Sacrosanct, entitled Be. Knowing!, which explores the intergenerational knowledge and trauma passed down to them as they continue to tell modern stories about their authentic experience.
You can support and follow Suarez and their artistic journey by visiting their website and following them on Instagram (@5ftlumpia)!
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Sacrosanct is a community blog that amplifies the voices and art of LGBTQ2IA+ BIPOC. As a digital space for marginalized folks to self-define, self-actualize, and heal, Sacrosanct is firmly situated at the core of intersectionality while also providing mental health and community resources made for and by LGBTQ2IA+ BIPOC. To fund these LGBTQ2IA+ BIPOC artists for their contributions to the platform, consider leaving a donation here and follow Sacrosanct on Instagram and Facebook.