Neema Tamang recently joined a number of artists to take part in “Until Name Becomes Prayer,” which featured Samoan immigrant, poet and arts educator William Alfred Nu’utupu Giles at Summit Artspace. A number of local artists, local organizations and community members from all over the country took part in the event.
Your Medium: Performance theatre artist
How do you describe yourself?
“I am a performance theatre artist. From art, I make a connection with people and motivate them to thrive on their issues and help them to bring a smile on their face. However, I have a passion for helping the community to come out from the depression and see or dream the world how they want it to be. I am a lover of sports and love to play with children.”
What is an object that describes your art and your work?
“I have a Suruwath Theatre T-shirt. “Suruwath” means beginning something new. Suruwath Theatre was a community-based theatre that did many productions in the refugee camp in Nepal. We have done six productions in Akron, too. This Suruwath Theatre t-shirt reminds me of my identity, my childhood, where I was from and reminds me of all my beautiful awesome artist friends who currently live in different countries. Because of the T-shirt it motivates me to continue to work hard today too.”
What are some projects you’re working on?
“My North Hill, a series of story circles in collaboration with the International Institute that it is an opportunity to bring people together with stories so they can know each other and feel undivided, even living in the same community. Also working at The Exchange House as the Community Outreach Vista. My dream is to reach out to artists of different backgrounds to work together to create productions that show our personalities so that people don’t judge by color. Another part of my work is to help immigrants to live their better life in Akron. Art helps people to share their story easily with communities, and helps us to understand our lives.”
Why did you choose to be a part of “Until Name Becomes Prayer?”
“Will is performing his literature, his poems and I am a lover of literature. Theatre and literature are both related to language so there will be connections made. Also, it’s inspirational to have a chance to work with a talented artist who is an immigrant and traveling the country.”
What excites you in your work?
“I am excited about the opportunity to directly work with my North Hill community, which is something I’ve been dreaming about my whole life. I also love being challenged in my work because it’s important to grow and change myself as an artist.”
What are you looking forward to?
“I am looking forward to continuing to work in Gum-Dip Theatre and working as a theatre artist to change the community into a healthy environment.”
