Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

HANNA VENTURA Interview by Jen Bush

Hanna Ventura will be bringing some poetic justice to her role in Existence.  Poetry is her passion, but she has room for other aspects of artistry. “I consider myself a poet first. a singer second and an actor third. Though, they have all meshed together many times lending themselves to whatever project I was working on in the moment. I’m drawn to content that centers on the human experience, especially from voices that are not “conventionally” heard from in theater and/or poetry. I’m always looking for new inspiration- letting things affect me on daily basis. 

It was both the writer and the relatable subject matter that drove Ms. Ventura to the play.  “David Willinger for one drew me to this play! I know he is a crazy, mad genius, but a genius no doubt- and from working with him in the past, I trust his vision, his way of working and listening to me as a performer and collaborator. Being that the play is about graduate students studying philosophy, I felt close to the subject being a grad student myself studying theatre.” 

 Being inquisitive serves Ms. Ventura well in her creative process.  “I ask a lot of questions. I question everything and take in things with an objective viewpoint at first so I’m able to connect later. I always attempt to make decisions about my character’s background, fears, and desires. Getting into the physicality of the character is always fun! and it’s always the best way for me to start digging into the character’s psyche.” 

When undertaking a work with serious or topically charged subject matter, some artists feel an added sense of responsibility.   “Yes, I feel a responsibility to ask questions and be as authentic as possible.” 

Ms. Ventura feels as we all do that the pandemic has changed everything for everybody.  She also feels certain things should change.  “There should be adequate access to education and healthcare.”  It’s impossible to argue with that!

In the immediate future, Ms. Ventura will be busy with her studies but not too busy to pursue performing endeavors as well.  “I’m going to continue my master’s education in Applied Theatre from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. I’m never going to give up performing and making connections in my own community as well as the ever-fluid theatre community.”