theculturalconnect.com | Geeta Citygirl

Non-Profit

SALAAM Theatre

Founded

2000

Website

www.SALAAMtheatre.org
www.Citygirlonline.com

Name

Geeta Citygirl
Founding Artistic Director

Hometown

Moved around a lot.

Current residence

New York, NY

Education

The City College of New York (1999)
American Academy of Dramatic Arts (1995)
New York University, Certification in fitness instruction (1993)

Work Experience

Actor, director, producer.
Formerly a video jockey for Avant Garde, a hip-hop based music video show that aired in the early 1990’s.
A professional dancer (tap, jazz, modern) that trained with the Alvin Ailey Dance Center.

Ethnicity

Indian-American

About the non-profit

SALAAM Theatre was founded as the first professional South Asian American theatre and arts company in America. SALAAM (South Asian League of Artists in America) was established to empower and sustain the careers of dedicated artists (of all backgrounds and all walks of life) who wish to further develop their craft in a nurturing and supportive environment, while promoting South Asian American artistic excellence, connecting all peoples and linking all the arts (all creative disciplines: theatre, dance, music, film, visual art, comedy, etc.) in the spirit of progressive solidarity.

Most notable milestones

Acknowledged as the first South Asian/South Asian American theatre/arts company in America. SALAAM Theatre and I received the SAMA Award for Excellence in Theater in June 2005.

I have worked as a theatre professional and activist and was recognized when I addressed the 2002 City College New York (CCNY) Honors Convocation. Previous speakers include best-selling author Walter Mosley and Emmy award-winning actor, Richard Schiff from TV's The West Wing.

What do I have in common with Sean "Diddy" Combs, Tony Kushner, Rosie Perez, Susan Sarandon, Cynthia Nixon, and David Letterman? All seven us were among those honored as the "Top 100 New Yorkers of the Year" by the New York Resident news magazine. This recognition was given for SALAAM’s work in NYC.

My work with SALAAM has led me to my role as a South Asian American cultural arts consultant, host and event manager for a number of political celebrations. I have served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Annual Indian American Night at Eisenhower Park's Lakeside Theater.

Theatre critic, John Patrick Gallagher says of my lesbian character Najma in Democracy in Islam, "the rouser spot is a monologue by Geeta Citygirl that cuts through the creative in a very straightforward presentational manner and lays it for you -- chapter and verse. And she delivers it with poise and pathos. Her performance is so strong and convincing that even you, Mr. President or John Ashcroft might finally get it."

What's the niche?

SALAAM Theatre is considered unique for many reasons. Some include:
1. We do not and have not ever excluded anyone. We work toward creating good work – and that allows us to have support from the larger world community. Our audiences are often progressive New Yorkers – not just South Asian/South Asian American.
2. We pride ourselves on forming bridges between all creative disciplines – keeping a strong multidisciplinary focus.
3. We have a monthly salon (SALAAM 3rd Mondays) that has kept us visible and active. It serves as a platform for both professional and emerging talent to share the stage in a supportive and nurturing environment.

“Theatre critic, John Patrick Gallagher says of my lesbian character Najma in Democracy in Islam, "the rouser spot is a monologue by Geeta Citygirl that cuts through the creative in a very straightforward presentational manner and lays it for you – chapter and verse. And she delivers it with poise and pathos. Her performance is so strong and convincing that even you, Mr. President or John Ashcroft might finally get it."”

What's the biggest challenge?

FUNDING is a huge issue. Without proper funding and structure, it is almost impossible to continue. We need and want a space – a permanent arts space to call our own. A place to do conduct rehearsals/auditions/classes, produce full theatrical shows, screen films, curate art shows plus host music and dance events. A “total” arts experience.

Currently we rent various spaces depending on the event. We do have a home in Manhattan’s Koreatown. We have an office and a performance space there that we rent from the Asian American Writers’ Workshop.

That raises the issue of the lack of ongoing and active involvement. At present there is still just one person behind SALAAM – and until a team actively takes ownership, it is difficult to continue at the pace we had the first five years. SALAAM has a HUGE family of volunteers but when everyone is an artist, it is difficult to find folks to commit and take on more leadership positions. Our Literary Manager is the wonderfully talented playwright, Anuvab Pal. He is currently overseas now working on projects in India. Two of our Artistic Associates also left NY – Tapio M. Huuska, one of the original SALAAM team members, moved back to Finland. Puja Lalmalani moved out to San Francisco, graduated with her Masters from the prestigious American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) and is now living/working out in Los Angeles, CA. Our team still keeps in touch and our volunteer base rotates around the same group of people.

On a weekly basis, SALAAM Theatre is contacted by casting directors, talent scouts, writers, directors, producers and others looking for a way to get access to the South Asian American talent pool. Often times we are given discounted tickets and free passes for various events around the city. All this information is distributed to our SALAAM supporter list subscribers (and it is free to be on the list through yahoogroups).

What's in store for the future?

The future is filled with many hopes and dreams.

1. We launched a film production wing of SALAAM this year and plan to complete a few film projects by the end of next year.
2. We are reviewing plays for our 2007 season.
3. We are revamping our SALAAM 3rd Mondays salon.
4. We are planning a special project with The Connection Theatre.
5. In the spring 2007, we will launch our SALAAM Conservatory – this will include classes, workshops and special training sessions.
6. Over the next year, we will announce our local chapters across the USA and around the world. Anyone interested should look for details in our emails.
7. Funding is the most important future plan.

Who would you like to be contacted by?

As we enter our 7th year, we are looking to get a dynamic SALAAM Theatre team together. A leadership team for SALAAM – people to take ownership.
1. ATTORNEY: Someone to be hired as our Legal Advisor – experience in not-for-profit arts companies.
2. GRANT WRITER: Someone to research and submit grant applications for us.
3. WRITERS, ACTORS, DIRECTORS, TECHNICAL DESIGNERS, DANCERS, SINGERS, ARTISTS, POETS AND OTHER CREATIVE FOLKS.
4. WEB DESIGNER and DESIGNER FOR POSTERS, PROMO STUFF.
5. WEBMASTER
6. SPACES that would like to “house” our projects.
7. FUNDERS that want to support our work.

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Photo credit: Robert Kim Photography

Guiding principle

SALAAM Theatre follows the advice of German playwright/poet Bertolt’s Brecht that “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”

Yardstick of success

We have managed to stay afloat due simply to private donations.

Goal yet to be achieved

We must find someone to help us with getting in some grant applications.

Best practical advice

The past is a present for you study in order to create a better tomorrow.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

Know yourself to be successful at being yourself.

What motivated you to get started?

It was a natural progression. Being a performer was fine but at some point, you realize that you need to create work. And my maternal instinct kicked in when I decided to start a theatre company. It gives me a chance to ‘mother’ my fellow creative souls and provide a safe space for them to express their energies.

What keeps you motivated?

SALAAM has been blessed with a super supportive audience base. Seeing the emails, letters and testimonials from both artists and audience members keeps me going.

Photo credit: Robert Kim Photography

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be my dad…a biochemist and pharmacist.

Why do you love to perform?

I have been performing for as long as I can remember. From my early days training as a dancer (tap, jazz, ballet, modern) to piano lessons and playing the violin, to singing and performing in school plays, I was born to perform. I absolutely love it because as an actor, I have the opportunity to channel my energy into a character. I can breath many lives through various eyes in my one lifetime.

There is no “worst part” about performing – except perhaps the microscope that we find ourselves under at times. We are people – just regular people that work in an often very public field. That is the nature of the “biz. “

Biggest pastime outside of work

I love writing letters and sending things by the good old-fashioned postal service.

Person most interested in meeting and why?

I would love to meet FRIDA KAHLO – she inspires me to create work that reflects my own reality and share that with the world.

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. My wedding was one of the biggest productions I ever planned.
2. Since 1989, I have had my signature heart (tattoo) near the corner of my left eye. The origin of this trademark is simple – nobody should feel alone. When one looks in my eyes, they should feel loved. This month, I have decided to retire the heart.
3. I am the eldest of three kids and we are a supertight family.

Three characteristics that describe you

1. Cheerful and bubbly
2. Maternal Lady Libra
3. Night owl

Favorite cause

I work at challenging stereotypes – other areas that speak to me are the images of beauty for women. It is important for me to work toward changing the ways in which beauty is often defined by society.

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Geeta Citygirl of SALAAM Theatre

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