Okay, folks, buckle up, because I just finished reading this interview with Santiago Iacinti, and I'm buzzing with the kind of hope that only comes from seeing someone truly make a difference. Iacinti, a USD theater grad, is now a force in the New York theater scene—a director, producer, writer, and educator. But it's not just their impressive resume that grabbed me; it's their story, their journey, and what it says about the power of theater to shape not just art, but the world.
Iacinti's path wasn't exactly paved with gold. They were a young BIPOC student in a predominantly white department, feeling like they didn't quite fit. And haven't we all been there, feeling like an outsider looking in? But here's the thing: instead of giving up, Iacinti persisted. They took acting classes, they found mentors, and they discovered a passion for directing—for building worlds and fleshing out relationships. They even directed a play as their senior thesis, which was a first for USD at the time. Now, Iacinti is working with PlayPenn, helping to develop new plays. And if you ask me, theater has the power to connect us, to challenge us, and to inspire us.
Theater as a Catalyst for Change
What really struck me was Iacinti's involvement with The Kilroys, a group dedicated to gender parity in theater. They are "taking action," not just talking about it. Remember that The Kilroys launched The List, which highlights under- and unproduced plays by women, trans, and nonbinary playwrights. But get this: in 2023, they reimagined The List as The Web to highlight the entire ecosystem of artists that make new plays possible. It's like going from just listing the ingredients to showing the whole recipe, the chef, the farmers, and everyone else involved in creating a delicious meal. And Iacinti wants to pay it forward, which is inspiring.
They said something that really stuck with me: "When in question, remember why you wanted to be an artist to begin with. And never stop learning." That's the kind of advice I wish I could tattoo on my forehead! It's a reminder that art isn't just about fame or fortune, it's about something deeper, something more meaningful. It's about using your voice to make a difference, to tell stories that matter, and to connect with people on a human level.
Iacinti's story is a testament to the power of a liberal arts education, even when it doesn't feel like it at the time. They felt like the breadth of the program was an impediment to their training, but it actually led them to directing. And their acting training gave them a language to communicate with actors. It's like learning multiple programming languages—you might not use them all every day, but they give you a deeper understanding of the underlying code.
And here's the real kicker: Iacinti was undocumented until age 19, before becoming a DACA recipient. They identify as gay, trans/nonbinary and are bilingual. Their personhood is intersectional. This isn't just about theater; it's about representation, about giving voice to marginalized communities, about creating a more inclusive and equitable world. You can read more about their journey in An Interview with USD Theatre Graduate Santiago Iacinti.
It's easy to get caught up in the technical side of things, to focus on the latest gadgets and gizmos, but Iacinti's story reminds us that technology is just a tool. It's what we do with it that matters. And if we can use technology to amplify voices like Iacinti's, to create art that challenges and inspires, then we're on the right track.
The Future Will Be Written On Stage
I'm not just talking about entertainment here. I'm talking about a cultural shift, a paradigm shift. Iacinti's journey proves that theater isn't just a hobby or a pastime; it's a powerful force for change. And that's something worth celebrating.
