Who is Alessandra Mañon?
She’s a Mexican-American theatre artist determined to to create cross cultural connections through storytelling.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m traveling the world telling a story that humanises and protects the legacy of one of the greatest artists we’ve ever had on this planet. I’m doing pretty well… I don’t know that I would change very much. Maybe I would meditate more.
Who inspires you and why?
Artistically? Frida Kahlo, Vincent Van Gogh, Olivia Coleman, Emerald Fennell, Saoirse Ronan, and of course, Shakespeare are a few… I feel that all of these artists’ work reveals an inmate truth about themselves, their world, how they see the world, something close to their souls, in the effort to reflect humanity back to itself. I find it very brave and powerful when artists are able to be so vulnerable and open in their art, it’s something I strive for.
As a human? My parents, for sure. They left Mexico, started over in America to give my sibling and me as many opportunities as possible, and they have built an extraordinary life, family, marriage, and business in the process. All while, being lovely parents. They’ve been a big inspiration for me as I’ve gotten older. I also find a lot of inspiration being in nature, just observing the extraordinary complexity of the simplest things. Hahaha I’m inspired by a lot of things! I’m having a hard time only naming a few!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Find more ways to cultivate connections, conversations, and empathy between people. It’s what I hope my work does.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. I love how wild the island feels, how green, how beautiful. I feel like I can disappear into nature when I’m there, it’s just stunning.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When people come visit Los Angeles (LA), I absolutely take them to get a good margarita and some tacos, that’s the first stop. I love tacos and LA has some great tacos, that’s a must. Then, I usually insist on taking a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Malibu because it’s a beautiful drive. Dinner in Little Tokyo, because it’s delicious then going up to Griffith Observatory to see the LA skyline at night.
What are you currently reading?
Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff.
What are you currently listening to?
Orly by Jacques Brel.
Happiness is?
Enjoying the passage of me. I agree with James Taylor on that. Life is such an unpredictable adventure, just enjoy the moment you find yourself in as much as you can. Happiness looks so different for me one day to the next but I believe that there is always something to enjoy in each moment.
What does the future hold for you?
Definitely more art, more theatre, more travel. I’m not really sure what next few days hold for me at this point, but I’m enjoying the adventure of not knowing right now!
Alessandra can be seen as The Muse in Not Without Right: Shakespeare’s Secrets – which plays at Bard’s Apothecary, as part of the 2025 Melbourne Fringe, from 30 September – 18 October. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Alessandra Mañon as The Muse – photo by Jane Schinisi