Meet Michael Amira | Performance Artist, Director, Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Amira and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael Amira, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Navigating today’s work-life balance amidst hustle culture and workers’ rights movements is intriguing. Over the last year, I transitioned from a full-time community health worker and college student to a full-time artist and college graduate. Despite the financial challenges of being a young artist, finding fulfillment in my community, process, and creation has been paramount. I’ve achieved a balance my using my work experiences to enrich my personal life and the lives’ of others. In the face of hustle culture, I resist commodifying my life, focusing instead on enjoying and sharing the fruits of my labor with my immediate community. As a self identified workaholic and recovering perfectionist the scales aren’t always even, but I do my best to merge my passion with my purpose to create a meaningful, balanced life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Embracing the world of theatre, my goal is to make it universally inclusive. Despite its rich storytelling potential, theatre often remains on the fringes due to its historical baggage and limited social currency. Yet, I encounter storytellers everywhere I go – proof that creativity knows no bounds.

I want the world to know that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to create (despite what other theatre makers/artists may say). Every contribution, from a creator to spectator, holds value. I envision a future where our community’s narratives are showcased in unconventional ways, breaking away from the confines of traditional European American theatre. I aspire for theatre to be used as a versatile tool that empowers our community through education, learning, sharing, connection, and joy.

My journey led me from San Diego Freedom Fighters to Communities Fighting Covid to A Healthier Me to San Diego State to Loud Fridge Theatre Group. Along this road I not only earned my degree but also forged vital connections within the dynamic San Diego theatre and activist community. These experiences showed me the challenges of reshaping a familiar systems, and I’ve come to understand the complexities of instigating change, especially in the face of resistance.

Looking ahead, my commitment extends further. I plan to establish innovative educational programs, mutual aid initiatives, and community workshops and shows. These ventures are designed not only to engage those beyond the theatre realm but also to enhance lives through the transformative power of theatre and the inclusive communities it can foster. Together, we can dismantle barriers, ignite curiosity, and nurture a deep appreciation for each using theatre as a vehicle to transcend conventional boundaries. I am excited for how this work can enrich people’s lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday kicks off on a sweet note with a full day at Balboa. We’ll wander through the enchanting Spanish Village, explore the culture houses, and get lost in the rose garden. And of course, no Balboa adventure is complete without hitting Panama 66 for some eats, followed by a sit-down in the sculpture garden beneath the belltower.

Tuesday, things heat up as we hit Mission Beach. We’re taking on every ride, strapping on our rollerskates, and if we’re feeling wild, ending the night with a beach bonfire.

Wednesday calls for a little excursion to Chula Vista. We’ll chill at the San Diego Bay Wildlife Preserve and dive into some treasure hunting at Broadway’s thrift stores. Lunch options are endless – Third Avenue or a foodie adventure at El Jardin Food Park in Tijuana (because, why not?). Later, we might catch a play at Onstage or head to Barrio for Libelula Books and neighborhood charm.

By Thursday, our wallets might be feeling light, but our spirits are high! We’ll conquer Torrey Pines State Reserve , then coast down to La Jolla Shores. If it’s the third Thursday of the month, we’re sneaking into the Museum of Contemporary Art for free before winding down with a picnic at Kate Sessions Park.

As the weekend rolls in, get ready for buffet of artistic delights. We can shop Lucky Stars Market or Kobey’s Swap Meet, find live music (Are Azraelle or mintwhisper playing tonight? Let’s find out!). We could tickle our funny bones at Finest City Improv, explore the local bar scene, hop between theaters, or see what events Centro de Cultural, World Beat, Sofar Sounds, or Quartyard have in store.

These are barely half of all my favorite things!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sorry I couldn’t pick one! It does take a village so…

Shout-out to Loud Fridge Theatre Group for fearlessly creating a space that challenges the very essence of theatre. Your audacity in redefining traditional norms and our preconceived notions about theatre has opened my heart and mind to a realm of revolutionary imagination and boundless possibilities. Thank you for expanding our understanding of what theatre can be, and, by extension, transforming the way we perceive the world.

Also a special shout-out to Wilfred Paloma, whose presence and guidance resonates powerfully in every space they share. Learning from you has been both empowering and humbling, in all the best ways possible. Your wisdom and insight have illuminated my path, making me a better version of myself, both human and artist. Thank you for being a beacon of inspiration and for imparting invaluable lessons that continue to shape my journey.

Website: https://amiratemple.godaddysites.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/hunnyr0se

Image Credits
Jack O Emerson Clarke Kandace Crystal