BIO
Alba Albanese, an American actress hailing from Brooklyn, New York, boasts a rich cultural background with Brazilian and Italian heritage, a unique blend that infuses her performances with a depth and authenticity that resonates with audiences.
On her debut stage performance as the Red Queen, she is described as a "slithering siren" by prestigious publications like The New York Times, Alba captivated audiences and has continued to perform earning critical acclaim. Her fluency in languages, movement, and acting work, further highlight her versatility and enable her to bring a diverse range of characters to life on stage and screen.
Her journey in the world of acting has seen her traverse various mediums, from television to film to theater, with each new project showcasing her dedication to honing her craft.
Alba's artistic pursuits have been shaped by her education at renowned conservatories and mentorship under esteemed coaches William Esper, Maggie Flanigan, Terry Knickerbocker, who have helped her refine her skills and develop a distinctive approach to her craft.
Beyond traditional forms of performance, she has delved into experimental realms such as performance art and immersive theater pushing boundaries and incorporating cutting-edge technology and partnered with tech giant Microsoft to create innovative and engaging experiences for her audiences.
Alba has also ventured into the realm of storytelling, crafting her own characters in off Broadway immersive shows including; Sleep No More, Serenade, Hall of Magic, Tennessee on Hudson, Annabellee as above so below, The Raven, The Brooklyn Bridge Experience, Home of Enchantments, that have garnered praise for their originality and creativity.
Her work has been featured at prestigious film festivals like the Tribeca Film Festival and the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center, solidifying her reputation as a multifaceted artist with a unique voice in the industry.
Deeply committed to fostering artistic expression and community engagement, Alba has co-founded a nonprofit theater company and a multimedia storytelling studio in the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City.
Her dedication to supporting emerging artists and promoting diverse narratives has been recognized through grants and awards, including prestigious accolades such as the NYC ARTIST CORPS and NYFA Artist Grant, underscoring her impact on the arts scene and her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and elevating the creative landscape.
The New York Times interview
After the show, I spoke with Alba Albanese, its writer-director, about the appeal of this fluid and interactive 19th-century performance style. “It comes down to a longing for human contact,” she said. “Today, everything is dehumanized by technology. We miss the intimacy of the Gilded Age — a handwritten letter, flowers at the door, giving a lock of hair, looking into someone’s eyes, feeling a human touch. There is a void today, and people want connections. We want storytelling and poetry in our lives.”
