BIO
Alba Albanese, an American actress from Brooklyn, New York, brings a rich cultural tapestry to her work, with Brazilian and Italian heritage. Multilingual and deeply rooted in her multicultural upbringing, Alba’s talents have been widely recognized. The New York Times lauded her captivating presence as the Red Queen on stage, underscoring her versatility and skill.
Alba has appeared in various TV shows and films, honing her craft at prestigious institutions such as the Sanford Meisner Conservatory under the mentorship of William Esper, Maggie Flanigan, and Terry Knickerbocker. Additionally, she trained in classical theater at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute.
In the theatrical realm, Alba demonstrated her versatility in Off-Broadway productions, including the acclaimed Sleep No More from 2011 to 2017, where she adeptly embodied, developed, and transformed characters. She further showcased her talents as the creator, writer, and performer of the Off-Broadway immersive musical Serenade, which received acclaim from notable publications including The New York Times.
Alba's innovative spirit extends beyond traditional performance. She has delved into performance art and immersive theater, utilizing cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking experiences for her audiences. As a creator of storytelling shows in New York City, she has received acclaim for her creativity and distinct voice in the industry. Her storytelling prowess has been recognized at prestigious film festivals such as the Tribeca Film Festival and the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center.
Throughout her career, Alba has performed for renowned directors, including; Tony Scott in The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, Darren Aronofsky on Noah, and Michael Cuesta in Tell Tale. Alba also starred opposite Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti in Billions.
She performed a one-person show as Edgar Allan Poe in The Raven, an official selection of the New York Film Festival, 2nd Civil War an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival, and Home of Enchantments, an official selection of the Overlook Film Festival, showcasing her range and depth as an actress.
Dedicated to fostering artistic expression and community involvement, Alba co-founded a nonprofit theater company and a multimedia storytelling studio in New York City.
Her support for emerging artists and commitment to diverse narratives have earned her numerous grants and awards, including the New York City Artists Corps and NYFA Artist Grant.
Alba Albanese continues to push boundaries and enhance the creative landscape with her unique perspective and unwavering dedication.
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.”
