Montaser Abdelrahman, he/him - I am a First Generation ensemble member and avid believer in the power of youth. I’ve been part of the Performance Project community for nine years, joining as a core First Generation ensemble member in 2021. I am also a visual artist and plan to pursue art as a profession. I dedicate this performance to our splendid audiences. I hope to leave footprints that will make everyone’s heart flutter.
Sirena Charlette Marrero, she/her - I am a writer, mover, dancer, and theater artist, with seven enriching years with First Generation. As a multidisciplinary artist I engage cultural narratives to foster connection and healing. The transformative experience of creating "Stand Tall! Mi Gente" with First Generation ignited a deep passion in me to share my art with the world. My goal is to create connection, build community among young artists, and contribute to the art and activism that will inspire hope and bring light to the places that need it most across the globe.
Monisha Gurung, she/her - My family is from Bhutan and when they had to leave Bhutan, they went to Nepal, where I was born. On September 2016, when I was 11 years old, my family moved to America. I still miss Nepal, my homeland, because of all the good memories. In U.S I found First Generation where I found people that I could connect with. I want to dedicate our Mother Tongue performance to my mother, who taught me how to dance, whichalways helps me to remember who I am.
Namtangelwa “Julita” Hasani, she/her - I am originally from Tanzania and Congo, I moved to Springfield in 2016 when I was about 11 years old. I’m multilingual, and speak Kibembe, Swahili, and English. I became a core First Generation Ensemble member in 2021. First Gen is my second home, a place where I get to express my feelings and learn about other cultures, religions, and traditions. Also, a place where I get to be myself and I can say anything without being judged. My goal is to create performances and perform all around the world.
Moise Jackobo - I come from Tanzania and it was a hard moment when we left our country. Now, I live in Springfield. I would like to send love to my family for their patience and support. I dedicate this performance to us, First Generation, because we worked hard to create it.
Iliana “Lali” Quiles-Torres - I joined First Generation in the spring of 2021. In addition to being a core ensemble member, I also mentored in our Ubuntu Arts Community in Holyoke. I’ve lived in Springfield all my life. I love to draw, paint, and learn new things. I want to dedicate our performance to all the people I love and care about.