THE CREATIVE TEAM
Sophia Gutchinov, performer, playwright, producer
Sophia Gutchinov, past resident artist at La MaMa, is an actor, writer, and diversity activist. Her travels to Mongolia and elsewhere inform her art, through an acting and neuroscience lens.
Sanal Leejean, drummer
Sanal Leejean is a New York City based musician, hailing from the grasslands of Kalmyk Republic (Indigenous Mongolian just like Sophia), where he was born and spent his formative years as a musician. Sanal chose NYC as his base and permanently moved there. Currently, Sanal performs with crossover thrash metal band called Activator and an alternative metal band called Uncrossing as well as performing with his friends on various occasions, playing anything from tribal drums to experimental electronic pop. IG: @paistefever
Saki Kawamura, director and choreographer
Saki Kawamura is a NYC-based theatre director originally from Japan. As an immigrant artist, Saki is interested in challenging notions of traditional American theatre by combining non-traditional theatrical elements including butoh dance, visual arts, different languages, and devising. Her works reflect an international viewpoint, which incorporates eastern culture and values. She aims to create theatrical experiences which will build bridges across cultures. Recent directing credit includes: ICEBERG (Ren Gyo Soh), The Sugar Plant, Everest (Chain Theatre), Grown-ups, and The Giving Tree (Unfix NYC). Associate/Assistant credit includes: The Cher Show (1st National Tour), Murder on the Orient Express (Paper Mill Playhouse), JOY: A NEW MUSICAL (George Street Playhouse), Clue (Paper Mill Playhouse, National Tour), A Jolly Holiday: Celebrating Disney's Broadway Hits (Paper Mill Playhouse) and Mystic Pizza (Ogunquit Playhouse). Saki is currently the Associate Artistic Director of Ren Gyo Soh, an award-winning butoh theatre company in NYC. A member of Roundabout Directors Group Cohort 5. MFA Directing at Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Upcoming: Watcher in the Woods (Urban Stage), Alice by Heart (Trevor Day School), and Sophia Gutchinov’s solo show Those Who Remained™ (La MaMa). www.sakikawamura.com
Eric Norbury, lighting designer
Eric Norbury’s select credits include Hong Kong Mississippi (La MaMa ETC), Dodi & Diana (HERE Arts), The Prom (WPPAC), Footloose (Argyle Theatre), Xerxes (Detroit Opera), Blue (Seattle Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Dutch National Opera), Only Human: A Musical (Theatre St. Clement’s), Till: A Musical (NYMF), Nimbus Dance at BAM Fisher,. Previous work: LaMama ETC, NYTW, Playwrights Horizons, Barrington Stage Company, La Jolla Playhouse, New School of Drama, Washington National Opera, 5th Avenue Theatre, The Glimmerglass Festival, Seán Curran Dance Company, De Funes Dance, Second Avenue Dance Company and many others. MFA NYU/Tisch. Member USA829. www.ericnorburylighting.com
Montana Debor, recording violinist
Montana DeBor is a classically trained violinist and composer who loves taking her skills to new heights. She’s been touring internationally as an aerial violinist with circuses for the last 5 years. She was thrilled to meet Sophia while playing at a show in Brooklyn this past fall. Montana is honored to be a part of Sophia’s solo show. IG: @deboratorium
Catherine Filloux, dramaturg
For the past three decades, French American award-winning playwright and librettist Catherine Filloux has been traveling to conflict areas writing plays that address human rights. Filloux has four produced operas (“Orlando” won the 2022 Grawemeyer Award) and is an activist. She is the book-writer for a new musical with John Daggett and composer Jimmy Roberts. Her new play “How to Eat an Orange” has been commissioned by INTAR in New York City and will premiere next season. www.catherinefilloux.com
Madeline Heeney, Production manager and Co-producer
Madeline Heeney (she/her) is a trans NYC based director, stage manager, and producer. She is a recent graduate from Marymount Manhattan College. There she received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with concentrations in Directing and Stage and Production Management. Madeline is the Head of Development and a Resident Artist with Medusa Collective NYC, a production company focused on producing new works by early career theatre makers. Madeline is ecstatic to be working on this project! IG: @maddieheeney
Jason F Vasquez, photographer
Jason F Vasquez is a New York City/Long Island based Photographer who has a passion for helping companies and individuals enhance their brand through engaging digital content. His focus is on headshots but dabbles in portraits and street photography on his free time. Currently, Jason mainly works as a Camera Assistant in documentaries and commercials. https://www.jasonfvasquez.com/
Paul Siebold, Press Representative
Paul Siebold (press representative) is the managing director of OFF OFF PR, a firm dedicated to publicizing developing theatrical productions. A marketing, promotions and public relations executive for over 20 years, Paul has achieved significant pre-production press coverage, reviews and post-production success for his clients. Paul has publicized NYIT Award-winning productions and winners of FringeNYC & NYMF Awards for Excellence. He represents a variety of theatrical genres. www.offoffpr.com