Meet the Artists of "A Shared Name"

A Shared Name, written by Samantha, will be performed for the first time as part of THEATER IN ASYLUM's The DUENDE Project on March 16th at The Kraine Theater.  
The company's website describes it best..."DUENDE: a mysterious force that everyone feels and no philosopher has explained. There are many names for the dark force that drives us to confront ourselves and our deepest fears and truths. This eternal energy continues to possess artists: seducing them, taking hold of their imaginations, compelling them to create. THEATER IN ASYLUM continues to face the duende with the European debut of ¡Olé!, and we are thrilled to kick off our fundraising efforts with The DUENDE Project. Theater artists, musicians, dancers, poets and visual artists unite to seek the duende. Join us for an unforgettable night of bewitching, mysterious and dangerous new works." 

A Shared Name is my individual encounter with the duende that drives and terrifies me-the multiple people that live inside each of us and yet seem completely incompatible.  This piece battles with the different roles women play and how often the internal spirit does not match the external perception.  It is brought to life by a group of four passionately different woman who embrace what it means to live and lead in this world of misleading flesh and conflicting inner spirits.  
(for more information regarding the event and to buy tickets go to http://www.theaterinasylum.com/the-duende-project.html)

Meet Laura Aristovulos (Director)
With one look she can convince you to take on your biggest fear.  Laura is the one responsible for this piece coming to fruition.  In many ways it was commissioned by her because it was written with the understanding that she would direct this first run.  Laura has the incredible talent, sensitivity, versatility, and experience to give this work justice, not to mention a personal knowledge of the writer's inner workings.  

Laura makes her exclusive directorial debut with A Shared Name.  She cannot imagine a more human or relatable piece to begin this newest endeavor.  Primarily a performer, Laura has found new knowledge and inspiration through this process.  She would like to thank Samantha for trusting her with her child and Emily and Christiana for lending their talents.
http://www.lauraaristovulos.com

Meet Christiana Blain (First Woman)
While her beauty is stunning don't let it fool you, there is much going on beneath her skin.  A ferocious talent, Christiana commits to and embodies any role she undertakes.  She can intimidate or welcome with one look.  If you are brave enough to take in her presence you will discover a complex woman, both confident and vulnerable.

Christiana Blain is a NY Actress of Theatre, Film, and TV, and Singer in the Exotik Robotz band.  She is thrilled to be a part of A Shared Name. She'd like to thank Samantha, Laura, and Emily for being a part of this fantastic work!  Thank you everyone for coming out!

Meet Emily Goodell (Third Woman)
She reminds you of just how powerful the spectrum of human emotion can be.  The first thing one takes in upon meeting Emily is the way she embraces her smile, glow, and individual quirkiness.  Yet her acting will confront you.  She uses combinations of her inner light and dark to make each word and movement personal.  She will take the most tender of artwork and treat it with a respect and ferocity that can only make it grow to unimaginable new heights.  

Emily is thrilled to be working with such lovely ladies for this emotional original work. She moved to New York this past fall after graduating from American University. She hopes to continue doing such fulfilling work in her craft.
http://emilymgoodell.weebly.com/index.html

Meet Samantha Keogh (Writer and Second Woman)
The creative powerhouse behind A Shared Name, Samantha takes on many roles in this project.  First, but not foremost, she is the author of this powerful, poetic piece of theatre.  Simultaneously she has gone above and beyond bringing life and honesty to her performance.  She encourages the audience to follow their dreams while exposing her own doubts.  She will bring you peace and happiness, and then break your heart.

Samantha is a dedicated artist, who believes in versatility, commitment, honesty, and the spirituality of creating art.  She is a singer, actor, dramaturg, and model, and also enjoys writing, painting, and her job at The Lower East Side Tenement Museum.  She is currently the Resident Dramaturg for THEATER IN ASYLUM and working on a variety of new works with the company. She would like to thank Laura, Christiana, and Emily for embracing her work and "expanding it's existence." Feel free to contact her with any questions regarding A Shared Name or The DUENDE Project.