Mulan was a symbol of my childhood. After seeing her face and seeing something similar on mine, I decided I wanted to get a haircut for a defiant 5 year old too.
With my dad’s nose trimmer, that was it. And for a long time, Mulan was one of the few characters I saw on TV and in magazines that looked like me. This kind of confused me because my life was filled with all the different types of people that made my life feel amazing. I wondered why I didn’t see more of his stories.
As I grew up and fell in love with acting and needed to be a part of the storytelling, I became acclimated to a very small (and yet deeply adored) list of actors who seemed…a bit like me. They were beacons of hope that made me believe that maybe one day I too would do what they did. I am still on the endless journey of self-identity. But if there is one thing I know; I am proud to be Filipino-Mexican. And every day I feel it more strongly.
Being in Jo Koi’s next release “Easter”… was soul-satisfying. It was very similar to serving a steaming plate of lumpia and pancit palabok, whole-grain dishes of Filipino cuisine and homes. It was food for my soul.
It was really moving to be a part of a movie that felt like home. Of course, he was also very grateful to have a job during these difficult times.
It wasn’t until the cast of ‘Easter’ was established that they took a moment to look each other in the face and say, ‘Woah.’ “I have my nose.” “I have the shape of your eyes.” We have similar stories. Is this the first time this has happened?! Hollywood was making this movie with an all-Filipino crew. It is the first in the history of the study. crazy.
I felt more powerful representing Filipinos after being a part of the independent film ‘Yellow Rose’. This film directed by Diane Bargas was a project that definitely ignited my need to appear on screen. At the same time, being able to play Eurydice in “Hadestown” on Broadway is another blessing in itself.
When people text me and say, “Wow, seeing someone on stage seems to take my breath away,” I’ll always feel like I’m winning my career. regardless of the type of entertainment; People want to see themselves… they want to be loved, they want to be superheroes, they want to feel connected in some way and they want to feel visible.
We need more stories about the beautiful inhabitants of this land. All of them. In all its forms. I feel sorry for those who have not grown up and see themselves in society. There are certainly painful repercussions from that. Especially when all we see is a type of person who is the epitome of beauty. For them, it always seemed easy.
But life is not easy.
I have learned to stay focused on the realities of the industry despite setbacks and challenges that have tried to turn me into something I definitely don’t do. I am excited to continue celebrating the victories of the Asian community. every month of the year.
So I can’t wait for my brother and sister to see Easter and feel visible. And to laugh with us Dad in Heaven (adobo king!).
Eva Noblezada is an actress and singer whose credits include “Hadestown” and “Miss Saigon.” Recently, she Noblezada starred in the 2020 film “Yellow Rose”. She will next play Ruth in the Universal film “Easter Sunday”.
Throughout the month of May, different Articles and stories from leading AAPI artists, artisans, and entertainment personalities will be published to celebrate the impact of AAPI entertainment and artists around the world.
