Meet Stephanie Anuwe | Actor, Writer, Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Anuwe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, how do you think about risk?
The idea of taking risks has always put me on edge, but some of my best work and moves in life were results of risks that paid off. As a first generation American, my Nigerian parents’ dreams of success for me were very different from what I had for myself. They expected me to work in a stable field. Law was the ideal pursuit. I enjoyed watching legal dramas and other procedurals. I talked a lot and loved to argue. To them, a law degree would have been the perfect blend of my talents and getting adequate “stage time”. But my dreams were somewhere else. While they focused on the practicality of the job depicted on screen, I was lost in the possibilities of the storytelling and exploration of emotional depth. Needless to say, they were not excited about my decision to pursue the arts.

Growing up in Nigeria during the Biafran War, though middle class and secure, my parents witnessed firsthand the difficulties associated with instability. Years later, they would eventually make the life changing decision to move to the U.S. They worked very hard to prove that risk wasn’t taken in vain so my siblings and I would have even more to build upon. Unbeknownst to them, it was that sacrifice and security that allowed me to dream bigger. For that, I am extremely grateful. I saw what they did to achieve their goals and studied their work ethic. They expected the best of me. So I expect nothing less of myself, no matter what I do. They worry because they have never seen anyone in our family do or succeed at something like this and aren’t comfortable believing it is possible to do so. The biggest risk I ever took was to believe that it is.

Each time I was faced with a risky opportunity- quitting my job, leaving my modestly priced extremely spacious apartment in Texas, moving to New York, starting grad school- it only helped to level me up. Sometimes that risk came with the opportunity I wanted and other times with a lesson that built me stronger. Taking those risks led me to work with and study under people who, before the move, I had only seen on tv or read about in the books. The key is taking the chance and betting on yourself. If you bet on yourself, the odds are automatically stacked in your favor. It is just up to you to make it happen.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself a creative because I work in and enjoy so many different creative mediums. Performance has always been my primary focus. I have been blessed to work with great people in some amazing spaces like The United Nations, The O’Neill Center and The Actors Studio. I’ve also had the privilege of working with burgeoning playwrights and directors under the tutelage of Suzan-Lori Parks and Anne Bogart.  But I’m also a writer, dramaturg, director, and photographer. I love the ability to wear different hats. There is always so much to learn, and each facet compliments the other, expanding my depth in all of them.

I think the lens that I use to view the work is what sets me apart from others. While my cultural background, gender, and education influence my work, I love to approach each role with immense empathy above all. I love a good anti-hero or villain story. Some may see and despise an antagonist, but I like to explore their background. A well-written character will imitate humanity such that they will almost always have a catalyst sparking or explaining the reasoning behind their behavior. Who or what did they experience that caused them to take a certain path? What was it they needed and didn’t get that led them to where they were? I am obsessed with this notion…like maybe, through my art, …if I could learn and teach enough people about our needs as individuals and as a society, we could help each other heal so that collectively, we hurt less. Hurt people hurt people, but healed people can help others heal too.

I can also connect with a few lines of dialogue and see complete narratives, situations, film angles and backstories. It’s kind of like being able to wear all the hats at the same time once I’m locked in. This has influenced the way I consult with those who seek my advice for their work as well as my own writing.

I recently completed my first pilot and being able to see the shots in my head and know how I would like it directed influenced the way that I wrote it, making it easier for people to essentially “watch” what I wrote during readings. It’s a lot of work but also a lot of fun getting to see something that was just a thought at one point, finally come to life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A whole week?! That’s a lot for a homebody like me, but I can definitely give a decent 3- day weekend. You can catch me at the theatre any day of the week so there will most likely be a play or two on the agenda.

Friday
My guest can choose whatever they would like to do first as long as we are in line in a timely fashion to try Cuts and Slices for lunch. I see it all the time and hear great things. We have to go. Then, we can head over and walk the Highline in Chelsea, visit Chelsea Market and check out the pier. We can close out the evening by catching a comedy show at Gotham Comedy Club. They always have cool people on and every now and again a dope surprise guest.

Saturday
My week is generally pretty eventful so on Saturday I’m sleeping in! Then brunch at Red Rooster or Angel of Harlem.  Stroll around Harlem a bit and sight-see some of the amazing Harlem Renaissance sights like the Jumel Terrace Historic District or check out the Harlem Walk of Fame.  Grab a quick coffee at The Oma, a lovely Nigerian owned spot. The vibe is nice and the coffee is great. Coffee in hand, we are headed to Soho to check for any popup shops or sample sales to browse before heading to the theatre to catch a play like Uncle Vanya at Lincoln Center, or whatever new, fun, or challenging piece is out. Finally, we head to Lagos in the Times Square area for some food, fun, drinks and great music.

Sunday
We’re in Brooklyn, baby! Back to my old stomping grounds. I miss it so much. Head start is the BK Museum. They have a restaurant inside so we can grab a quick bite there before exploring, maybe even catch the Swiss Beatz/Alicia Keys art collection. Afterwards, we could hit up the BK Botanical Garden next. I really enjoy thrifting, so of course we’d hit up the Brooklyn Flea Market with any time left.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Blessed to have so many!

To my parents for their loving sacrifice.

To my family for all their love and support.

To my friends, My tribe, You know who you are. I could not do any of this without you!

Website: www.StephanieAnuwe.com

Instagram: Adaeze369

Facebook: Stephanie Anuwe

Image Credits
David Noles Scott Wynn Lia Chang Yendor Theatre Company