Meet Nambi Mwassa – Theater Latté Da’s Cinderella

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Minnesota Star Tribune called Nambi Mwassa an up-and-coming actor in the Twin Cities to keep our eye on – we agree! You saw her earlier this year in The Color Purple at Theater Latté Da – where you’ll now find her playing the title role in Cinderella. We talked to Nambi about stepping into the classic role this holiday season – her inspirations and favorite scenes. Cinderella runs until January 5 – get tickets here.

Nambi MwassaQ:  How do you think Cinderella's story resonates with modern audiences?

A:  I think that we can see many themes of this show in today’s society. For example: how rare kindness is. Many people believe that kindness is only deserved. This story makes us ask the question of “why is kindness so hard to give out?” Time and time again in this story, Cinderella gives that out (despite her not being in the highest class of society) and not expecting anything in return. That is just the way she is, and because of this, society views her as an outcast. Cinderella has chosen to be herself and not hop on the bandwagon of “following society’s rules” just because it looks “trendy/popular/reputable.” We can compare those themes to social media in today’s society. Judgement is so instilled into our society that people are afraid of truly being themselves, because they don’t want to be ridiculed, so they decide to wear a “mask.” 

Q:  Will you incorporate any modern elements into your portrayal of this classic character?

A:  Yes! Especially with the music. I come from a contemporary music background, so I didn’t want myself to be a “cookie cutter” version of this classic character. I wanted to add a piece of myself to this project. Our director, Justin Lucero, has also emphasized the modern feeling of the show throughout the rehearsal process. He has always been open to having those deeper conversations of the story/characters which I am always open to having as well. He gives us new perspectives or ideas to play with that resonate well with the theme of the show. Also, our wonderful music director, Wesley Frye, has been open to giving me some creative freedom when it comes to making/pitching some choices with the music. It’s going wonderful so far, and I hope it caters to the audiences.

Q:  What aspects of Cinderella’s personality do you relate to the most?

A:  Being opinionated. She also is very caring and loves helping others, which I have passion for as well. Outside of theatre, I work in special education schools as a teaching assistant. It’s a job I’ve done for a few years now. I chose this path because I grew up having a brother with a disability. My siblings and I assisted and watched my parents go through the responsibilities of having to take care of a disabled child, so I decided to apply myself to that area of work. It was work that I not only related with, but cared for. I understood the huge impact I had on the quality of life of the person I taught and cared for. It’s a rewarding trait that I am very proud of. Thats one of the pieces of kindness and care that I think of when portraying this role. 

Q:  What did you focus on to make Cinderella’s kindness and strength shine through in her interactions?

A:  Her innocence and humility. I think that’s also a huge piece as to why she is so kind. She is closed off from the world because she is seen as an outcast. Even by her own family. When she finally comes out of that shell, we see the way that she reacts to the world and most of the time, they react in a negative way towards her throughout many parts of the story. Despite that, she gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and doesn’t react with being mean back, but rather lets people see her way of viewing life from her perspective, which shows her humility. Also, I think Cinderella doesn’t know how to be mean to others and to the naked eye, it can come off as naive, but I think it truly comes from her innocence since she’s been forced to be hidden from the world. Her kindness has just been instilled in her and that’s where she teaches us that love comes naturally and hate is taught.

Rehearsal

Q:  What is it like working with the set design and costumes to enhance your portrayal of the character?

A:  The set design is minimalistic, but there are a lot of moving parts in the show that we all (the cast) contribute to in an effort to bring this story to life. The costume design team has worked so hard on being a big part of that as there are multiple transformations/quick changes that I have to do, on stage and off stage. It definitely took quite a bit of time and patience to make all of them look effortless, but I think it is paying off so far. 

Q:  Do you draw inspiration from any previous portrayals of Cinderella in film or theater? If yes, which ones?

A:  I would probably say Celie from The Color Purple film and musical. It’s ironic because it was the last show that I did at Theater Latté Da. Although Cinderella and Celie come from completely different worlds and walks of life, they are characters that are dismissed and ignored by the world around them. Including the people who are supposed to love them. They both work time and time again to prove to the world that they are worthy of living in it. Eventually they both end up living the life that they’ve dreamed of in the end.

Q:  What is your favorite scene or line as Cinderella, and why?

A:  I would say the scene where Ella connects with her stepsister, Gabrielle. I think in most versions of Cinderella we’ve always seen the stepsisters treat Cinderella very poorly, but in this version, we see Gabrielle be more empathetic towards Cinderella, and eventually a big supporter of her. It’s a nice change from the typical story we’re used to. It also just adds more context to the family dynamics. 

Q:  Is there a moment in the show that you find particularly magical?

A:  The magical transformation into the ballgown (done by the fairy godmother). It’s a big moment for the character as it is the first time we witness a piece of Ella’s growing confidence. For me, it’s a moment where I feel that I can breathe and let go of a bit of the baggage that the character is constantly forced to carry on her shoulders. 

Q:  What’s next on the horizon for you? We’ll be watching!

A:  I have some upcoming auditions for a few local shows for next year, so hopefully those turn out in my favor! I also just recently received my equity card, so I am just trying to audition wherever/whenever I can at the moment. I feel that the world is my oyster at this time of my life, so I only see myself going up from here!