Natalie Villamonte Zito

I am a New York City based theatre director, creator, and proud Peruvian-Brazilian American, with a passion for movement-based ensemble theatre. I create bold pieces of art that are visually stunning, thought provoking, and emotionally stirring. My work is a heightened yet honest and truthful exploration of humanity and society. I stage innovative new plays and bold culturally specific re-imaginings of Classic texts, investigating how individuals and communities are affected or influenced by history, cultural identity, generational trauma, and religion. My goal is to engage the audience with their physical senses as well as their intellect, to invite them to ask difficult questions of themselves and of others.

While I work with a range of stories, styles, and forms, I am naturally drawn to the genre of Magical Realism. I am fascinated with the notion of time and the beautiful challenge of presenting memory, dreams, and the spirit world onstage. I find joy in making these heightened realities accessible, understandable, and relatable to the public. As a first-generation American, I have a special interest in exploring cultural identity, assimilation, and immigration issues in my work. I have a strong desire to bring Latine stories, culture, and history to the forefront of our new American Theatre.

My creative process is rooted in collaboration, with both designers and actors. I go on a journey with the ensemble and design team to create the world of our play together. I believe we all must dance together on stage, the ensemble’s movement in the space with the architecture and design elements – they must all move in one smooth sequence together. We work together in generating a piece of art that engages our audience visually, intellectually and emotionally to the story we are telling. I aim to create a powerful experience for the actors I work with, developing strong ensembles who care deeply about each other and the work we are creating. I strive to create a safe and trusting rehearsal space that promotes creativity and risk taking.

I am a bilingual artist (English and Spanish), an Associate Member of SDC, hold a BA in Theatre Arts with a double concentration in Directing & Performance from Marymount Manhattan College, and an MFA in Directing from the University of Iowa. My work has been featured on Logo, Broadway World, ABC7, Vermont Public Radio, and ABC’s “Let’s Talk Live,” among others.