The legendary tale of the Mexican ghost La Llorona, or the weeping woman, has haunted people everywhere for centuries. That is until last year when Bianca Nicasio Singer put a comedic twist—albeit still dark—on the phantom’s challenges in modern times. In the piece, written as a monologue, La Llorona sits down with a therapist to share a recent—and unsuccessful—night out hunting children. As she frantically recounts the evening, she uncovers her solution.
Singer’s ingenuity and skill won her the ‘Writer Winner’ award for the 4th Annual Nosotros Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam. Yet, the 2022 contest delivered so much more for the Mexican-American creator above one of its winning titles.
“To come to an organization and be surrounded by people that feel like home is inspiring as a person and creator. To be heard and acknowledged as a Latina writer is a huge honor,” she said. “The Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam is so important for Latinx talent.”
An alternative showcase for Latinx creatives, the Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam was launched in 2019 by NOSOTROS, a non-profit committed to enhancing the presence of the Latino community in Hollywood. The organization’s founder, the late Mexican actor Ricardo Montalbán, recognized the lack of opportunities for Latinos and sought to enhance the community’s presence, not only by increasing the number of jobs available but also in changing the Latino stereotype. Though Nosotros has gained much ground in its 50+ years, its team still works towards Montalbán’s goals—the Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam being one vital initiative.
The competition draws Latinx writers and actors from around the country to share their original monologues or diverse acting styles. While the monologues performed or written by finalists provide different perspectives of the Latinx experience, their themes—love, loss, hope, family, and beyond—are relatable to all, forging bonds among finalists as well as with their audiences.
Historically, Ya Tu Sabes finalists were chosen from ‘cattle call’ auditions before performing a live showcase on the rooftop of The Montalbán Theater. Yet, to keep up with the ever-changing industry, the Ya Tu Sabes program has evolved to better help Latinx writers and actors, both emerging and established, be recognized in the industry.
Today, in partnership with NBC and NBC Launch, Nosotros presents the Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam as a film showcase. Nosotros president and Ya Tu Sabes producer Joel M. Gonzales explained, “We want the industry professionals who come to the showcase to see these actors and writers work on screen, as they would in TV or a film, so the goal this year was to give each finalist a true ‘lights, camera, action’ experience.”
With Hector Felix at the helm of this year’s event, serving as Ya Tu Sabes director, each monologue was produced as a standalone scene and filmed on a soundstage. A full, professional production team nearly full of Latinx professionals provided support, which is unprecedented in today’s industry. Finalists were moved by the Ya Tu Sabes experience.
“My heart was spilling over as I was on set getting to see actors portray my words and be surrounded by Latinx cast and crew,” shared Singer. “Representation is important in this industry and Ya Tu Sabes brings familia y orgullo [family and pride] that powers and inspires us writers and actors involved.”
‘Actor Winner’ for this year’s showcase—Maria Fernanda Diez—echoes Singer’s sentiment.
"In organizations like Nosotros, the celebration and elevation of one another is always present,” said Diez. “You grow as an actor, creator, artist, and human being because you are inspired by the excellence and authenticity around you. This desire to succeed together creates a stronger movement to build a better present and future for everyone."
Diez’s win was the result of her incredibly powerful and composed performance. Yet, it wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration the event enables with other creators. Latina writer and Ya Tu Sabes finalist, Daniela Gonzalez y Perez, penned “Horny Little Tree Frogs”—the beautiful monologue, telling of a young woman’s loss, that Diez delivered.
Of her experience, Gonzalez y Perez said, “Getting to work with the Nosotros fam and celebrate with all the different hardworking Latinx/e talent during Ya Tu Sabes was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget! It was my first time being in LA and seeing my work on the big screen, sharing a story close to my heart, having a set made specifically for my monologue and having the director check in with me during the process was so special.” She added, “The industry needs more stories written by us and acted by us, and this showcase is a celebration to let them know that we’re here and we’re ready.”
Ya Tu Sabes is accomplishing what Nosotros sought to do.
“Our goal for Ya Tu Sabes is to connect emerging and established Latinx talent directly to managers, agents, casting directors, directors, networks and network executives,” said Natasha Galano, event co-producer and Nosotros vice chair. “We want to give Latinx talent a direct link and something tangible to be able to build their careers as they see fit, with these already established connections.”
The showcase certainly provides access to quality connections. Ya Tu Sabes celebrity ambassadors in recent years have included Xolo Maridueña (DC’s “Blue Beetle” and Netflix’s “Cobra Kai”), Adriana Barraza (DC’s “Blue Beetle” and “Babel”), Juan Carlos Coto (executive producer, FOX’s “9-1-1”), Maritza Cabrera (talent manager and producer, Zero Gravity Management), Jon Huertas (NBC’s “This Is Us”), Melissa Barrera (“In The Heights” and “Scream 6”), Nicholas Gonzalez (ABC’s “The Good Doctor”), and Adam Rodriguez (CBS’s “CSI: Miami”). Winners also get highly coveted meetings with major network and studio creative executives as well as upper-level series writers and producers at NBCUniversal, among others, in addition to a cash prize.
Other tangible benefits for winners and finalists alike include the polished, professional recordings of their work for sharing with industry professionals. Gonzales says these “elevated reels” allow Latinx professionals to take and maintain control of the narrative surrounding the Latino culture. They’ve also led to network and studio table readings and guest star and series regular roles and opened the door to other opportunities.
Peruvian-American writer and actor, Diego Lanao, was a Ya Tu Sabes 2021 Writer Finalist. His pilot, “THE RIGHT ONE ALIVE,” was named among the 2022 Latinx List. He gives his thanks to Nosotros for the platform it gives diverse and emerging artists.
“The reality is that Nosotros was one of the very first programs to provide me a platform and the opportunity to let my writing come to life. And it was a main reason for me to continue writing away and submitting to opportunities, such as the Latinx List,” said Lanao. “A lot of the Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam members from our 2021 year have already come together to create film projects and stories of our own—only strengthening the meaning of ‘community.’ ”
At the heart of what Nosotros provides is access to people—a benefit that has lasting effects on its members.
"Resources and community are some of the most important pieces to progress,” said Diez. “None of us ever truly do it alone and organizations like Nosotros really prove that."
Learn more about the Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam and view this year’s performances or monologues at www. yatusabes.org.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Jessica Catignani
- Image courtesy
- Nosotros
- Retouching
- Brianna Kish
