Jesse Del Fierro is a non-binary, Filipinx – Canadian theatre creator, performer and dramaturg with the privilege to work in both Moh’kinstsis on Treaty 7 Territory and on the unceded, ancestral territories of the Coast Salish peoples colloquially known as Calgary AB and Vancouver BC respectively. They hold a BFA in Theatre Performance from Simon Fraser University, and have collaborated on works presented at Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, Playwright’s Theatre Centre, PuSh International Performance Art Festival, SummerWorks, Audain Gallery and rEvolver Festival amongst others. Intersectionality is their only reality.
As a second-generation, non-binary Filipinx, I didn’t grow up connected to my ancestry or culture, I didn’t have a community to call home. I grew up unable to celebrate successes or joy, and I certainly wasn’t allowed to share in struggle. The thing I am proud of most is being part of the Filipino community across Turtle Island. In so many ways, I am proud of my work for the ways they have brought together my people. My people in the sense of those who share the values of community, generosity, kindness and care, folx who believe that the only way forward is together. I am able to share my story with audiences through art, and collaborate with individuals I only dreamt of meeting. My greatest accomplishments are those that have built relationships with complex and intersectional representation, because beyond the immense privilege of truly being recognized and acknowledged and thrive, is sharing the experience of living our ancestor’s wildest dreams together. This is beyond reimagining, this is realizing the impossible.
