Cuban Theater Digital Archive

Anita Gonzalez is a well-known Afro-Latina author and educator with a diverse dance, theater, and performance art background. She honors her diverse cultural background while challenging traditional stories. She was born and raised in New Jersey, her mother was from Washington D.C, and her father was an Afro-Cuban and Bahamian. She was the daughter of a presiding elder who was a part of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This led to her strong cultural background and religious beliefs, which shaped her as a writer and director. Anita attended the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she earned her Ph.D. in Performing Arts Theater. She also completed her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree at Florida State University. Anita Gonzalez participated in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program from 1987 to 1988, where she taught theater arts and conducted research in Mexico, sharing her insights and ideas for the program.  Through her background in African American studies, Gonzalez contributes an in-depth understanding of the interconnectedness of race, identity, and social justice in her artwork. She incorporates aspects of Black dance techniques and Latin American festivals into her work, primarily focusing on Afro-Latino identity. Her writing, choreography, and directing all highlight Afro-Latino culture while advocating for greater representation of people of color in the arts. Her creative methods and commitment to diversity make her a significant figure in contemporary theater, breaking stereotypes and promoting discussions among the younger generation about identity, culture, and the arts. Sharing her experience as a playwright, Anita Gonzalez has taught at Georgetown University and the University of Michigan. She feels that storytelling is an effective tool for connecting people to their cultural heritage.  As a leader and co-founder of Georgetown's Racial Justice Institute [link], Gonzalez works on programs that highlight the histories and stories of those who often go unnoticed. Her writings encourage sharing cultural experiences in the United States and abroad. As a scholar in African American Studies and the performing arts, Gonzalez has published about performance history and culture for several highly respected publications. Anita Gonzalez is a founding member of the Urban Bush Women, an innovative dance company and social activism group led by Black women, highlighting and sharing the untold stories of Black Women and others.