'Fantasy is An Addiction': Nikki Powerhouse Speaks!!!

Nikki Powerhouse, Philadelphia based actress, playwright, poet, nude figured model and freedom dancer speaks candidly about her upcoming One Woman Play, Fantasy is an Addiction, for Adult Audiences only.

Interview by Lacey C. Clark!

1. What makes your heart smile?

When I wake at 6:00am and witness the sunrise. The sky painted in colors of purple passion, orange bliss and yellow boldness. My heart celebrates the sky’s beauty.

2. We can see that you are definitely a poet, but you are also an actress, how did you come to claim that title for yourself and what does that entail?

Well, honestly it took a long time for me to define myself as an actress. Fear and I had a long running relationship. When it came to my craft, I would deny myself the freedom to just be. To just say I am an actress is not enough for me, this craft takes active work. The active work that will sometimes test me with fear, but I am learning to stop fighting it and push through it. I’ll be the first to tell you it ain’t easy, but I believe to own and embrace who I am takes commitment, patience and willingness to push and thrive through the challenges.

3. Are there any instances where art has saved your life?

Absolutely! The art of freedom dance has saved my life. When I dance to house music, I am able to connect to my truth. It is my chance to live outside of my body and release emotions that restrict me to experiencing life fully. One vocal house song that elevates and inspires me higher is the lyrics of “It’s Alright, I Feel it.” This song has had me many times in the middle of my living room floor, bent over, shouting, chanting, crying and releasing. It reminds me that problems are only a test and they only stay as long as we hold on to them.

4. What does the phrase "celebrate yourself" mean to you? Have you celebrated or do you celebrate yourself? If so, how?

It means I am the most important person in my universe and I deserve to honor who I am. I like to plan "just for me time." It is the time that I give myself the choices to pick an activity to celebrate myself. Sometimes I struggle with taking time out for myself because making me first priority is a new playing field. The world that says NO to others and yes to me seems like I am being selfish, but I am learning that "just for me time" is necessary and I deserve it. Currently, I am planning to see the exhibit of Frida Kahlo at Philadelphia Art Museum. I believe Frida Kahlo paintings depict power, pain, and a healing honesty.

5. Do you think it is important for women to celebrate themselves to be better models for our teen girls? Why or why not?

We must lead by example to express how important it is to celebrate ourselves. When we show our teen girls the beauty in honoring ourselves, they believe us.

6. What was your most challenging experience in your girlhood and how did you overcome it or how are you overcoming it?

During my girlhood, the most challenging experience was dealing with body image and sexuality. I often sexualized my identity to receive love, respect and to feel beautiful inside. From girlhood into adulthood, I dealt with getting my core needs met through having multiple sex partners. The scars of this behavior had me living in secrecy. When I got tired of lying to myself, I asked for help and told my truth. This process has been the most painful because I found myself crying harder and longer for all the things I ran from. As I continue to work on me and work through me, I hope sharing my experiences with women and teen girls will help them to make better choices.

7. What is the most celebratory and most challenging aspect about being a woman?

For me , the most celebratory aspect of being a woman is recognizing that tears are healing and laughter is necessary. The most challenging aspect of being a woman is finding the balance between personal time, work, school, family, and friends.

8.How would you describe yourself in five words?

Unique. Powerful. Nurturer. Talented. Passionate.

9. I'm feeling the title of your upcoming play "Fantasy is an Addiction." Why this title and what does it mean?

I gave the play this title because it best described the main characters hunt to escape her reality. It basically means fantasy is a drug when it is used as an escape to deal with deep rooted issues.

10. Tell me about your play? Why is it important for women to understand it contents?

Through a collage of vignettes, Tina, a sex worker, discovers her passion for eroticism is not what it seems. By way of a series of recollections and reenactments, we discover, along with the main character, the root of her fantasy. Striking symbolism and powerful prose provide these characters and the audience a pathway to healing.
It is important for women to understand the content of this play because too often we use sex as a way to meet our core needs. We seek to be loved and respected by sexualizing our behavior.

11 Did you write it?
Yes.

12. Not only are your an actress, you are also a playwright. What is that process like?

The process is grueling. It takes me through one extreme to the next. During the process, I am constantly trying to find the balance between freedom and fear. On one hand as I write, the story wants to tell the truth, but the fear of vulnerability and judgment challenges me every step of the way.

13. I understand, that you have taught theater to youth, what advice would you give to mothers and mentors raising teen girls today?

Our teen girls need us and we need them. In the process in helping our teen girls, we help ourselves. When we tell them our truth, our teen girls will mirror the same. I believe it is necessary to remember when we were teens as we raise our girls. The tools we needed to survive are the same our teen girls needs. They need positive affirmation, support, and a safe outlet to tell their truth.

I want to truly thank you for sharing your truth with the world on our blog. I know it ain't easy being open, but thank you for your courage. You are beautiful Miss Legendary Powerhouse :). I celebrate you!

I celebrate you Ms. Clark!

Thank You :) Any final thoughts?

Live, Love and Laugh out Loud!

Nikki Powerhouse is a native of Philadelphia, PA soil. An actress, playwright, poet, nude figured model and freedom dancer are many of her artistic expressions. She began her extensive theater training at the Philadelphia Creative Performing Arts High School, and continued her theater passion at Black Nexxus, Theatre for New Generation, and many theater classes in New York City. Her New York City stage credits includes: Notice Me presented in NYC Fringe Festival, Sex, God, and Heels, Queen Mary of Scotland and Khepera. In Philadelphia she has trained with The New Freedom Theater, and currently in her second year at Community College of Philadelphia and will finish her BFA at Temple University School of Theater Communications. Philadelphia stage credits includes: her one-woman show Fantasy is an Addiction (2005 Philly Fringe Festival), lead role in Antigone, Seven Guitars, Fences, and Merry Wives of Windsor. Ms. Powerhouse's flexibility leaves her audiences captivated by each every performance giving true mean to the name: Powerhouse!

Fantasy is an Addiction
Through a collage of vignettes, Tina, a sex worker, discovers her passion for eroticism is not what it seems. By way of a series of recollections and reenactments, we discover, along with the main character, the root of her fantasy. Striking symbolism and powerful prose provide these characters and the audience a pathway to healing.

Co sponsored by

Sisters' Sanctuary(TM)

and

Valray Productions

The contents of this play is recommended for
Adult Audiences Only.

Saturday, March 29, 2008
3:00pm (Sharp)
In Celebration of Women’s Month
African American Museum
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
Cost- $15 non-members and $7 members

To contact Nikki Powerhouse:
http://www.myspace.com/nicoletray