Born in Mexico City, and growing up in Puebla, Yunuen’s early life was characterised by a strong desire to “live overseas” and “see the world.” Her exploratory aspirations stemmed from a fascination with other cultures, something that would influence her later artistic work. Upon completing an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences, Yunuen was offered a chance to study for a Master’s in Production Design at the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Filled with wanderlust, Yun leapt at the opportunity and never looked back, spending the next seventeen years in Melbourne before coming to Newcastle.
Theatre and the performing arts have always been a significant part of Yunuen’s life. She can distinctly recall her first theatre experience at the age of four, remembering the show, the sets, the costuming, and the lighting. Yun was “so inspired by that world that [she] saw in front of [her],” So much so, that she “decided to join the play and jump onstage.” Yun’s first taste of performing was only brief, as she was escorted off the stage by an usher, but it sparked a passion that’s been burning ever since.
“I always knew I was going to be a part of that industry,” says Yunuen. In high school, she joined the theatre group, trying out at every audition she could make and attending every theatre workshop she could find. Eventually, when Yun was around 16, she found herself participating in a nationally broadcasted ensemble dance competition. Unfortunately, her team lost as, in Yun’s words, they were “really, really, bad.”
I always knew I was going to be a part of that industry
However, something about Yunuen caught the eye of the artistic director of the competition. Whether it was her “enthusiasm or [her] charisma or [her] passion,” something had just helped her get a job as a producer, working on that very same dance competition. So, despite still being in high school, Yunuen found herself not only in her first job, but in her first job as a performing arts producer. The nationally televised competition was like “a crash-course in the performing arts,” as “the quality of the production was the highest standards in the industry.” Yunuen had found her “calling,” reminiscing “I think this is it.”
A lot of Yunuen’s creative work has focused on the “diversity, inclusion, and representation of the Latin American diaspora.” Despite Australia generally being described as a “melting pot of different cultures,” Yun felt as though her community was under-represented, something she has strived to remedy through her art and creative projects. A lot of her earlier work reflected her experiences as a Latin American “migrant woman” moving to Australia. It was through this work that Yunuen found her niche in the industry: “rather than […] supporting others to tell their stories, I was telling my story and helping others in my community to tell their stories and take a space,” Yunuen explains.
One piece of work that Yunuen was particularly proud of was a photographic exhibition called Mex-tli: Mexican Goddesses, a visually striking installation she worked on in collaboration with a Mexican cinematographer and old university friend Sissy Reyes. Working with her husband, Newcastle University academic Dr Antonio Gonzalez, another exhibition Yunuen developed was named Building Bridges: From Latin American Stories to Victorian History. It was about “highlighting our [community’s] contributions to the State of Victoria’s history, economy, and culture,” recalls Yunuen. After moving to Newcastle, Yunuen began working for Northern Stage as their Communities Manager. Reaching out to under-represented communities remains at the heart of her work, as she works with groups whose lives would benefit from a relationship with the performing arts. “The arts should be for everybody” as Yunuen puts it.
When asked to offer some words of advice for anyone hoping to enter into a career in theatre and the performing arts, Yunuen simply answered “don’t be shy, ask for favours, and put yourself outside.” This straightforward mantra has permeated Yunuen’s career. From arriving in Australia not knowing anyone, to a chance encounter with a local actress, to working her way up the Melbourne Theatre Company, Yunuen’s ambition, determination, and confidence aided her in getting to where she is today. Yunuen attributes her success to her own character, imploring people to not “shy [their] personality or where [they] come from.” Yunuen also stressed the importance of attending networking events and workshops.
Don’t be shy, ask for favours, and put yourself outside
However, Yunuen acknowledged the difficulties of working in the industry in this day and age. A lot of theatres and performances spaces haven’t recovered since covid, so opportunities can be limited, especially outside of London. Nevertheless, Yunuen advises voluntary work as an alternative route to enter the performing arts: “start with an internship […] once you are in, it is likely that places won’t let you go” she says. Yun also notes that the administrative side of theatre is just as important as the creative side, so versatility and adaptability is important as you may have to compromise in the short-term to bag your ideal role in the long-term. Currently, Northern Stage are looking for two marketing students from Newcastle University to help them develop an audience engagement plan.
Entering an industry like theatre and the performing arts isn’t easy, something Yunuen makes no effort to disguise. It takes hard work and a lot of patience. Yet, if you have the dedication and the drive, along with the confidence to pursue your ambitions, there is no reason why you won’t succeed. Yunuen’s career is a testament to those values and what can be achieved with a little bit of grit and a lot of determination.
Northern Stage is delighted to offer Newcastle University students and staff members £5 tickets to our upcoming hilarious comedy show, Kim's Convenience. Use the discount code "KIM5" at checkout or call our box office on 0191 230 5151 or follow this link https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/kims-convenience/.