Atlese Robinson

ATLESE ROBINSON 

Atlese Robinson is a writer, performer, director, producer, and the founding artistic director of Ambiance Theatre Company. Hailing from Saint Paul, MN by way of Chicago, IL, Atlese grew up glued to the stories of her elders. As a result, Atlese’s writing style places an emphasis on the natural flow of speech as a means to preserve the integrity of oral history. As a performer, Atlese draws on ancestral strength to guide her storytelling. Her previous credits include ensemble in The Dutchman (Penumbra Theatre Company), The Garden (Ambiance Theatre Company), co-star in Contact by Simone Brookes LeClaire, and ensemble in Rebirth of Rabbit’s Foot (Mixed Blood Minneapolis). Atlese’s previous directing credits include Naked I : Self Defined (20% Theatre Company), The Spectrum of Blackness (Ambiance Theatre Company), Waiting in Vain (Ambiance Theatre Company), The Place (Lyric Opera of the North). Atlese prides herself on serving as an usher to director at theatre companies around the Twin Cities as no job is too small for a leader. Atlese’s ultimate mission with Ambiance Theatre Company is to support Black dramatic writers through script development, produce new works, and center the need for engaging Black audiences. 

AS MY HEART GROWS
Directed by Leah Nelson 

As My Heart Grows is a movement-based play exploring theatre of self-image, body love, sensuality, maternal desires, and the wisdoms earned during the 20’s. Inspired by poetry written over the course of Atlese’s early 20’s this work is a redefinition and reclamation of eros (romantic love) and philautia (self love).