Meet Jonathan Duran

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonathan Duran a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

When I was younger, My mother always found a reason to say to me: “Don’t ever let anyone influence you.” I always felt that she was reacting as if I joined a gang or something but as I got older, and started seeing that no one actually knows what’s going on, I realized that it would be in my best interest to not be influenced by anybody (thank you mom). That was the foundation of my true identity, the beginning of my journey. I went backwards, starting with my American identity. I read all the Hemingway I could get my hands on. I traveled annually to France, to really sharpen my appreciation for my own homeland ( no offense, France). Then, I explored my black identity, reading Dubois and Malcolm X’s speeches. I staring getting involved with Black Theaters in NYC and teaching in predominantly Black and Hispanic schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, establishing a stable connection with the NYC urban youth. Next, the passing of my Puerto Rican grand father brought on this almost supernatural appreciation for my Hispanic culture. I jammed out to Salsa music that I knew only from childhood. Now, I can’t go a day without it. I am currently discovering my NYC working class/artist identity. The story of NYC GRAFFITI is the backbone of every cultural movement in NYC since the 70’s. From Basquiat to DONDI. Through my network, I’ve established bonds with NYC Graffiti legends and hope to place myself where I can truthfully tell that story. I currently co facilitate an acting workshop in Brooklyn,NY called DURAN AND GRANT ACTING WORKSHOP, TUESDAY’S 6PM-9PM, 1909 ATLANTIC AVE, BROOKLYN. You can see members of our workshop in my Instagram, @aditat_artists.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I currently co-facilitate an acting workshop with Joseph C. Grant Jr.
It’s a workshop where I’m in the process of consolidating all my 15 years of acting/filmmaking experience, my strong network of NYC independent filmmakers and my life wisdom in one weekly scheduled event. We are currently in our 3rd month and have about 10 solid members who consistently attend and have shown tremendous progress in their ability to not only perform but to express themselves through their bodily instruments and their speech delivery. Many members have been casted by Joseph Grant in his independent film projects, and I often inform members of any auditions I become aware of. The idea is community and breaking the cycle of mediocre in our own little film scene we’re creating in this corner of Brooklyn.

DURAN & GRANT
ACTING WORKSHOP
TUESDAY’S 6PM-9PM
1909 ATLANTIC AVE, BROOKLYN

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

WORLD HISTORY. There is an attack on history as well as our future. It’s important to be zealous about world history because the opposition is zealous about deceiving us.

STILLNESS/QUIET. In High School, nearly every day, I’d come home and first thing, I’d take a hot bath. For an hour, nothing but peace and quiet. Looking back, I feel this habit developed a comfortability with quiet and stillness which has benefitted me greatly in my acting endeavors as well as social situations.

The BIBLE has consistently proven to me it’s importance and it’s simple wisdom, as well as arguably being the foundation of human speech, reading and writing. I encourage everyone to develop a relationship with the Bible, one way or another, because it will be a step forward on your search for truth.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We are looking for artist and thespians in the NYC area who are looking for a space where they can develop communication skills as well as workshop any current projects they are working on. Also anyone looking to gain perspective on the industry, and take a step towards their creative dreams.
I post promos weekly on my Instagram account, @aditat_artist

DURAN & GRANT
FREE ACTING WORKSHOP
TUESDAY’S 6PM-9PM
1909 ATLANTIC AVE, BROOKLYN

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @aditat_artists

Image Credits

@aditat_artists