Written & Performed by Summer Minerva
Directed by Jenna Worsham
As Sylvia is a one-person ritual performance/play/protest written and performed by Summer Minerva that seeks to bring forward the wise and life-giving words of trans* human rights activist Sylvia Rivera, while reclaiming the dignity of the queer and trans body. The piece has been shown in various iterations since 2019, both in theaters: Chicago’s Center on Halstead, the NY Historical Society, FRIGID NY, as well as site specifically at Sheridan Square Park, Washington Sq Park, and outside the Stonewall Inn during World Pride.
Summer Minerva *
is a proud 5th generation brooklynite.
They are a performer, author, filmmaker, ritualist, comedian and educator. In 2017 Summer set out on a journey to discover their Italian ancestry and in so doing discovered their ancient queer lineage, the Femminielli. This monumental life event became the premise for their award-winning feature documentary, Summer Within, released in 2025. Summer then co-edited and contributed to Italian Trans Geographies, an anthology published by SUNY Press (2023). Their short play Us Versus Them premiered at the NY Theater Festival in Spring 2025 and then had its International premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe in Summer 2025. Her performance Tombola: Queer Italian Bingo was also presented in June 2025 as part of the Queerly Festival after a short run in Provincetown, and then Canberra, Australia in 2024.
Summer’s writings have also appeared in Radical Faerie Digest, the Miami Herald, and many independent zines.
*While the purpose of a bio is to tell you about work and experience, the truth is that Summer is a multi dimensional being whose creative expression and impact transcends any one medium. They dance. They act. They teach. They write. They question. They love.
Jenna Worsham
Director
Jenna Worsham is a New York-based stage director, playwright, dramaturg and creative organizer.
Recent directing: At The Wedding (Lincoln Center Theater, NYT Critic’s Pick); The Visitors (Second Stage, upcoming); The Locus (Labyrinth Theater); Superstitions (New Georges/The Pool Plays); The Siblings Play (Rattlestick Theater); Belleville (Pasadena Playhouse), The Climb (Cherry Lane), Agnes (59E59 Theaters, NYT Critic’s Pick); Street Children (Vertigo Theater, NYT Critic’s Pick); The First Immigrant (Williamstown); Our Town (Pride Plays); Gun Country (A.R.T.).
Broadway: The Heidi Chronicles, The Parisian Woman (Associate Director); Jenna is the author of three plays: The Fifth (O’Neill Semi-finalist, Venturous Fellowship nomination), Game and The Southerner.
Her writing has been developed with the Relentless Award/APF, SPACE on Ryder Farm, INTAR and Rattlestick. Jenna is the recipient of a Drama League Fellowship, a Jonathan Alper Award (MTC), a National Directing Fellowship (O’Neill Theater Center), and the Boris Sagal Fellowship (Williamstown).
She is the co-founder of New Roots, a residency program for LGBTQ+ artists in Upstate New York.
Sylvia Rivera
Sylvia Rivera was a transgender activist, co-founder of Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), and a key figure in the Stonewall Riots, embodying a fierce commitment to fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, especially those who were marginalized and often excluded from mainstream movements.
Her power came from her unwavering voice, her willingness to challenge discrimination both from the state and within the gay rights movement, and her dedication to empowering vulnerable communities like homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Learn more about Sylvia HERE.
Sylvia Rivera’s Place is a food pantry and shelter for homeless lgbtq+ youth.