Fresh Face: ‘1923’ Star Aminah Nieves On Listening To Her Mom Before Agreeing To Take A Role That Speaks “For All Indigenous Peoples Across The World”
deadline.comAminah Nieves WHO Age: 25 Hometown: Hammond, Indiana WHAT Newcomer Aminah Nieves plays Teonna Rainwater, a student — or rather, prisoner — of a Catholic boarding school in Montana.
In 1923’s authentic depiction of how the church dehumanized indigenous youths while trying to assimilate them into European American culture, Teonna rages against — and ultimately escapes — her brutal captors. “I was scared a lot,” the actress recalls of her first season. “I wanted to make sure I was honoring every single human, every single family member, my grandparents, my aunties, my mom, my dad and then all of the communities.
I’m so happy that I’m here and doing it and being a voice.” WHY Joining 1923 was the realization of a dream she’s held since grade school.
After appearing in the requisite school plays, Nieves traveled to New York, where she booked background actor jobs while making ends meet as an herbalist, doula and working at a clothing store.
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