GENERA+ION’S NATHANYA ALEXANDER DREAMS TO BE IN A JORDAN PEELE MOVIE

INTERVIEW BY IRVIN RIVERA

We caught up with HBO Max’s Genera+ion’s rising star to watch Nathanya Alexander on serving the unapologetic, complex character Arianna in style. In the show, Arianna presents herself as a tough cookie in a small package. Having 2 dads and surrounded by messy, woke and open-minded friends, her character is not afraid to speak her mind and could oftentimes come off harsh. It’s a polarizing character for sure. You’ll hate her, love her and then probably hate her again.

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA

Top and pants: ISSEY MIYAKE, Pumps: STELLA HUES, Earrings: NINNA YORK

Ring: SHINE LIKE ME

Nathanya’s performance in the show provided that extra flavor needed to its mix of beautiful chaos. In this exclusive the rising star spoke to us about her experiences while filming, her character Arianna, the best moments on the show, and her desire to be in a Jordan Peele movie.

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Top and pants: ISSEY MIYAKE, Coat: BJAMES, Pumps: STELLA HUES, Earrings: NINNA YORK

Ring: SHINE LIKE ME

Hi Nathanya! How are you doing? 

Hi! I am doing well, thanks for asking. 

How does it feel like now that things are slowly opening up in the US? 

It feels great. I’m hopeful for the future.

How was the production of Genera+ion’s season 1 like? 

It was so amazing! It was a blast shooting this show. 

Top and pants: ISSEY MIYAKE, Coat: BJAMES, Pumps: STELLA HUES, Earrings: NINNA YORK

Ring: SHINE LIKE ME

How would you describe Genera+ion to those who haven’t seen the show yet? 

Genera+ion is a modern take on sexuality and identity.  The show follows a group of high school teenagers as they navigate their lives: the funny, messy, fluid, confusing and emotional journey of it all

How was Arianna’s evolution throughout the whole season of the show?

At the beginning of the season it's really easy to hate her & love her at the same time. She comes off a little harsh. But as the season continues, we start to see her peel back her layers and let down her walls. We begin to see a lot of vulnerability.

Dress: KAFTAN STUDIO, Denim: L’AGENCE, Earrings: TRUFACE BY GRACE, Shoes: KAT MACONIE, Choker and cuff: GERMAN KABIRSKI, Rings: ELLE QUI VIT

What’s the best part about playing Arianna’s character? 

Arianna is unapologetic, bold, and hilarious. It’s really fun to play a character like this. Her fashion is on point. Loved getting into her pink outfits. She serves.    

What are you most proud of in the show?

Our show centers around queer youth navigating life in a conservative community. So many people have been reaching out saying that they feel seen or wish they had a show like Generation growing up and that makes me happy, it warms my heart.

What drew you to her complex character? 

Her character breakdown drew me in: “Caustically funny, lacking in social skills, Arianna loves gossip. Arianna has gay dads but offhandedly makes homophobic comments and judges others harshly. More than anything, Arianna wants to be “seen”—and her more outrageous behavior stems from a fear of being invisible.” It made me go “wow, this is interesting”, I immediately wanted to explore this character 

Dress: KAFTAN STUDIO, Denim: L’AGENCE, Earrings: TRUFACE BY GRACE, Shoes: KAT MACONIE, Choker and cuff: GERMAN KABIRSKI, Rings: ELLE QUI VIT

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming? How did you manage to rise above the challenges? 
Our production was one of the first to start shooting during the pandemic. Everyone worked together very well, grateful for the Covid team we had, everyone did their part.

I really enjoyed working with the cast. The group scenes were my favorite to shoot, there’s all this amazing energy and chemistry in the air that translates to the screen. 

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the series?

Can I say all of it? Haha! Every single moment. 

What is your proudest moment ever from acting so far? 

Its a marathon not a sprint, and I am grateful for every single part of my journey. 

Everyone’s process is different and each has their unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you go and film a scene? How do you approach Arianna’s character? 

I create playlists & I journal in character. When I’m in my trailer, right before going to set, I read the journal entries and listen to the playlists. Sometimes I dance in the mirror to channel the energy of Arianna. And then when I’m on set, I try to really connect with my partner and work off of them.

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What’s your dream project? 

My dream project would be a Jordan Peele movie, starring Viola Davis and I. That would be insane. I'd freak out. 

Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy? What are you most excited about this year? 
Right now I’m working on a script idea. It has been keeping me busy and creatively fulfilled. 

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
If I were a book it would be, “The Little Engine That Could”. This children’s book reminds the reader to believe in themselves and how important perspective and optimism is. 

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Full season of Genera+ion is now streaming at HBO MAX