Early bird or night owl?
A somewhat reluctant night owl. I chose a career that mostly operates at night so as much as I like waking up early, a good sleep is more precious to me.
One routine you swear by?
A red lip when I need a little courage. Currently using Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysterious Red.
Can’t travel without…?
I was once on a plane that ran out of water mid-flight. WATER! It was quite traumatic for me. I now make sure to have at least two Hydroflasks of water with me on every trip I take. It’s heavy but worth it!
Who or what has influenced you most in your career?
My mum [pictured]. She graduated from college when I graduated from high school and then got her masters when I got my bachelor’s degree. She is 82 and now learning Greek. I am a perpetual student of life and the world because of her.
Favourite city and why?
Washington, DC! In my opinion, DC has some of the most dynamic audiences in the US. A sample audience at Woolly Mammoth can include people like the former Ambassador from Singapore and his wife (Hi Gouri!), a Supreme Court lawyer (Hi David Frederick!), students from George Washington, American, and Howard universities (Hi Evelyn Schreiber, Justin Bernstine and Eric Ruffin!) and the staff of Lee’s flower shop (one of the most storied Black/women-owned businesses in DC – hi Stacie Lee Banks!). All in one night! In some ways, DC is a big international city and in other ways it is like a small town, and thatis fascinating.
Guilty pleasure/indulgence?
Happy Ice Cream in DuPont Circle. Key Lime Pie, Basque Cheesecake, Fig Leaf… those small batch flavours are SO good!
Maria Manuela Goyanes, is Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington, DC
