Malia’Kekia Nicolini (‘O ia/she/they) is kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiian), they received their inoa (name) traditionally from an inoa po (mothers dream) that held both an inoa ho’ailona (symbol) and their inoa ulaleo (ancestors voice). Malia’Kekia is an internationally touring actress and teaching artist who has dedicated the last eight years of her life to Play Exploration. ‘Oia is a choreographer, artistic director, plant lover, speaker, arts curriculum designer and gratitude enthusiast. Malia’Kekia is the Co-Founder of B4 The Other Creations specializing in teaching play-based strategies for the realms of education and business. B4 travels throughout the US and internationally, as play is a universal language. B4’s intimate work is led through movement, not lecture, and grounded in a Pedagogy of Play. Training includes: artEquity’s BIPOC Leadership Circle, Arts & Cultural Organization Management (American Repertory Theater at Harvard), BFA (Music Theater), and MBA (Mindfulness in Business). 'Oia has collaborated with Penumbra Theatre, Howlround Theatre Commons, ArtsEmerson, Company One, Indigenous Direction and more. Malia’Kekia weaves all of their experience together to empower dreams and create sustainability towards a play-integrated world. www.b4theother.com
