playwright / actor / always more

bella o'Brien

Telling Haunting Stories Through Theatre

My name is Bella (she/her/ella), and as a theatre artist, my mission is to craft compelling narratives that challenge single perspectives and delve into intricate themes beyond the conventional.

My creative endeavors are deeply inspired by my profound connection to nature, my queerness, my commitment to social justice, and the exploration of femininity.

I am ardently passionate about conveying the inexplicable, which draws me to the realms of the metaphysical and the symbolic. With over a decade of dedicated study in acting and writing, I have honed my craft at prestigious institutions such as Denver Center Theatre, Denver School of the Arts, Curious Theatre, Moscow Art Theatre, Southern Methodist University, and under the guidance of Patricia Angelin of Alba Technique.

As a young girl, the narratives I encountered seldom reflected my own experiences. It wasn't until I immersed myself in poetry, avant-garde literature, and the works of symbolists that I began to see echoes of my world. My artistic vision and principles are greatly indebted to the likes of Maria Irene Fornes, Grotowski, Anton Chekhov, Haruki Murakami, cognitive neuroscience, alba emoting, meditation, pagan ritual, and the invaluable teachings of Julie, my former therapist.

Away from the stage and pen, you can often find me immersed in reading, especially literature concerning the mind-body connection or topics from No Name's Book Club. Advocacy remains close to my heart, whether it's in the form of engaging with my representatives or taking to the streets. In between you can fine me exploring the art of Tarot (I am versed in the lineage of Soul Tarot). Furthermore, I find solace in connecting with nature, often accompanied by my loyal canine companion.