Interview with Nikki Calonge of New York‘s "Life of Pi"

From Manila to Broadway: A Journey Into Puppetry and Performance

Nikki Calonge is one of three puppeteers that bring the Royal Bengal Tiger named Richard Parker come to life. Photos by Rebecca J Michelson.

Nikki Calonge, a Filipino American performer, never imagined she would find herself on a Broadway stage—let alone as a puppeteer in Life of Pi. Growing up in Virginia and later moving to Brooklyn, Calonge’s artistic journey has been anything but conventional. With a background in movement and devised theater, she embraced puppetry as a new medium of storytelling, bringing the breathtaking animals of Life of Pi to life in the critically acclaimed production.

In this interview, she shares how she found her way into the world of puppetry, the challenges of working in such a physically demanding role, and what it means to be an AAPI artist on Broadway today. Watch the full conversation below to hear more about her inspiring journey.

Nikki Calonge shows how embracing new artistic paths and pushing creative boundaries can lead to incredible opportunities. Her work in Life of Pi highlights her talent and the growing presence of AAPI artists on Broadway. We appreciate her time and insights and look forward to seeing what she does next!