Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Grand Army’s Marcela Avelina

Marcela Avelina is one to watch in 2020, whether that be on the screen or in the studio. This year, the multifaceted artist made her television debut in Netflix’s Grand Army and released her first single, “Took Me Out.”

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with this rising star about those huge milestones.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Marcela: I’m not sure if there was a specific moment when I discovered it; it’s just always been what I wanted to do.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Marcela: Katie Cappiello has inspired me so much. I’ve learned so much about executing a vision and the dedication that takes from her. I’ve also been playing with a band for five years now with Evan Lawrence, Jaylen Petinaud, and Loughlan Mclean. I’ve been doing a lot of live music in New York City and to grow with them has been so inspiring. They’re brilliant musicians and I’ve learned so much from playing with them.

Grand Army

PC: Tell us about ​Grand Army,​ your character, and what drew you to this project.
Marcela: Grand Army follows the stories of five students that all attend the same high school in Brooklyn facing different issues like racism, struggles with sexuality, and sexual assault.

I play Flora, a senior at Grand Army High School. She’s super ambitious and powerfully vulnerable. I went to high school in New York City, and Katie Cappiello has created a show that so accurately depicts what it’s like to grow up here. New York City youth is beautifully vibrant. I love my city.

PC: The series is based off of Katie Cappiello’s play, ​Slut​, which you also starred in. What has the transition been like bringing this project from the stage to screen and being a part of both productions?
Marcela: It’s been surreal. I feel so grateful to have been a part of Katie’s creations for so long. Katie’s approach to writing about NYC youth is so attentive and loving.

PC: You star as Flora, a new character being introduced into the series. What should fans know about her?
Marcela: People should know that she is intelligent and curious. Flora expects the answers she knows she deserves and is able to assert herself with empathy, which isn’t easy.

PC: This is your television debut. Did that bring any pressure to the project? What was the biggest takeaway?
Marcela: I really wanted to honor Flora and girls in her position. I wanted to honor the nuances of Flora and Sid’s relationship; love is not black and white. I wanted to be an active part of such a beautiful script and do it justice. My biggest takeaway is gratitude. I truly love my cast, and being a part of the Grand Army family is amazing.

PC: With the series out now, what do you hope audiences take away?
Marcela: I hope that people that haven’t seen themselves represented on screen are seeing themselves in Grand Army. I hope that the show sparks a more open dialogue between adults and high school students. People of all ages experience racism, homophobia, and sexism. These issues are not exclusive to whom people want to believe experience them for their own soothing.

PC: Your new single is out! Tell us about “Took Me Out” and the inspiration behind the song.
Marcela: “Took Me Out” is the first single off of an upcoming album that I’ve been working on. It’s a song about reflection, resignation, and loss, and about experiencing those feelings then coming to terms with them because that’s just what has to happen.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Marcela: Jersey Shore.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Marcela: Burlesque, but I don’t actually harbor any guilt about that. Cher running a burlesque club is legendary.

PC: Favorite book?
Marcela: All About Love by Bell Hooks.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Marcela: Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Marcela: Maybe Rod Stewart.

To keep up with Marcela, follow her on Instagram. Binge-watch Season 1 of Grand Army on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Beatice Helman // Make-Up: Laura Costa // Stylist: Onea Clare