THE ELEPHANT PLAY Spotlight: Neo Cihi

Our workshop of The Elephant Play may be over (for now), but we’re not done spotlighting the creative team! Next up is Neo Cihi, a Flux Creative Partner who has acted in Operating Systems, Our Options Have Changed, and most recently, The Ether. The questions are inspired by Kelly’s beautiful play—stay tuned for updates on next steps for this gorgeous work-in-progress.

Do you have a favorite fact about elephants? If so, please share it.

Elephants are extremely intelligent and empathetic animals and have been documented to acknowledge and mourn the death of their fellow elephants. They perform “funeral”s and honor their dead sometimes returning to gravesites years later.

Who is your favorite fictional pachyderm?

Manny from the Ice Age series. Gruff but warm, just as a Wooly Mammoth should be.

Did you ever met an elephant in real life? If so, what was it like?

I have had the honor of interacting with Asian elephants during a visit to Bali. Their large but gentle stature was truly unworldly up close. The dexterity which they maneuvered their trunk tips, almost like human fingers. Their heavy breaths radiate, and their eyes look right into yours. As a child it was magical, as an adult, I wonder about their fair treatment.

Elephants are fabled to never forget. What’s your memory like these days?

After the memory fog of the pandemic, I have dedicated to capturing One Second Everyday through photos or videos, to help create a more sustainable sense of time and long memory. Ive found it to be quite helpful! Though time still seems to move faster and faster I am more likely to accurately recall what “two weeks ago” was like – but without the visual cue, I’d be lost…

Have you ever felt separated from your herd?

From what felt like a childhood of loneliness and other-ness, in my post graduate adult life I finally feel connected to my very first herd with Flux.

Do you have anything coming up that you want us to shout out on social?

If you have interest in TTRPGs – Check out Tiny Table! A podcast dedicated to exploring, reviewing, and interviewing the vast world of TTRPGs beyond D&D 5e. Find the system thats right for Your table!

How can people follow your work?

IG @neoasneo

Neo Cihi (They/Him) is a Tokyo born and NYC based Nonbinary Voice Actor and Creative Partner with Flux Theatre Ensemble. Their credits include Operating Systems (Flux Theatre Ensemble), Mr.Transman (Trans Lab), Interabang (Loading Dock), and The Straights (JACK). Audiobooks: The First Sister Trilogy, Out of the Blue, Hollow Star Saga, Mana Mirror Series, Spellbound and more! Also known as the American Dub actor for Hau in Pokemon: Sun and Moon.