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A director, writer, and creative producer working at the intersection of film, opera, and immersive theater. Rooted in East Los Angeles, her work explores themes of identity, memory, and mental health through a deeply personal and culturally grounded lens. A passionate advocate for accessible storytelling, Cadenas champions projects that amplify untold stories and bridge art with community.

 

Highlighted recent work includes having directed and associate-directed acclaimed productions for Long Beach Opera, including “Bye Bye Butterfly,” “The Feast,” and “Romance of the Rose,” which was a New York Times and LA Times Critics’ Pick. Her original theatrical work “La Sandunga,” an immersive exploration of Mexican rituals surrounding death, was featured at Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s Día de los Muertos celebration. In partnership with the City of Commerce, Cadenas also produced and directed “Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera: A Love Story,” bringing community-centered theater to public spaces.

 

Current work includes Cadenas’ original short film “Mad Girl’s Love Song,” which has received generous support from the California Arts Council, Eastside Arts Initiative, and Port of Long Beach, and is set for release in 2026. In 2025, Cadenas was announced as a finalist for the Juilliard Schools' Marcus Directing Fellowship and will be in residency at the institution studying in Spring 2026. She is also the founder of EastLACreative, a nonprofit arts organization committed to fostering representation and accessibility in historically underserved communities.