ONE FOR ALL SOLO SERIES
What’s in a Name
A Multimedia Solo Story
Written and performed by Lady Zen
Directed by Jon Tracy
With this solo performance fused with film and song, enter the world – and mind – of an extraordinary performing artist, Lady Zen, in this unique film/play as they piece together the puzzle of their life. And what a life it is: beginning with an unwed, teenage mother who struggled in poverty, leading to an early childhood in a Brazilian orphanage, leaving that for the home of a missionary couple in Arkansas and progressing to the international stage where they tell their story to sellout crowds through song and poetry. It’s a heart rending story that touches on issues of transgender and gay bias, adoption, addiction, suicide, and what it means to belong.

Alzenira Santos Amaral de Quezada, also known as (Mr.) Lady Zen, is a Brazilian born vocalist, poet, actor and composer. A scholarly mind that coined the genre of Lyric Fusion Poetry. Known internationally for their captivating performances, they are a powerhouse mezzo-soprano who masterfully delivers in the genres of soul, gospel, jazz and blues – a showman in every sense of the word.
Like many artists who grew up in the south, Lady Zen got their start in church, performing in the revival circuit. They were awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in Opera Performance from the University of Arkansas. … Evergreen… In 2014 they received their MFA in Creative Writing and were recognized with a Community Service/Social Justice award from the University of Southern Maine. Their literary work has been published in About Place Journal, Measure for Measure: An Anthology of Poetic Meters, and Feckless Cunt: A New Feminist Anthology.
Lady Zen has made notable appearances with TEDx Dirigo, TEDx San Miguel de Allende, and the San Miguel Writers Conference. They have shared the stage with Glenn Close & David Shaw at the 2012 Maine Center for Creativity Awards Gala. In 2014 they were included in the DapperQ Magazine List of 100 Most Stylish DapperQ’s. In addition to a live performance of original work, selections from their photo project Queer Myths were showcased at the 2013 Butch Voices Conference. They had the honor of composing works for Black Women’s Blueprint for a ceremony honoring the founders of Black Lives Matter in 2015.
Lady Zen has been commissioned to create original compositions by The Holocaust Museum in DC, Art Not Hate, The Institute for Civic Leadership, Creative Portland, and the Maine Chapter of the NAACP. In 2019, they ventured into the realm of podcasting with the release of the audio drama, Flies in the Jar. In collaboration with the former TheatreFirst in San Francisco, Lady Zen wrote and performed in their first autobiographical short film What’s in a Name, directed by Jon Tracy. The film has won 30+ awards since its debut on the festival circuit in 2021.
Most recently, they composed original music and performed as the Player King in a production of Hamlet with Marin Shakespeare Company in July 2023. They will be returning to the stage with Marin Shakes in 2024, with a production of …
Beyond the spotlight, Lady Zen dedicates time to meaningful causes, volunteering for organizations focused on trans and queer youth, women, orphans, community, arts, and social justice causes.
Lady Zen currently resides in San Miguel de Allende, where they perform often, also making regular appearances at Parker & Lenox in Mexico City and Incanto in Puerto Vallarta. They live with their partner and their four cats, spending their downtime gardening, decorating their home, and practicing meditation.