AWARDS:
-ARTIST RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE of drama gong RAJA OEDIPUS, awarded by Indonesian Consul General, Purnomo A. Chandra, on June 2025
Tristan J. Samson is an LA-based performer born in the Philippines. His first exposure to performance was doing a musical production of Annie, and since then knew that he wanted to be a performer. He is passionate about delving into all performing art forms, believing the full utilization of the body as the main communicative vehicle to achieve that transcendental state that makes performing feel alive.
He has acting experience onscreen, in contemporary & classical theatre, and in immersive & devised theatre. He also has an extensive movement background, including classical dances such as Balinese, Javanese, Flamenco, West African, and Capoeira; and commercial dances such as contemporary, hip-hop, and ballet.
Past professional works include performing in NOW Festival 2024 at REDCAT; Augustine Machine for Center of New Performance; World Music Festivals in CalArts, UCLA, Pomona College, and Santa Monica College; Hudson Theatre during Hollywood Fringe Festival, among others…
Tristan’s artistic pursuits also extends in directing and choreography, with his recent directorial production of the drama gong Balinese/Greek fusion of the tragedy, RAJA OEDIPUS (Oedipus Rex), at the Indonesian Consulate LA during the first ever Los Angeles Gamelan Festival in summer 2025. Past works include directing Mr. Burns: Post Electric Play (UCSD) and choreography in AHC (UCSD), among others.
Tristan is a proud member of Burat Wangi, an Indonesian orchestra troupe founded by renowned maestros, Nyoman and Nanik Wenten, that promotes Balinese traditions through music, dance, and drama.
