Sally Hilton Perez
Sally Hilton Perez is our next Talent Development artist. She began her artistic journey with Sheba Arts in 2018 as a performer and since has received a few commissions and taken part in creative workshops and events. Last year she received a commission to research and develop a new piece inspired by Guatemalan folktales and her life story. We will support Sally to produce La Nagualita in 2023.
Born in Guatemala, I was raised in the village of San Marcos to a close-knit Indigenous Mayan family, on the slopes of the Tajumulco volcano. My upbringing has heavily influenced my creativity and performances, which often pay tribute to my Indigenous culture.
I lived in Guatemala City where I studied for a Bachelor Degree in Business Computing, and worked as a waitress.
During this stage in my life, I began to live my authentic gender identity and became an activist for transgender rights and recognition in the country. This opened myself up to the discrimination and persecution experienced by the transgender community in Guatemala.
In 2017, I was targeted by gang members, seeking to traffic me and attempted to kill me in the streets of Guatemala City when I refused to comply with their demands. Fortunately, I survived the attack, and was able to flee to the UK, where I have since lived in Manchester.
Since coming to Manchester, I have been performing and I joined Sheba Arts in 2018. I was the lead performer in a Dance Away The Spiders, prpdued by Sheba Arts and performed at HOME as part of Refugee Festival. 2019. I set up my own creative group, Ixcanul Arts, which promotes my Mayan identity, Guatemalan culture and merge this with my transgender activism.
I lived in Guatemala City where I studied for a Bachelor Degree in Business Computing, and worked as a waitress.
During this stage in my life, I began to live my authentic gender identity and became an activist for transgender rights and recognition in the country. This opened myself up to the discrimination and persecution experienced by the transgender community in Guatemala.
In 2017, I was targeted by gang members, seeking to traffic me and attempted to kill me in the streets of Guatemala City when I refused to comply with their demands. Fortunately, I survived the attack, and was able to flee to the UK, where I have since lived in Manchester.
Since coming to Manchester, I have been performing and I joined Sheba Arts in 2018. I was the lead performer in a Dance Away The Spiders, prpdued by Sheba Arts and performed at HOME as part of Refugee Festival. 2019. I set up my own creative group, Ixcanul Arts, which promotes my Mayan identity, Guatemalan culture and merge this with my transgender activism.
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