Netta Toledano is a multi-talented artist whose work spans music, theater, and performance. Born in Israel, her life has been a tapestry woven across four continents, deeply influencing her original and socially conscious artistic voice. She is fluent in Hebrew, English, French, and Italian, and her diverse experiences have shaped her into an artist who effortlessly blends disciplines to explore complex social themes.
A Global Upbringing and Defining Experiences
Toledano’s formative years were marked by significant international exposure. Her childhood was spent in Guinea, West Africa, followed by years in Maryland before she returned to Israel at age 16. This early multicultural environment laid the foundation for her global perspective. After high school, she took part in a year-long leadership program, which included intensive studies in philosophy and politics, as well as physical challenges like a desert survival week.
A pivotal experience in her life was her service in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat paramedic. In this role, she provided emergency medical care to civilians and refugees, an experience that undoubtedly informed her compassionate and socially aware artistry. Following her service, she embarked on a two-year journey through Asia and New Zealand, where she began to write songs and develop her unique artistic voice. During this time, she also worked as a muralist and deco artist.
It was during a visit to the Ivory Coast that a life-changing moment occurred. While performing on the radio station Alpha Blondie FM, the host urged her to take music seriously, calling her a “real musician.” This affirmation was a turning point, solidifying her identity as an artist. Later, she moved to Rome, where she continued to hone her craft by busking, performing at open mics, and writing songs. Her mural work led to a commission in Sicily, further expanding her artistic reach.
Formal Education and Artistic Development
Toledano’s commitment to her craft led her to formal education at Tel Aviv University, where she majored in English Literature and minored in Theater. Simultaneously, she attended the Rimon School of Music, a premier contemporary music school in Israel. At Rimon, she specialized in songwriting and musical theater, studying under prominent Israeli artists. Her talent was quickly recognized when her original spoken-word/rap piece earned her the rare honor of performing at the school’s graduation ceremony.
Her academic career also included a study abroad program at Venice International University. Here, she was commissioned to create, direct, and perform in an original allegorical musical film about the history of Venice through the lens of climate change and over-tourism. This self-produced project, with an original cast and score, became a centerpiece of the academic program, showcasing her ability to lead and execute complex, socially relevant creative projects.
Professional Work and Vision
Upon returning to Israel, Toledano co-wrote, composed, and directed #Purimusical2021, a virtual musical that re-imagined the biblical story of Purim. It was distributed as a COVID-safe cultural program and purchased by over a dozen schools in Israel. This musical offered a critical yet educational perspective on themes of power, gender, and violence within the traditional narrative.
After completing her degrees, she moved to New York City to attend the Professional Conservatory at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Since graduating, she has been a prolific presence in the New York theater scene, starring in productions like A Sketch of New York and If You Can Make It Here. She also self-produced and starred in a site-specific production of Antigone in New York by Janusz Głowacki. Staged as a benefit performance for the Broadway Community shelter, the sold-out run was creatively held in a 100-year-old Brooklyn building, a choice that blended the set with the story’s atmosphere.
Her most ambitious project to date is her original one-woman musical, Ivy and the Poison. Written, composed, and performed by Toledano, the show is presented as an emo-punk concert. The piece is inspired by Hedwig and the Angry Inch and tells the story of a frontwoman navigating a relationship with a sociopath, using the Allegory of the Cave as a structural and metaphorical device. The show has been performed in Tel Aviv, Brooklyn, Harlem, and Manhattan and is currently in development for a larger expansion.
Neta Toledano’s work is a testament to her unique combination of multilingualism, extensive training, and international experience. She consistently generates original, socially relevant projects across multiple disciplines. With a proven track record of self-producing and leading creative ventures, she embodies a rare and powerful artistic vision, celebrated for its originality and leadership.
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