Hometown: San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Education: Some here, some there. And a lot of worn out shoes.
Select Credits: Carmen Ghia (Producers), Sir Robin (Spamalot), Marcus Lycus (Forum).
Tell us about TEMPO: TEMPO is the result of the collaboration between the US, Argentina and Spain. This video dance piece reflects on the time we miss while in the present. It speaks of expectations and the anxiety that these conjure using contemporary dance and poetry as its language. It’s now being showcased in various film festivals in Madrid to great reviews.
What is it like being a part of TEMPO?: It has been the most collaborative experience I’ve been a part of. It’s so fueling to be able to establish a dialogue with other artists and get your work infused by their visions of the world. The challenge is to put egos aside to be able to hear strong, inspired conviction and follow it wholeheartedly.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: COMEDY. Smart, specific, truthful COMEDY. And what if we add a simple, catchy tune? Did you say brass band? How about some flashy footwork with a little partner dancing? I’m in HEAVEN. Don’t forget about the “button”.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: The Emcee in Cabaret. I cannot wait to be bright and dark at the same time. To have the power and the means to draw and audience in and then slap them in the hand for doing so.
What’s your favorite showtune?: “All That Jazz”. Kander and Ebb will always have my vote. I have every version in my phone.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: David Hyde Pierce and Chita Rivera. That's the kind of performer I would love to learn from.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: It would have to be me. I don’t want anyone trying to do my accent. We’ll workshop the title but I’m thinking “Iñaki with an Ñ”.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: My cousin asked me what should my 4 year old niece’s first Broadway show be and I said "Matilda". I think those kids would inspire her and maybe she’ll catch the bug.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: I just checked. It’s "Buenos Aires" from the revival of Evita by the amazing Elena Roger. The orchestration for the dance break gives me life and can take me out of any kind of funk.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Faux Retail Therapy. I walk to Target and pick up stuff. I walk around with it for a while and then I put it back. I might settle for a pair of $10 sun glasses or a $5 DVD
What’s up next?: I’m working on an original project directed by Tatiana Pandiani, a fellow Argentine who is being mentored by Anne Bogart. It’s a big collaboration combining all elements of theatre to tell a year in a newlywed couple's life during Argentina’s big depression during 1989.
For more on promising rising performer Iñaki Agustín's, visit TEMPO (Press CC for ENGLISH subtitles)
