Hometown: Mexico City
Education: University of Houston
Favorite Credits: Anything by Mando Alvarado that I was lucky enough to act in. And my podcast about theatre Off and On: A New York Theatre Podcast.
Why theater?: I ask myself this question every single day. Probably alcohol, and poor life choices...oh and because theatre is still the most intimate way to connect with an audience.
Tell us about The Redhead is Coming: The Redhead is Coming is a romantic comedy about people from different cultures trying to make it work. Vera (Jewish) and Lucas (Mexican) are about to get married so they decide to have a threesome as one last hurrah. When things don't go as planned they are forced to deal with all of the unspoken issues that build up in relationships.
What inspired you to write The Redhead is Coming?: I was thinking about proposing to my now fiancé. I kept thinking about all of the things I refused to face in my own life and all of the issues I was too scared to take on in my own relationship and started writing. I kept thinking about the honesty in comedy and how we never really go there in our real lives. I wanted to write a play that allowed two people in a relationship to say the things that most of us are too scared to say to one another. Plus when you can't afford therapy, writing plays works too!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theatre that is diverse and immediate. Theatre that is desperate for a new audience. I care about personal stories. I care about comedy. I care about plays written by minorities not about being minorities. I want people of color to be allowed to be funny. Benjamin Kamine, Jorge Cordova, Flora Diaz, Kathleen Littlefield, Jolly Abraham, Felipe Bonilla, Mando Alvardo, Daniel Talbott, Sam Soule, Danielle Slavick, Emma Ramos, JJ Perez, Ed Cardona Jr., Jose Rivera, Inviolet Theater, Rattlestick, Rising Phoenix Rep, Marcus Gardley, Bixby Elliot, Sean Daniels, Felix Solis, Liza Fernandez, Megan Hart, Kristoffer Diaz, Raul Castillo, Florencia Lozano, Caridad Svich, Fernanda Coppel, Tanya Saracho, Audrey Esparza, Jerry Ruiz, Lou Moreno, Judy Bowman, Jack Doulin and so many more people who deserves so much more than this career gives them.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Sam Soule as an actor. The fact that she isn't a household name is proof that we have to restructure this entire industry. Fernanda Coppel as a playwright. She is a comedic genius. Oh and I want to work with all the people of color who keep at it in this crazy business, they are all heroes.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Every single play done at INTAR under the leadership of Lou Moreno. This theatre deserves so much more attention than it gets. This is where the future of American theatre is happening.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I wish the answer was Jorge Cordova, cause he's a comedic genius and the MOST UNDERRATED ACTOR IN NEW YORK, but it would probably be Emma Stone, she plays all the races now!
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Waiting for Lefty as the audience rioted.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: “Cool Runnings”. It's a perfect film.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: A teacher.
What’s up next?: My play The Judgment of Fools is getting another run. Cannot announce details yet, but stay tuned! The Redhead is Coming is playing as part of F*ckfest at the Brick Theatre. Four performances only. June 13 @1pm, June 16th @9pm, June 27th @ 8:30pm, June 30th @9pm. Buy Tickets at bricktheater.com