Perfume para entes o veneno pa' la gente
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Carlos Manuel Rivera
September 27, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Writer and Performer..
Do you consider yourself a writer who also performs, an actor who also writes, or something else?
I consider myself both, a writer and a performer. I started being an actor when was teenager. Then, I began to write poetry, monologues, and drama. In addition, I studied literature and drama in college for a while. I got a master and Ph D in Hispanic Literature. This has brought me techniques and a vast knowledge of Hispanic culture allowing me to improve and to experience the writing and the performance. In the last 20 years, I love to perform my own writing. I think that I am the only person that put into practices my own ideas on stage.
Why is this piece a solo play (rather than a multi-actor play)?
Because I wrote the piece for a solo performer, thinking to do it by myself. The only conceived character is who makes the piece possible on stage.
Has this show been presented in other cities before New York? Was there a place where the response to this piece surprised you, and why?
This show has been presented in other cities as Mexico City and San Juan, Puerto Rico for Spanish speaker audience. The piece surprised me in Mexico City. The surprise comes from some images that stay portrayed in the mind of the spectators. Still, some people from Mexico and Puerto Rico remember images of the piece and when they see me the first comment that comes from theirs mind were texts of the performance.
Which famous solo performer has been most inspirational to you: Spalding Gray, John Leguizamo, Lily Tomlin, or Whoopi Goldberg?
The most famous solo performer, which has been inspirational for me, is Spalding Gray. Still, I see his clips, performances. He was great, a genius, and a brilliant talented artist. His topics, his irony, and his humor bring to you an imaginary to continue to expand your mind in the creation of solo performances.
How important is diversity to you in the theater you see/make?
The diversity is not important, is necessary. I am the diversity because I am Puerto Rican. I wrote the piece in Spanish and it will be performed in this language. I think that the Spanish language diversity and the Spanish speaker in US are very valuable. We have to engage and to attract Hispanic people to see performance in their language. Thanks to United Solo for gave me the opportunity to bring the Hispanic diversity into the Festival.
