Interview: Victor Quesada of VIVA at Teatro Nacional La Castellana

Victor Quesada, a young Colombian director, gave us a little bit of an insight on his career, dreams, and recent projects.

Tell us about your artistic journey

While getting my Political Science degree, I joined the drama club at Javeriana University. I began learning about theatre and seeing all its possibilities. Then, I moved to London, to do my masters at the University of Essex because one of my professors had studied there. As a recent graduate, they hired me to direct Other Hands by Laura Wade, which was my first experience as a working director in London. Then, I began writing and directing my own plays. I had to leave London because I made a mistake in my visa application. When I arrived, I directed a play I had written named, Anonimos. I also recieved a scholarship to study for a year in Ecuador. There I was able to direct my own script called, Suicidas. Later on, I produced a play I had also written. It was about immigration and it was called, Apesta. I believe this has been the biggest moment in my career because this play recieved a lot of attention. It was something very different; something that was rarely seen in Colombia. I then had the opportunity to collaborate with the Festival de Teatro Iberoamericano in the production of Voz. This led me to be involved with some of the biggest theatre venues in Bogotá. After these experiences, I started working a little bit more with commercial theater of Dago García Producciones. I have been directing most of their plays and since then, I haven't stopped. It has been six years of non-stop work in between the commercial plays and the independent theater that I produce with the money I earn from the commercial productions. Both, the commercial and indie plays are extremely important to me.

Does writing your own plays free you or limit you creatively?

If you look at the theater scene here in Bogotá, most of the prominent directors are writing and directing their own plays. There's something about it that limits you when you write your own scripts. I do not know what other people think about this, but at least for me when I'm writing, I am already visualizing how it would be on the stage, and that restricts the collaborative process. Some of the plays I've written have been directed by other people and it's been a cool experience. I think it is amazing.

How did your creative approach and vision change after having had the experience of being an immigrant?

Everything changed dramatically. I think it was a huge blessing to have been in London and experience being an immigrant in my own skin. It was all about realizing how to lead an adult life by being completely on my own. During my time in college, immigration was my main focus. It gave me a different perspective of the world. It opened my mind. I was able to see diversity and learn how to accept it, enjoy it, and share it. It also strengthened me and showed me my full potential. One of the things I enjoy the most is travelling, but not as a tourist. I like being able to experience the culture from within. That's why I always try to stay in each place for at least 6 months or a year. I also lived in Brazil for two years because, thanks to my play Voz, I earned a scholarship to study there. This changed my entire point of view.

What's next?

What's coming is my present. Right now, Viva, which is a play inspired by Picasso is playing in La Castellana. Me Ericé, the play with Amparo Grisales is touring the country. Also, Flavia Dos Santos is presenting El Verbo Placer in Medellín. In two weeks, we start the performances of Hay un Complot 1. Soon, we will start working on the play El Puesto. Five plays directed by me all being performed at the same time. It's insane! I'll soon start working on my indie bet of the year, Las Mujeres de Lorca, which has an amazing cast. And after that, I want to open new doors. I feel like Colombia has given me so much and I am so thankful. Now, I feel that I need to get out of a my comfort zone as an artist to continue my creative path. I am contemplating the idea of moving to New York to do my PhD at New York University because it is a school that fascinates me.

Have you ever considered directing projects for TV or film?

Yes, it is an idea that interests me. I wrote a few scripts for RCN here in Colombia and now I want to continue along that path. I am currently creating a script for a short film and I have written a few others in the past. I think this is my new calling creatively. I think when it comes to writing script for film or theater the writing itself doesn't change, only the format. You also have to think of it as details rather than feelings, because the camera tells you everything through the image. I get very excited for these kinds of challenges. I am so used to working in theatre and film brings new obstacles to face.

How is it for you as a writer to see the characters coming to life?

I believe it is one of the most fascinating things you could ever experience. It's such a great pleasure to see something you produce become a whole creative act that is presented to an audience. It is absolutely fascinating! It is such a blessing. Even if the audience reacts negatively, it is amazing to see how the artist confronts himself.

What is your biggest dream?

Undoubtedly, my biggest dream is to always remain the same. The same college graduate that writes and directs his own shows and that brings them to the biggest audiences he can. I believe I was able to do it in Colombia, and now I want to do it in New York City.