Writer-director-performer Emmanuel Pichardo Caballero brings Waiting for Julieta to the Voila! Festival this month.
“For years, I’ve been waiting for the moment when I could play Juliet Capulet in William Shakespeare’s tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, but I was born a man in a shitty and sexist country… Finally, the wait is over; today, I am her.
Waiting for Julieta is based on this Shakespearean classic with the main purpose of deconstructing this story, to revisit it with a contemporary critical look.
This adaptation is situated in the Mexican Northeast, “la mera frontera”, where we talk about the failed love stories in our own lives, the toxic love and the romantic stumbles in relationships.
Our play is a contemporary piece happening in a ‘carne asada’; a Mexican party with tacos and tequila, where we mix hints of cabaret, performance, theatre of objects, and Mexican pop culture.”
Where: Barons Court Theatre
When: 9-11 Nov
Ticket link: https://www.voilafestival.co.uk/events/waiting-for-julieta-3/
Tell me a bit about your show. Where did the idea come from?
On one side, I’ve always wanted to play Julieta but, being born in Mexico, it seemed impossible and, on the other hand, a self-examination after a few failed relationships trying to replicate the so called romantic love made me realize that Romeo and Juliet is not a love story, as we have learned.
Why should audiences choose your show? How would you sell it in one sentence?
They’re going to have a good time, we can reflect together on love, heartbreak and romantic stumbles during a Mexican Shakespearean party.
What does being part of the Voila! Festival mean to you?
It’s a unique experience, as it is a festival that bets for cultural exchange and diversity, creating space for different proposals from around the world.
How did you make a start in the industry?
I graduated from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and ten years ago I crossed paths with the Compañía Gorguz Teatro in Monterrey, one of the most important theatre companies from the north of Mexico, with which I’ve worked for ever since as an actor and producer.
What’s next for the show?
We’d like to tour to even more places in Mexico, to take the show to South America, and we’d like to take part in Shakespeare festivals around the globe.