Oscar Ortiz: “Syncretism is the foundation of equilibrium”

He is the man behind the adventures of “Johnny Tenorio” in Toronto. In the middle of rehearsals for the plays premiere in Canada, its director, Oscar Ortiz, takes a break and shares his thoughts about Latin-American Theatre in Toronto.

“It is being rejuvenated. You can see this in the growing variety of consolidated theatrical associations. I think its important also to look back 20 years and appreciate the efforts of artists and creators who began their artistic careers in their home countries and matured professionally in Canada. They are those ones who best thrive in Toronto’s theatre scene”, he declares.

Oscars theatrical vision has been realized in the group Doubledouble Performing Arts, who will be bringing Johnny Tenorio’s tragic journey to life.

“Our objective is to show the creativity of the Latin communities, and promote art and culture in a professional way. We are always looking for innovative alternatives in theatre, strengthening the communication between the different Canadian communities.”

Oscar believes it is essential that the representative arts stay alive during the migratory process of different cultures, so syncretism can develop: “the connection with the indigenous communities of the continent is the foundation that maintains equilibrium in our age.”

That is why he highlights the significance of the work of Carlos Morton and its connection to the Canadian audience: “It can help us understand the development process of the Chicano (Mexican- American) community or the Latin communities in Canada. Carlos is a visionary and through his work he clarifies the identity phenomenon”
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On October 29th, ”Johnny Tenorio” will make its debut on Canadian soil at exactly at 8.00 pm, on stage at the Arts and Letters Club. Oscar has great expectations for the occasion:

“The 20th Images and Words Festival will be a magnificent encounter with the audience, the visual art scene, and the artists and creators of our America. We also want to promote the vision of ‘Doubledouble Performing Arts’ and its crew of some of the most talented actors and actresses of Latin-American theatre in Canada”.