Roberto Sánchez Cazar (Quito, 1971) is a Ecuadorian artist celebrated for his extensive contributions to theater, both nationally and internationally. His work spans a variety of roles, from actor and director to educator. Notably, as a playwright, he has enriched the literary landscape with his unique voice and narrative style. His dramatic works have garnered him numerous accolades, including the Aurelio Espinosa Pólit National Literature Prize in 2003. His plays, which have been staged in Ecuador, Colombia, and beyond, delve into universal human themes with an intimate understanding of the complexities of the human condition. Published in various magazines and books across Ecuador, Spain, and the United States, his plays have also found their place in Ibero-American anthologies, showcasing the global resonance of his work. Sánchez Cazar’s enduring dedication to the literary arts continues to inspire, influence, and invigorate the world of contemporary theater.
Introduction
Roberto Sánchez Cazar is a highly respected figure in the Ecuadorian theater scene, with a versatile career that spans acting, directing, writing, and teaching. He is known for his enduring commitment to the performing arts, significantly shaping the theater culture in Ecuador and beyond.
Career and Contributions
Sánchez Cazar began his journey in the performing arts in 1990, starting his training at the workshops of the Ecuadorian group Malayerba. He then made his acting debut with Espada de Madera, another Ecuadorian group. Over the years, he honed his craft at various international theater-dance workshops hosted by the International School of Theater for Latin America and the Caribbean (EITALC), as well as other workshops led by experts from Germany and France.
In 1998, alongside María Elena López, he co-founded the group Teatro Ojo de Agua. The group has performed a diverse repertoire, including Spanish and Ecuadorian poetry, puppet plays, and works from renowned playwrights like Harold Pinter, Peter Handke, Sibylle Berg, Lukas Bärfuss, Edward Albee, and Roberto Sánchez Cazar himself. Their performances have been recognized at international festivals and events in countries such as Morocco, Spain, Colombia, Belgium, Venezuela, and in numerous festivals in Ecuador.
In addition to his stage work, Sánchez Cazar has acted in radio and television series, and has written and directed productions for various Ecuadorian groups and the Fundación Teatro Nacional Sucre.
Academic Contributions
Roberto Sánchez Cazar has also contributed significantly to the academic side of theater. He has held teaching positions at the Instituto Tecnológico de Artes del Ecuador (ITAE) and at the Observatorio-Escuela de Artes Escénicas del Teatro Ojo de Agua. He has not only nurtured the next generation of Ecuadorian performers, writers, and directors, but also directed the graduation production of Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame” at ITAE.
Playwriting Career and Recognition
Parallel to his acting and directing career, Sánchez Cazar has made his mark as a playwright. He has received numerous national awards and a creation grant from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Culture. His plays have been published in various magazines and books in Ecuador, Spain, and the United States, and have been included in Ibero-American anthologies. His works have been staged not just in Ecuador, but also in Colombia and under his own direction by Ecuadorian groups and collectives.
Among his recognitions are the Aurelio Espinosa Pólit National Literature Prize in 2003, a creation grant from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Culture in 2008, and the Best Scenic Placement award at the Casablanca International Theater Festival in Morocco in 2009.
Conclusion
Roberto Sánchez Cazar is a pioneering figure in the Ecuadorian and international theater community, known for his commitment to innovation, excellence, and education in the arts. His multifaceted contributions to the performing arts have enriched the theatrical landscape, and his work continues to inspire others in the field.
Works
- Que no haya pena – Naufragios. Theater. Editorial Planeta. Noviembre 2003. Quito, Ecuador
- Variaciones para el tema del asesino. Theater. En libro 6 autores en busca de autor. Editorial Hoja de Teatro.Diciembre 2006. Quito, Ecuador
- Janlet, el héroe. Theater. En Revista Gestos. Universidad de California Irvine. Noviembre 2006. California, EEUU
- Que no haya pena. Theater. En Antología de teatro latinoamericano 1950 – 2007. Lola Proaño y Gustavo Geirola. Instituto Nacional del Teatro. Buenos Aires, Argentina.