PRODUCTION TEAM AND ART DEPARTMENT OF I AM FRIDA KAHLO
BEATRIZ EUGENIA VÁSQUEZ (Choreographer)
Beatriz Eugenia Vásquez, a consummate artist and luminary in the realm of dance, choreography, coaching, and instruction, meticulously crafted a uniquely surreal ambiance through her choreographed dances, a product of her assiduous research on Frida Kahlo and an astute interpretation of the script. With profound expertise, Beatriz deftly encapsulated Frida's spectrum of emotions – agony, love, heartbreak, happiness, and passion for life – infusing the performance with a neo-surrealist essence.
Collaborating seamlessly with the director and writer, Beatriz transcended the confines of the written narrative, transporting the audience into a dreamlike, ethereal, and fantastical realm. In this fantastical space, even the departed entities emanate their own luminosity.
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Beatriz is a multifaceted artist who honed her skills at The Joffrey Ballet School in New York under the tutelage of world-renowned teachers and coaches. Notably, she stands as the visionary behind the acclaimed production "Bewitched Writing" (2019), a dance that pays homage to the life of Nobel Prize-winning Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez, earning recognition from The International GVII Award and The Excellence Award by Festival De La Calle 8 in Los Angeles. Her artistic journey includes an alumni status at the prestigious Directors Lab West in 2016.
Beatriz's artistic endeavors extend beyond the realm of dance and choreography, encompassing collaborations with vocal recording and visual artists. She has graced renowned venues, touring and performing with the esteemed Tap Choreographer and Dancer Chester Whitmore at the Musical International Museum in Arizona, The Ford Theatre, and the Los Angeles Metro. Her artistic footprint resonates with a harmonious fusion of creativity, skill, and profound cultural resonance.
Instagram: @beatrizenina
JOSÉ EMANUEL GARCÍA (Costume Designer)
José Emanuel García, a luminary in the realm of costume design and wardrobe styling for film and theater, exhibited his exceptional prowess by recreating Frida Kahlo's iconic ensembles with unparalleled artistry, elevating haute couture to unprecedented heights. In a spectacular display of creativity, José meticulously crafted outfits for all the characters, imbuing each garment with a distinct personality that seamlessly intertwined with the narrative, introducing an amalgamation of Vegas and Broadway styles to his designs.
Renowned for his exceptional contributions, José Emanuel serves as a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Stylist, boasting an impressive portfolio that includes prestigious projects such as Dancing with the Stars, Lente Católico, and the film They Call Us Sediciosos. His unparalleled designs have garnered accolades, earning him recognition at the LATTC 2018 Fall Gold Thimble Awards in both the Theme and Bathing Suit categories, as well as the 2019 Spring Symposium in the Fantasy category. In essence, José's artistic ingenuity transcends conventional boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of costume design.
Instagram: @designerjoseemanuel
OTTO CIFUENTES (Musical Arrangement, Composer)
The distinguished Otto Cifuentes, endowed with exceptional musical acumen, not only crafted the main theme of I Am Frida Kahlo but also orchestrated the musical arrangements, showcasing his unparalleled talent. A graduate with honors from the Conservatorio Nacional de Música in Guatemala City, Otto further honed his skills at the Escuela Militar de Música, earning the esteemed title of Solo Trumpeter.
With a rich history in the artistic domain, Otto Cifuentes has forged collaborations, composed music, and orchestrated musical arrangements for a cadre of internationally renowned artists. His accolades include a longstanding membership in the esteemed international musical ensemble, California Show, spanning over 14 years. Otto's multifaceted contributions extend beyond performances to encompass radio and television programs, demonstrating the breadth of his musical prowess. Additionally, he has lent his expertise to recording and composing melodies for various artists, further solidifying his position as a luminary in the realm of musical composition.
AGUSTÍN EQUIHUA ORTIZ (Visual Artist/Makeup Artist Designer)
Agustín, a seasoned visual artist with a three-decade-long commitment to his craft, meticulously crafted the actors' makeup, drawing inspiration from the cultural tapestry of the Day of the Dead festival. Each distinctive design, an embodiment of artistic ingenuity, was tailored to reflect the temperament and hierarchical nuances of the characters, revealing Agustín's keen understanding of the intricate interplay between visual aesthetics and character portrayal.
Moreover, Agustín embarked on the meticulous task of recreating an exact replica of the dual hearts depicted in the iconic painting "The Two Fridas." This meticulous reproduction found its place within one of the meticulously curated outfits worn by the actress portraying Frida Kahlo, a testament to Agustín's artistic precision and dedication to capturing the essence of Frida's iconic imagery.
Agustín's artistic journey spans the realms of painting and printmaking, where he seamlessly blends culturally rooted imagery with contemporary artistic practices. With an academic background that includes studies in Art at CSULA and the Art Center College of Design in the mid-nineties, Agustín has showcased his evocative artwork in prestigious exhibitions across the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Notably, his current exhibitions include spaces at The Cheech Museum and The Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties in Riverside, California.
Instagram: @eastside.press
INOE VARGAS (Visual Artist/Aztec Feathered Headdress Design)
Inoe Vargas, an esteemed luminary within the realm of visual arts, brings his exceptional artistic prowess to the fore in the creation of Aztec Headdresses. These intricate headdresses, adorned with exotic feathers meticulously sourced from cruelty-free environments, imbue the performance with a contemporary pre-Hispanic opulence.
Hailing from Playa Azul, Mexico, Inoe Vargas stands as a versatile artist, seamlessly navigating the realms of sculpting, painting, and costume design. His illustrious career includes an eight-year tenure as a prop maker for the Walt Disney Company, where he contributed to the creation of captivating displays for shows and parades. Presently, he lends his artistic finesse to C.J. Matsumoto & Sons, Inc., crafting props that grace the grandeur of Hollywood's most esteemed events, including movie premieres, The Oscars, The Grammys, and The Emmys. In addition to these remarkable contributions, Inoe has played a pivotal role in the staging of notable theatrical productions, such as the Lion King and the Pantages rendition of Beauty and the Beast.
Instagram: @iaminoe
ARMANDO RUBIO (Production Stage Manager)
Armando Rubio, an eminent figure in the realm of performing arts, assumes the role of Director at Rubio’s Studio—an esteemed acting and modeling company catering to the Hispanic community. His academic foundation is rooted in a degree in Dramatic Arts Education, obtained from C.A.D.E.E.E in Morelos, Mexico. Rubio has emerged as a prominent talent in the Latin entertainment landscape, showcasing his versatility in a plethora of domains such as fashion shows, theater plays, talent conventions, beauty pageants, commercials, and movies.
As an actor, director, and producer, Rubio's multifaceted expertise extends seamlessly from the limelight of performances to the intricacies of behind-the-scenes operations. Commencing his career as an actor, he graced the stage with musicals, featured in diverse TV commercials, television series, plays, and cinematic productions. Evolving with remarkable acumen, Rubio has successfully transitioned into the realms of production and direction, exemplifying a comprehensive and accomplished presence in the artistic domain.
Instagram: @rubiosstudios