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| Nick Ortega |
You’ve seen the images, our poster and our art card. We have been blogging about it for weeks … Have you heard?! Luis Alfaro’s Oedipus el Rey opens on May 4 at the Milagro Theatre. Transporting the classic tale from ancient Greece to the urban concrete streets of East L.A., Oedipus el Rey has an all-star cast and crew and features, in the title role of Oedipus, a young actor from California’s Central Valley. Leaving it all behind in Los Angeles for the chance to work with Elizabeth Huffman and Miracle, Nicholas Ortega joins the illustrious cast of this production and makes his Miracle debut.
Originally from Fresno, California, and a graduate of the University of California-Los Angeles where he received a BA in Theatre Film and Television, Nick has been arduously preparing for the role since he got into town with fellow cast-mate Marco Garcia Ballaré. Both actors drove up late last month along with Nick’s faithful dog. This is Nick’s first time in the Pacific Northwest, so when he’s not working on lines with fellow cast-mates or researching for his role, he has also been enjoying spending time with them snowboarding and hiking.
The Miracle Insider is once again pleased to bring you an exclusive interview to get to know a little more about Nick before you come see to the play critics have been raving about, Luis Alfaro’s Oedipus el Rey.
How did you hear about and get cast in this role?
I had previously worked with Elizabeth Huffman and she contacted me to audition for the role last July. I didn’t know that the beautiful intimidating woman that was reading the role of Jocasta at the audition was going to actually play the role of Jocasta and that she was the Artistic Director for the Miracle MainStage. When I got the role I was genuinely elated. Anytime you book a gig, let alone a lead role, you get this feeling that is truly beyond measure. That feeling soon turned into a mix of emotions when I realized I would have to leave my home, family, loved ones and friends for over two months. But oh the “craft” of it and how we are slaves … I had to do it!
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| Nick Ortega, photo by Russell J. Young |
The chance to portray someone so theatrically dynamic that not only comes from a place of truth, but a truth that I am very familiar with. Growing up in the central valley; knowing people that know no other lifestyle other that of barrio, the prison system and the familia … It’s a challenge that I can only hope to do justice to.
When did you discover the theatre?
As a child I was always drawn to performing although I didn’t have a venue. I always wanted to be a part of it, so I kept that in my dreams. As I grew older I forgot … It wasn’t until I found myself pursuing a degree for another career that I remembered. I ended up leaving behind the safe path I had begun to pave for what seemed like a whim. That whim turned into UCLA and the catalyst for the life I am living now.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The fear, the excitement, the discovery.
How are you getting ready for this play?
I have been reaching out to those close to me who are familiar with the dynamics of prison life, the life in the barrio and the culture. I changed my exercise regime to resemble the exercise routines that might be allowed in a prison. I have done research on the area where the play is set, the Pico Union district including looking at the area historically and researching traditions. As a cast, we look forward to the rare opportunity to hang out outside of the theatre to talk shop. Whether about all Latino communities, the ones we were raised in or the relatively fictional one we are portraying. Spending personal time; snowboarding, hiking, tai chi, eating and drinking creating a trust and chemistry.
Tell us about your character.
My character is more of a young lone wolf. He wants and needs respect and attention but hasn’t quite earned it yet. Elizabeth has made this very clear in our rehearsal process. She has helped create a world during that will translate to the onstage performance.
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