"Rise above, just like Guapa." - An interview with actor Tristan Nieto

As Guapa nears its opening night, marketing assistant Stefanus Gunawan recently chatted with actor Tristan Nieto who is making his Milagro debut.  We’re elated to have Tristan in our cast, and discover more about him.

Thanks for taking your time to chat with us.  Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm a senior at Reed College completing my Bachelor's thesis on the sex/gender politics of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and this year was my first experience directing my own production of the show.  My degree is in Literature and Theatre, so it lends itself well to the combination of film and performance.

I've been acting since I was about 12.  I've done more than a dozen shows since then and had the privilege to get some excellent training at the California Institute of the Arts' summer program when I was a sophomore in high school.  My hometown is down in San Pedro, CA, right on the Port of Los Angeles.  Moving up to Portland for school was a fantastic change of scenery, even though most Californians complain about the cold.  Everyone's much friendlier up here.

Tell us your history, inspiration and motivation to pursue acting and performing?

This is the first time I've ever been offered a stipend for performances.  Before this I've always performed for free.  It's an exciting change for me; I feel like I can actually claim acting as my profession.  When I was in 8th grade, a schoolmate of mine’s father happened to be a big time actor in LA, and at that time his wife was directing a show I was in.  They told my parents I had some real talent and if they'd ever considered connecting me with an agent.  My folks were not stage parents by any means—for which I'm thankful—, but they encouraged me to keep acting.  There was a time between high school and college where I swore I'd never perform again due to a traumatic experience while acting in a show with an ex, but lo and behold I ended up back on the stage within a year or two.

How has your experience been like since being a part of the Guapa and Milagro family?

It's been lovely.  Milagro Theatre is a great operation; makes one feel at home.  When I first started working in the office as a literary intern, I loved the decor and the sound of birds chirping.  It struck me that I might be able to make a professional career working in a theatre.

Could you tell us a little about your character, and how he is intertwined in Guapa’s life?

Hakim's had a rough life, but shines it on well.  He had a violent home life before he finally had to seek out his next of kin, probably due to his father putting his mother into a coma.  He's the equalizer of the family, wants to make everyone happy, or distract them from their troubles with his craziness, so that his new home doesn't become another broken one like the last, all the while working his butt off to rise above, just like Guapa.  He loves Guapa like the little sister he never had.  He also is blown away by her love of fútbol, as he's a big fan of the sport just like the rest of the family.

Would you like to say anything to your awaiting audience?

Come see the show!  There's passion and fighting and corny jokes galore!