ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Todos is Spanish for "all" or "everyone," so it was a natural name for Santiago Guzmán’s new theatre and film production company.
TODOS Productions: Theatre and Film for All aims to develop, produce, support and promote the work of LGBTQ2+, immigrant and indigenous artists, artists with disabilities and artists of colour in the theatre and film disciplines in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Let’s talk about Newfoundland and Labrador heritage, but in a diverse way,” said Guzmán.
“Let’s talk about the Basque sailors, let’s talk about the Portuguese sailors, the Chinese community in St. John’s, the Lebanese community, and we can go on and on — those stories that haven’t been told.
“My purpose is to bring those stories alive, and to bring those narratives up front instead of being a supporting or a secondary plot line.”
The company and the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre invite the public to a launch presentation Tuesday evening at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre between 5 and 7 p.m.
Guzmán will talk about the organization’s mission and goals, its projects and how to get involved. Admission is free and light snacks will be provided.
Guzmán said the idea for the company came from his own experiences as an actor.
Originally from Mexico City, he moved to Corner Brook about four years ago to complete a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre at Memorial University’s Grenfell campus.
As he began auditioning outside of the university, he realized there weren’t many parts for him.
“I am doing this to help people like me that have struggled, that find it difficult to access opportunities. So, I want this to become a platform for them.”
Guzmán thanks the SEED Funding Competition, which he completed through the Atlantic Canada Study and Stay program. The program connects international students with entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.
“I am doing this to help people like me that have struggled, that find it difficult to access opportunities. So, I want this to become a platform for them.” — Santiago Guzmán
He said it was funds won through that competition which enabled him to create the company.
His first step is commissioning emerging writers to write stories for stage and screen.
In the next year, his goal is to develop new scripts. He said he’ll soon hold a call for submissions for short plays and short films with a diverse writer and diverse characters.
“They’re always getting called for background — no, no, no, no — I think that they can do way more than that. So, that’s what I want to do.”
Anyone interested in the company, or interested in collaborating in some way for stage or screen, is welcome to attend the launch.
Guzmán also curated the next Live Magazine! show at the LSPU Hall on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. The show will focus on telling stories of the province from a diverse perspective.
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