Álvaro Viguera – Artistic Creation Award 2022

In the twelfth edition of the Excellence in Artistic Creation Award, this recognition was bestowed upon Professor Álvaro Viguera from the School of Theater at the Pontifical Catholic University. An actor, theater director, and playwright, he is known for his versatility and extensive career, having participated as a director and playwright in over 40 works.

Since 2006, he has served as a professor at the School of Theater UC, and his teaching includes various international seminars and workshops. An example of this is his study of directing at the San Antonio de los Baños Film School (EICTV) in Cuba.

His creative work has always been closely tied to the Catholic University in Chile: while he was a student, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the theatrical festival “El Volcán,” which continues to this day. After graduating, he and his fellow students formed the theater company “Teatro Ensimenor,” which aimed to explore new languages and delve into experimental work and scenic research.

Some of the pieces created and directed by Viguera include “Menú del día,” “Juego de amor en una de las habitaciones,” and “El baile.” These were primarily presented in theaters and venues associated with the university environment, such as the now-closed Teatro ARCIS or the UC’s Campus Oriente.

Today, Álvaro Viguera boasts an extensive career as a director and playwright with more than 40 works to his name. Throughout his career, he has assembled casts composed of prominent figures from the acting world, many of whom are former UC students. These include Delfina Guzmán, Gloria Münchmeyer, Francisco Melo, Amparo Noguera, Marcelo Alonso, and Daniela Ramírez, among many others.

In addition to his own creations, he is also recognized for his work adapting international theater classics and playing a pivotal role in bringing foreign dramaturgy to the Chilean stage. Some examples of the works he has adapted and/or directed are by playwrights such as Jean Anouilh, Arthur Miller, Brecht, Chekhov, and Molière, to name a few.

In 2012, along with actress Antonia Santa María, he co-founded the production company La Santa. Through their collaborative work, they have staged performances for the public in venues such as the GAM Center and the Municipal Theater of Las Condes, featuring plays like “Happy End” and “All My Sons,” respectively.

Furthermore, Álvaro Viguera has championed cultural outreach by showcasing performances outside the Metropolitan Region, an initiative aimed at decentralizing the arts. He has brought theater to regions with limited theatrical offerings, participating in events like “Puerto de Ideas” and “Escena Austral” at the Teatro del Lago in Frutillar, among others, fostering discussion and promoting arts education.

As a director, some of his notable works include “La Grabación” by Rafael Gumucio, “Cock” by Mike Bartlett, “Peter Pan, the musical,” “Novecento” by Baricco, and “El último cuplé: el cabaret de Sarita Montiel.” As an actor, he has performed in “Gladys” by Elisa Zulueta (winner of four Altazor awards), “Mi Joven Corazón Idiota” directed by Francisca Bernardi, “Fin del Eclipse” by Ramón Griffero, and “Querida Elena,” directed by Verónica García-Huidobro.

Álvaro Viguera is also recognized as a film director. His debut film, “Pérez,” won the “Best Director” award at the 2012 SANFIC festival in the Chilean cinema competition category. “Pérez” premiered internationally at the Latino Film Festival in Chicago.

Additionally, he has contributed to television by bringing his creations to a broader audience, participating in the dissemination of quality content and cultural democratization.

The career of the professor at the UC School of Theater underscores his significant contribution to the arts in Chile, particularly in the performing arts. Álvaro Viguera has embarked on diverse projects, utilizing various artistic languages to reach a wide audience. Furthermore, he has successfully combined his work as a playwright and director with his teaching career, demonstrating a strong commitment to his students and continuous professional development. His specialties include contemporary theater, performance, physical theater, acting, and directing.