Elena Velasco

The cast of the Source Festival's A Bid to Save the World directed by Elena Velasco

C. Stanley Photography

The cast of the Convergence Theatre's Witch directed by Elena Velasco.

Ryan Maxwell

Marquis D. Gibson in Convergence Theatre's Bhavi the Avenger directed by Elena Velasco.

C. Stanley Photography

Artistic Director Elena Velasco brings Witch to Convergence Theatre through October 30. Inspired by the Jacobean tragedy The Witch of Edmonton, the production lifts up the “invisible women in our midst” through poetry, movement, projections and text. Get the scoop on the production – and its creator – in this week’s Take Ten.

1) What was the first show you ever saw, and what impact did it have?

The first professional show I ever saw was Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center. I was in high school and had never seen anything beyond school productions prior to this. I was mesmerized. To be fair, I had heard the score prior and knew every lyric, but it was the synthesis of music, movement and design that struck me in a visceral way.

2) What was your first involvement in a theatrical production?

I was cast in a high school production of The King and I while still in middle school. I never imagined myself to be an actor - I was very focused on science at the time, convinced I could be chemist. I had a science fair project go very wrong during in this process (let’s just say I figured out what things should never be in contact with electricity). I took it as a sign - I was meant to be on stage, not in a lab.

3) What’s your favorite play or musical, and why do you like it so much?

Though Sondheim’s works will always be in my heart, my current favorite is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. This production does what I feel theatre is called to do - to awaken our conscience, generate empathy, incite us to take action and discover the beauty of the world as seen through the eyes of others. The synthesis of projections and movement is what really struck me, as this was a natural expression of Christopher’s world and his mind.

4) What’s the worst day job you ever took?

Restaurant. I was a bartender and bookkeeper for a local chain restaurant (won’t say who - heinous). Then again, that’s where I met my husband. I suppose that proves there’s good to be found in any experience.

5) What is your most embarrassing moment in the theatre?

I’ve found any moment in theatre could be embarrassing if I allow it. I have to let that go or I can’t take risks. 

6) What are you enjoying most about working on WITCH for Convergence Theatre?

I’ll always love exploring visual theatre practices, which is very present in Witch, but the connections we have made with other non-profits through this production is new and strong. It helps us provide that bridge between the theatrical experience and the audience’s ability to make change in the world. That is my hope for Convergence - to show that art is a call to action.

7) Other than your significant other, who’s your dream date (living or dead) and why?

Mandy Patinkin. I told my husband this a long time ago.  I could listen to that man sing for hours on end. 

8) What is your dream role/job?

In some ways, I have it right now. I’m the Artistic Director of Convergence, a multidisciplinary theatre for social justice, and also run Óyeme, a theatre program for unaccompanied minors from Central America. My dream is that I can grow each of these so they gain national attention, allowing us to impact social policy and the justice system through theatre.  

9) If you could travel back in time, what famous production or performance would you choose to see?

I would want to see Augusto Boal’s 1971 production of Arturo Ui. His teachings greatly impact my art and I wish I could have seen how he was able to craft a production that could make the Brazilian government feel its power.

10) What advice would you give to an 8-year-old smitten by theatre / for a graduating MFA student?

Remember that theatre is a human right - we must see it this way, as it is a powerful means of free speech. As theatre makers, we should ensure that all have access to the arts, particularly theatre, as it amplifies the voice of anyone whose story is shared. Never be afraid to share it - it’s a risk we must take.

ELENA VELASCO's directing/choreography credits include Guerrilla Theatre Works, Bhavi the Avenger (Convergence); Córiolanas (Capital Fringe); A Bid to Save the World (Source Festival); Rough Faced Girl, Magic Paintbrush, Tio Conejo, Armadillo’s Song (Synetic Family Theater); La Perdida, Nurse Fawn, So Snow (Catholic University). She is the Artistic Director of Convergence Theatre, a multidisciplinary performance collective centered on social change. She is also the co-creator and director of Óyeme, a theatre haven for unaccompanied minors, which also features a professional performance tour highlighting the experiences of Óyeme participants. Elena is a Doris Duke Grant recipient, in partnership with Imagination Stage. Education: MFA in Directing, Catholic University; BA in Drama, Catholic University.

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