By Elia Esparza

The Magic Theatre in San Francisco, under the leadership of Loretta Greco, Artistic Director and Kevin Nelson, General Manager, announced they are ready for the 10th Anniversary Legacy Revival of Luis Alfaro’s Oedipus el Rey, the company’s final production for its 2018-2019 season.

Cast as “Oedipus” is Philadelphia born up-and-coming actor, Esteban Carmona, and he is ready to hit the stage on May 29, 2019, for opening night. Carmona’s performing arts passion began at a young age, where at 6-years old, his violin and piano lessons set the precedent to where he’s at today. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Montclair State University. His impressive TV role as Julito in HBO’s The Deuce demonstrates he is a skilled thespian.

Latin Heat caught up with Carmona to talk about being Oedipus:

LH: What has your experience been so far working on such an important play by Luis Alfaro?

Esteban Carmona: It is like running a physical and emotional marathon every day. This play takes so much raw honesty, that by the end of rehearsals, I feel ripped open in the best way possible. Oedipus’ complexity and vulnerability make him a force, which requires me to meet the role with the same strength and power that Oedipus grows to harness. It’s a challenge for sure, but it makes me more and more excited to tell Luis’ story. 

LH: How does your character differ from that of the original Greek classic play?

EC: Luis Alfaro was able to take a classic Greek Tragedy, and turn it into a digestible yet politically charged contemporary play. The only difference between both characters is how they were raised. Luis’ Oedipus spent most of his life in prison. He’s afraid of the outside world because “life behind bars” is all he knows. Outside, he has nothing. What keeps him driven is his pride, which just like the greek play, becomes his own demise. I find it very interesting that even though each character has an almost opposite upbringing, one being born into royalty while the other born in prison, they still end up with the same fate. 

LH: How has it been working with Luis Alfaro and the Magic Theatre’s artistic team? (Kevin Nelson and Loretta Greco)

EC: Luis and Loretta trust each other so much, it’s amazing to watch. Kevin has been nothing but supportive and communicative throughout the process and I couldn’t be more grateful. Loretta takes the time to delve into the life and history of not only the play but each character. She works with the actors in a well-balanced give-and-take of ideas. All I can really say is, I’m absolutely honored to be able to work with a director whose passion for the project is palpable. She’s like an executive chef that carefully plates each ingredient in a dish, while taking the time to communicate its importance to every other chef involved (my brother’s a chef so that’s the best way for me to describe it.

LH: What’s next for you?

EC: There are a couple of things brewing, but nothing I can reveal quite yet. I guess you’re just going to have to wait and see.

Thank you, Esteban!

Esteban Carmona is repped by The Luedtke Agency and Jonathan White PR (Publicist).

Follow Esteban on social media:
Instagram: @Esteban_Carmona_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Esteban.Emilio.Carmona/

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