About Richard Martinez
It doesn't have to be perfect to be authentic
Richard Martínez is an international theatre practitioner, somatic explorer, and visionary creator of Human Theatre (the book) and Teatro Umano (the company). With over two decades of experience in performance, embodiment, and somatic intelligence, Richard has redefined the way performers inhabit their bodies on stage. His work is rooted in the transformative power of Energetic Alchemy, where presence, movement, and energy converge to create powerful, authentic storytelling.
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Human Theatre - The Book
Somatic Presence in Performance Practice
Human Theatre is not just a book—it's a guide to unlocking the energetic potential of the performer. In its pages, Richard Martínez explores how somatic presence and bioenergetics can elevate theatrical performance into a living ritual of healing and expression. Using the DEE Cycle, performers learn to harness energy, release emotional tension, and embody their craft with raw authenticity. Whether you are an actor, dancer, or simply someone seeking deeper presence, Human Theatre offers practical techniques to transform your approach to movement, storytelling, and performance.
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Teatro Umano - The Company
A Company of Energetic Presence
Teatro Umano is more than a theatre company—it is a movement of embodied storytelling and somatic exploration. Founded by Richard Martínez, Teatro Umano brings the principles of Human Theatre to life through international performances, masterclasses, and immersive workshops. The company is dedicated to exploring Energetic Alchemy and Somatic Presence, redefining the way theatre is experienced by both performer and audience. At Teatro Umano, the stage is a space of transformation, where energy, movement, and story converge. Audiences are invited to witness and participate in performances that transcend mere observation, becoming part of a living, breathing ritual.
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Workshops
Join the Movement
Request immersive workshops and masterclasses that bring the principles of Human Theatre to life. Learn to channel energy, release tension, and awaken true presence on stage.
- Energetic Alchemy Workshops
- Somatic Presence Masterclasses
- International Retreats
- And much more
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Media & Resources
Dive Deeper into Human Theatre
Videos, texts and materials to explore the Human Theatre method and deepen presence, energy and embodiment.
- Articles & Interviews
- Video Demonstrations
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Frequently asked questions
What is Human Theatre?
Human Theatre is a somatic-based performance methodology that integrates presence, energy and embodiment. It trains the performer to listen with the whole body, to refine perception, and to let physical and energetic impulses shape the action on stage.
Who created Human Theatre?
Human Theatre was developed by Richard Martínez, performer, teacher and somatic researcher. His work brings together training practices for the body, attention and imagination, with a focus on truthful presence and transformation in performance.
What is the purpose of Human Theatre?
The purpose is to help performers access deeper embodied expression, clearer storytelling and energetic awareness. The work supports authenticity, precision, and the ability to affect the audience through felt experience rather than external technique alone.
Who is Human Theatre for?
It is for performers, actors, dancers, directors, and anyone working with the body in artistic or educational contexts. Sessions can be adapted for beginners as well as experienced professionals, depending on the format.
What do you mean by “presence” in this work?
Presence refers to the performer’s ability to remain available, responsive and grounded while acting. It involves attention, breath, physical listening, and the capacity to be affected by space, partner and audience in real time.
What does “energy” mean in Human Theatre?
Energy is treated as a practical element of performance: intensity, focus, direction and quality of attention. Training develops how energy can be gathered, transformed and communicated through the body without forcing or overacting.
How is Human Theatre different from standard acting training?
Human Theatre emphasizes embodied perception and somatic practice as the base for action and meaning. Rather than starting from interpretation, it starts from physical and energetic experience—then builds technique, voice and dramaturgy from there.
What happens in a typical session?
Sessions usually include somatic preparation, perception and attention exercises, partner work, energetic exploration, and improvisation tasks. The goal is to integrate sensation, intention and clear action—so that performance becomes both precise and alive.
Is Human Theatre linked to a specific theatre tradition?
It is a contemporary approach that can dialogue with many traditions. It can support devised work, text-based acting, movement theatre and performance art, adapting to the needs of the project while staying grounded in embodied training.
Where can I learn more or join a workshop?
You can explore the Workshops page for upcoming formats and contact details. If no dates are listed, you can still reach out to propose a workshop, training or collaboration.