Richard Martínez was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. His journey into the world of theatre began at the School of Fine Arts in Humacao, Puerto Rico, followed by his graduation from the Drama Department at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, achieving Magna Cum Laude honors. During this time, he was inspired by Gilda Navarra, a pioneer in Puerto Rican physical theatre, sparking his lifelong exploration of the human body's expressive abilities. Richard further specialized in physical theatre and somatic practice by obtaining certification as a "Practitioner of the Lessac Method" under Deborah Kinghorn, focusing on voice and body techniques. His dedication to the Lessac Method culminated in the co-creation of the Lessac Workbook for the Spanish Language, in collaboration with Elga Sepulveda and under the mentorship of Deborah Kinghorn. This groundbreaking workbook introduces the principles of the Lessac Method—emphasizing voice, body, and kinaesthetic awareness—to Spanish-speaking performers for the first time. The project bridges linguistic and cultural barriers, making somatic and vocal training accessible to a wider global audience.
About Richard Martínez - Embodiment, Presence, Transformation.
Who is Richard Martínez?
His work has taken him around the world, performing in Argentina, New York, California, Dominican Republic, Croatia, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. In 2015, he moved to Italy to deepen his studies with an MFA in Physical Theatre, collaborating with European theatre companies like Circus School FLIC in Turin, C'Art Theatre in Italy, Familie Flöz in Berlin, and Divadlo Continuo in the Czech Republic. It was during this period that he founded Teatro Umano, producing impactful performances such as 14 Lines in collaboration with Divadlo Continuo. He is the founder of the International Festival: Fiesta en las Américas: Theatre, Dance, and More... in Puerto Rico, bringing together over 20 groups of artists from Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. In 2024, Richard obtained his Ph.D. in Performing Arts from Bircham International University, with his thesis focusing on the analysis of energy use in physical theatre practice and its benefits for the performer's physical and mental health. Richard is a certified Level I Master of EBAS (Elemental Body Alignment System). His work as a director, performer, and educator spans various international festivals. His notable productions include Bar Moments, Desconocido, and Voyage.
In addition to his theatre work, Richard was also a musician, performing as a Cuatro player at cultural events such as the Festival Iberoamericano, Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York, and La Campechada National Festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His artistic journey has been recognized internationally with awards such as the International Lydia Biondi Award (2017), the Golden Key Honor Society Performing & Visual Art Award for Acting (2012), and distinctions from the United States Congress and Puerto Rico's Senate for his contributions to the arts. Today, Richard continues to lead Human Theatre and Teatro Umano, spreading the philosophy of somatic presence and energetic alchemy through workshops, international performances, and his book, Human Theatre and Energetic Alchemy: Somatic Presence in Performance Practice.
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Discover "Human Theatre - The Book"
The Philosophy Behind Human Theatre
Somatic Presence
The body is more than a tool for expression; it is a vessel for energy, emotion, and authentic storytelling. In Human Theatre, performers learn to inhabit their bodies fully, unlocking pathways of emotion and expression that go beyond technique. Somatic Presence is about feeling, grounding, and transmitting energy through every gesture and movement.
Energetic Alchemy
Inspired by principles of Bioenergetics, Richard's method teaches performers to harness energy from within, channeling it through their bodies to create transformative and visceral experiences on stage. Energetic Alchemy is the art of transmuting raw energy into presence, catharsis, and connection.
The DEE Cycle
The DEE Cycle—Dynamis, Energeia, Entelecheia—is the foundation of Human Theatre. It represents the flow of energy from potential (Dynamis), to active force (Energeia), to fulfillment and embodiment (Entelecheia). Through this cycle, performers learn to cultivate energy, sustain it during performance, and bring it to cathartic realization.
What people say
Student Reflection: D's Journey with the Mask
"The mask gave me the illusion of protection, but it did not hide me—it exposed me. It forced me to communicate through my body, to control my breath, and to reclaim the space. Over time, I stopped fearing the audience. The mask became a warm embrace that helped me overcome my fear of being seen." —D, student at Teatro Umano
☆☆☆☆☆ 5.0/5.0
Commento della Dott.ssa Arianna Mignozzi, psicoterapeuta
"This book presents 'human theatre' as a powerful method for healing and self-transformation. Rooted in personal experience, it invites readers—experts and non-experts alike—to explore how art can help us reconcile with our past and live more authentically." — Dr. Arianna Mignozzi, Psychotherapist
☆☆☆☆☆ 5.0/5.0
Commento della Dott.ssa Elga D. Sepúlveda Suárez
"This book isn’t read—it’s breathed. Richard Martínez offers a profound call to be present, to tremble, to transform. Human Theatre invites us to reconnect with the body as a channel for truth, energy, and healing—an approach that moves both performer and reader alike." — Dr. Elga Sepúlveda Suárez, educator, instructional designer, and performing artist
☆☆☆☆☆ 5.0/5.0