Human Theatre, The Company

What is Teatro Umano?

Teatro Umano is more than a theatre company—it is a living, breathing practice of embodied storytelling and somatic exploration. Founded by Richard Martínez, Teatro Umano brings the principles of Human Theatre and Energetic Alchemyto life through immersive performances, masterclasses, and international workshops. At the heart of Teatro Umano is the belief that theatre is not just an act—it is a ritual. It is a space where performers and audiences connect on a deeper level, experiencing energy, movement, and storytelling as a shared, transformative experience. The company's performances explore themes of vulnerability, energetic flow, and human connection, creating a space where theatre becomes a living ritual of healing and expression.

The Living Ritual of Performance

• Embodied Storytelling
  Theatre as a living ritual where the body becomes the primary storyteller. Teatro Umano embraces somatic practices to bring narratives to life, allowing performers to inhabit their characters fully and truthfully. Movement is not choreographed—it is lived.
• Energetic Alchemy in Performance
  Channeling energy from within to create visceral and cathartic experiences on stage. The DEE Cycle (Dynamis, Energeia, Entelecheia) is at the core of each performance, guiding the energetic flow from potential to fulfillment.
• Collective Ritual and Audience Connection
  Breaking the barrier between performer and audience, transforming the stage into a shared space of energetic exchange and healing. In Teatro Umano, the audience is not a spectator—they are part of the ritual, breathing and moving with the performers.
• Cuerpos a la Escena (CalE): The Roots of Teatro Umano
  Teatro Umano has its origins in Cuerpos a la Escena (CalE), a non-profit organization founded in Puerto Rico under Richard Martínez's direction. CalE was established with four primary goals:
  • Promote the use of the body for expression and entertainment.
  • Offer contemporary artistic experiences using body and voice based on Lessac principles.
  • Utilize theatre as a tool for social change and contribution.
  • Emphasize theatre for children, creating accessibility and inspiration for new generations.

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From its beginnings, CalE broke barriers by reaching communities that had never experienced live theatre, including over 400 children during its debut. It became the first organization in Puerto Rico to teach the Lessac Method in Spanish and English, and expanded internationally to festivals in Argentina and beyond. This foundation led to the birth of Teatro Umano in 2017, symbolizing an evolution of CalE's mission—transforming theatre into a universally accessible and embodied experience.