Interview at the Hotel Sauce with Álvaro Lavín

At Hotel Sauce we love theater. A few weeks ago we had the privilege of having among us an actor, stage director and theater producer with an almost endless resume. He came for the performance in Saragossa of An American Comedy (about anxiety). We chatted with him about this work, about the situation of the theater and about his recent Goya nomination for best short film. We are pleased to introduce you to Álvaro Lavín.

An American Comedy (about anxiety) is a satirical critique of American society written by a Briton. To what extent are the themes it deals with universal?

People are people without taking into account their origin or the environment where they live. And the problems and fears that these people face, too. Deep down we are all worried about the same things. Berkoff makes us identify them and laugh at them.

Like Berkoff, you are also an actor and director, how is it to combine both facets? Is it difficult to direct yourself?

I only dare to combine acting with directing at home, at Teatro Meridional, surrounded by colleagues with whom I have been with for a long time and who know me and tolerate me with patience. I am very fortunate to work around very talented people who professionally make me appear to others much better than I am.

He is also co-founder of Teatro Meridional. Isn’t it an act of bravery to lead a stable theater company these days in Spain?

At these times any undertaking is an act of bravery. A jump without a net. But an act of bravery is necessary to try to get out of this situation into which we have been pushed. I believe in work, in dedication to what you think you should do at any time but now more than ever. But I also believe that together we must hold those responsible for this situation accountable.

In your extensive curriculum we find theater, film and television, which medium do you choose?

Without a doubt with the theater. It’s what makes me continue jumping without a net every day.

And speaking of cinema, we know that he has participated in the short film La Boda, also directed and written by his wife Marina Serereski, which has been nominated for the Goya. I confess that we loved it, they are already our favorites. Do you see winners this year in the category? Tell our readers where the film is being shown or how they can see it.

All the works that accompany us in this nomination are enough to obtain the Goya. Being nominated is already a triumph and a joy for all of us. “The Wedding” can be seen at the following link: http://vimeo.com/40642613

To what extent does a nomination of this type affect the career of an actor with his career?

As producer of the short film, if this nomination can affect anything it will be for our production company’s future projects, especially for “Classifieds”, our first fiction feature film that is already in the pre-production phase and which we hope to shoot before the end of the year.

He has played such striking characters as Leonardo Da Vinci, Miguel Hernández, Cyrano de Bergerac and even Harpo Marx. Which one is his favorite?

Actors travel constantly. What is the strangest thing that has happened to you in a hotel?

Not seeing anyone during my entire stay. A roadside hotel in Central Europe. We had made the reservation online, paid with a credit card and that same card was used to access the hotel, enter the room and pay for drinks from the minibar in our room. The next day we left without seeing or meeting anyone. I hope that this is not the future of our hotels because, and at Hotel Sauce you know it very well, it is the treatment and care with which you are received that makes the hotels special.

What absurd object cannot be missing in your suitcase?

A lucky frog that a friend gave me a long time ago. I’m not at all superstitious but…

Saragossa is experiencing a boom in the performing arts with several theaters offering more than interesting programs. What do you think of the recently inaugurated Teatro de las Esquinas?

A magnificent example that when good people come together, regardless of the time in which they have lived, things have to necessarily turn out well. One of the best theater spaces where we have never performed and if you add to this a fantastic restaurant, excellently run, what more could you ask for? You Saragossa residents are lucky to be able to enjoy it.

And the Saragossa public?

Theater audience. You can see the tradition that permeates Saragossa. A demanding, knowledgeable audience that gives itself without hesitation when the occasion warrants it. Fortunately, we have been coming to this city for many years and we always leave wanting to return.