As part of our partnership with El Circense, the Spanish language digital magazine, we will be republishing a selection of their original content, translated into English. This week, we present a short interview from the magazine’s  “pass-pass” section with Santi Mutante, a young Argentinian artist. A multifaceted globetrotter that shares style and humor in each city that he performs.

By Fede

Photo by Antonio Vallano / Kuba

Who is Santi Mutante?

I’m a personal experiment, dedicated to getting better each day,  giving the audience the best I can.

You are a multifaceted artist –clown, juggler, acrobat. Who were your formative influences?

I started theater classes when I was a boy taking free classes at the cultural center. I enjoyed acting, and then I took different clown workshops. Then I noticed that wearing a nose was stopping me from doing certain things and I didn’t want that. I always watched comedy in movies and on TV: Chaplin, the Marx brothers, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Chespirito. I always admired Tato Bores and Olmedo in Argentina, and I think they taught me a lot. 
I started juggling in 1999 with Pablo Holgado. I was in every workshop that I could take, and I started to train with people that juggled seriously. I also studied at Videla Brothers’ Circo Criollo school where I was practing wire walking, unicycling and juggling. The best thing about being a tightrope walker is that I could mix it with other things that I love, like playing trumpet.

You were in Europe, what were you doing there?

I was performing my street show in Italy, and at some festivals in Spain and Poland. I also went to Barcelona creating and training for a new show with the company that I worked for in Mexico.

How was the experience of being in festivals?

Very different. Each festival is different from the other. I like working at festivals because the audience is very friendly. If you propose a game, the people know they are part of your show and understand that they can make the show great.

You work a lot in streets. How would  compare the conditions with working in Europe?

Well, that is a complex question. It depends on everyting. Europe is very big and all the cities are different. Some places are better than others. Until you find a good place you can spend some time looking. Generally it’s good to work in summertime. There are lots of festivals, many popular parties, people who love circus and really respect what we do.

What is the difference working in Argentina, Europe or Mexico?

I’m more comfortable outside Argentina.

What is coming for the future?

I’m working in “Café Nostalgia” with my circus company in Mexico playing a character called “Sabandija.” It’s a new character I’m working on with subtle and wordless humor. I’m planning to research the part and continue acting in assorted variety shows.

Any message for the readers?

1. Think good ideas and rehearse.
2. Rehearse
3. Rehearse

For  more information about Santi Mutante visit his website:
 www.santimutante.com.ar

Originally published November 2009.