By Vicky Mejia
Zora Howard‘s BUST is on stage at the Goodman now through May 18. To prepare for the arrival of this momentous new work, we spoke with fight and intimacy choreographer Rocío Mendez to find out what it’s like to work on a “daring and experimental” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) play that tests the boundaries of rage. As she gracefully teaches her way through this new drama directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz, Rocío shares valuable insights of what it means to stay true to your role and how leaving an authentic impression on the audience speaks more than a thousand words.
Goodman Theatre: Can you provide a brief explanation of what fight choreography consists of?
Rocío Mendez: Fight choreography involves creating scenes of violence in a way that is safe and repeatable for actors, while still giving the audience the impression of real violence.
Rocío Mendez training the BUST cast in rehearsals.
GT: Who/or what inspired you to pursue fight choreography in your career path?
RM: My history in martial arts and movement, combined with encouragement from my first mentor, Carrie Brewer, a fight director inspired me to pursue fight choreography.
GT: You were recently a residency intimacy director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. How different is your role in fight choreography, if at all, and how did you obtain the opportunity to work on BUST?
RM: Yes, I am the resident Intimacy Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and also work as a fight director there. I believe the line between fight and intimacy choreography is thin, finding enjoyment in the details and specificity of movement in both. I was referred to Zora and Liliana by The Alliance Theater, interviewed, and subsequently hired to work on BUST.
Rocío Mendez on set with the BUST cast.
GT: How does a fight choreographer ensure that the themes presented in plays like BUST are presented accurately?
RM: As the fight choreographer I ensured the accuracy of themes in plays like BUST through full collaboration with the director (and in this case, the playwright), discussing the storytelling within the fight, the intended emotional impact on the audience, and drawing upon real-life examples.
GT: Do you have a favorite scene from BUST (no spoilers please!)?
RM: My favorite scene from BUST (without spoilers) is one where two people fight over an object, which I find hilarious.
GT: What is one lesson you learned while working on this play?
RM: One lesson I learned while working on BUST is that finding peace in tumultuous times is vital for survival.
Vicky Mejia is the Digital Marketing Associate at Goodman Theatre
