Get To Know Our Team: K. Estela Rivera - Production Manager

From now till the end of the run we will highlight the talented individuals involved in helping make the Midwest Premiere of Cuba and His Teddy Bear possible with a brief questionnaire.

1. Where are you from? If not from Chicago, how did you end up here? What is your ethnicity?

I was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and came to Chicago by way of Miami. I have lived in Chicago for the greater part of my life, but have also lived in New York City. I’m Puerto Rican, and love my roots. I was very fortunate to have spent a great deal of my summers on the island throughout my childhood and visit often. I try to go once a year.

2. What is your position in Cuba?

I’m the Production Manager for Cuba and His Teddy Bear. In this position, I have essentially been the Director’s right hand in making sure that every aspect of the production ran on time and ran smoothly. Having a film production background, the role came very naturally to me.

3. What drew you to want to work on Cuba and His Teddy Bear?

When I returned to Chicago after living on the East Coast, I really needed to become a part of an inspiring collective. Ivan Vega and I have a history together – He played the lead role in a short film I wrote entitled Unstoppable Jackie Nava. He hooked me up with Marilyn Camacho and without even reading the play, I was ready to work.  This is mostly due to the fact that I knew I would be working with a very passionate group of people. This is essential. Without a passionate cast and crew, the magic cannot happen.

Once I read the piece, I was most affected by Teddy’s character. While Teddy’s character faces very particular struggles that I did not face, I understand his identity crisis. Having grown up bi-cultural, I completely identified with the inner-conflict that Teddy faced. As a writer, I loved the scenes where Teddy is highlighted in his creative process and I loved his moments with Che, albeit heartbreaking. The play as a whole really spoke to me. We have an excellent cast performing this piece.

4. Why is this a great piece of theater for Chicago?

When any story is told well, it deserves to be showcased. Povod has written a powerful, compelling, character-driven narrative that belongs with the roster of plays that make Chicago such a great theater city.

5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?

Having worked in theater communities in Chicago and the East Coast, I have to say that I get the same butterflies with every production I’m involved with, regardless of geographical location. While I certainly have an immense respect for the New York theater community, it’s definitely not the only place that makes magic happen. Chicago theater is special to me because this city is my home. And I find that when it comes to the plays produced in Chicago, there’s something for everyone.

6. What do you like about working with UTC/PTC? If you have worked with UTC/PTC before what show did you work on and how was your experience?

The greatest joy for me was meeting and engaging with people whose passion for storytelling equals mine. I can’t wait for the next production!

7. What do you do for work outside of your position in Cuba?

I am a screenwriter, playwright, and produce short films. I’m currently negotiating an option contract for my screenplay Run and this summer wrapped production on a short film entitled Robbed, written & directed by Frank T. Ziede. I continue writing and am also a manager at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

8. Also maybe, other than Cuba, what is your favorite play that you have worked on?

Earlier this year I had the honor of working as a Resident Playwright and teacher for a program called “Project Playwright,” which was run by Northern Stage in White River Junction, Vermont. There, my teaching partner and I taught playwriting to 550 students in Vermont and New Hampshire. Each of them wrote a ten-minute play. We chose the 10 best plays, brought in actors and directors from NYC and the UK, produced and toured them to all of the schools.

The plays, written by 10 and 11 year olds, ranged in theme and style. From political satire, a nerd that just wants to be popular, and a play about a family whose home was foreclosed on – these plays taught me how universal and powerful story can be at any age. This experience is very near and dear to my heart and by far the best production I could have been a part of.

9. Why are you pursuing theater in Chicago, rather than somewhere else?

I wrote my first produced play at age 15 here in Chicago. The heart of my work beats in this city. While I certainly see my work touching audiences globally, there’s nowhere else I would rather have begun the journey. I will always be a part of the Chicago theater community regardless of where my work takes me.

10. What’s your favorite line from a play?

There’s too much genius out there to just pick one.

Interview by Ivan Vega