AS PART of Deadline at the Fest, we are interviewing performers from across the month by putting 20 questions to them – both as an artist and as their stage or performance alter ego.
Txema Perez is the co-founder of 2theatre and the London Physical Theatre School.
Originally from the Basque Country, he trained in the Stanislavsky method, and later at the Actor’s Studio in Los Angeles.
He has been described by one critic as: ‘One of Marcel Marceu’s finest students.’
In Losing It, he plays Boris, an elderly migrant who ‘doesn’t belong anywhere’ and will always feel awkward trying to. He worked with his own hands since he was little and is now enjoying deserved retirement. He can only eat bananas and has very weak teeth.
The show is described as a daring fusion of laughter and tears performed by a clown duo enrolled in Cirque du Soleil.
Boris and his wife are waiting for their children. Their lives are defined by vegetables, routine and memories.
First impressions of our fair city and, why are you here?
Edinburgh has amazing old buildings and very nice people. I’m here to introduce my show to the whole world!
Does your visit bring on joy or dread?
Both.
Are you a happy soul or do the occasionally dreich elements make you morose?
I’m a hardcore bipolar human being, so I need to answer both again.
Where will you visit on your day off and why?
The mountains, you have an amazing nature.
Do you ever get jealous of other performers? Can you name one or two?
I get jealous of everyone, I’m an actor remember?
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes indeed.
What does failure mean to you? Does it make you shrink or grow?
I keep standing up trying again, so I guess it’s making me grow.
Are you superstitious when it comes to performing?
I brush my teeth and jump three times before going to the stage.
What is your biggest fear before going on stage?
Audience rejection.
What is your favourite saying?
Ithaca, enjoy the journey.
What is your worst habit?
Eating too much in the evenings after the gig.
What do you love/hate about the festival?
Everyone is here!
Tell me about your most passionate embrace.
With my girlfriend every second day 🙂
Do you wear knickers under your kilt?
Always.
Most embarrassing moment?
In my life? Many, but I’ll only tell in front of a bottle of wine.
Where is your favourite place in the world and why?
Nature, wherever is pure. Nothing provokes my soul more than nature.
Who would you be if you were not you?
George Clooney? Dalai Lama? One of those, you chose.
What Scottish delicacies do you intend to sample and, do any of them fill you with fear?
We are sharing a house with a lovely Scottish old lady (Mandy), and she is spoiling us with all types of local delicatessens! I’m fearless!
What is your greatest ambition?
To create good shows and movies with my company.
How can we bring world peace?
Listening. Realising that there is no them and us. Is just us.
Answered by Boris (as portrayed by Txema Perez)
First impressions of our fair city and, why are you here?
There is people everywhere! I don’t know why I’m here.
Does your visit bring on joy or dread?
Joy, always.
Are you a happy soul or do the occasionally dreich elements make you morose?
Happy soul.
Where will you visit on your day off and why?
I don’t go anywhere, I like my home.
Do you ever get jealous of other performers? Can you name one or two?
My wife Ingrid, she flirts with the audience sometimes…
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, but I almost can’t remember.
What does failure mean to you? Does it make you shrink or grow?
I don’t failure, everything is fine.
Are you superstitious when it comes to performing?
I don’t perform, I do it for fun.
What is your biggest fear before going on stage?
To find my Smirnoff bottle empty.
What is your favourite saying?
Uno, dos tres!
What is your worst habit?
Drinking in the mornings.
What do you love/hate about the festival?
I like people, but they are everywhere!!
Tell me about your most passionate embrace.
With my wife everyday.
Do you wear knickers under your kilt?
No.
Most embarrassing moment?
When I try to hide my bottle of Smirnoff.
Where is your favourite place in the world and why?
My rocking chair, best place to fart and nap.
Who would you be if you were not you?
I’m not sure.
What Scottish delicacies do you intend to sample and, do any of them fill you with fear?
Scottish Smirnoff?
What is your greatest ambition?
To eat a whole banana.
How can we bring world peace?
More bananas.
