Andrés Pérez Araya

He is a Chilean actor, director, and theatrical figure best recognized for conceiving and directing the highly influential play "La Negra Ester." The production premiered in 1988 and became a massive cultural phenomenon in Chile.

Directed by Pérez Araya, the play utilized a distinctive staging style that incorporated popular music and a minimalist set to tell a tragic love story. It toured extensively, fundamentally changing the landscape of Chilean popular theater in the late 20th century.

While he was the primary director and conceiver of the project, he also helped adapt the original poetry of Roberto Parra into the theatrical script. His vision allowed the rough, vernacular language of the Chilean port cities to shine on stage.

In addition to his work directing traditional theatrical plays, he was heavily involved in mime and physical theater. His diverse skill set as an actor and director allowed him to bring a highly physical, expressive style to the Chilean stage.