Bruno Bichir, actor
Whether he’s playing a politician in the TV series Narcos or a classical- repertoire role on the stage of his Foro Shakespeare theatre, Bruno Bichir has made a career of “exploring emotions”. Today, the actor wants to uncover new talent in his hometown.
We’re more like a circus troupe than a family of actors!” exclaims Bruno Bichir, speak- ing of his clan with a glass of tequila in hand. In Mexico, the Bichirs have been in the spotlight since the 1970s: his parents, Alejandro Bichir and Maricruz Nájera, work in stage, film and television productions, and were soon followed by their three sons, Demián, Odiseo and Bruno. The latter meets with us in the bar adjacent to his theatre, the Foro Shakespeare. Though he has long been a familiar face to Mexicans, international viewers discovered him in the successful series Narcos, in which he plays Fernando Duque. “Narcos is an exciting series, creatively speaking. A tremendous adventure!” exclaims the performer. “Acting is an integral part of Mexican culture,” he continues. “Our country has a fascinating, well- developed artistic scene, with personalities like Alejandro González Iñárritu, Gael García Bernal, Salma Hayek, Guillermo del Toro. There’s a say- ing that represents us well: ‘I’m Mexican — what’s your superpower?’ We get this vitality from our ancestors.” Bruno also took part in Nespresso Talents in sup- port of budding creative minds. The competition, introduced three years ago, recognises a short film made in vertical format. “For me, the most impor- tant thing is to explore emotions. My major influences are Shakespeare and Stanislavski, the Russian acting theorist. They remind me that you have to practice acting physically, and not just think about it. Today, the mission that I and the professionals of my generation have is to allow talents to emerge and unfold. Mexico City has the potential to become the world’s epicentre of culture and science. We’re hungry for innovation in every realm.”
“Mexico city has the potential to become the world’s cultural epicentre”
