Yoshvani Medina (Pinar del Río, Cuba, 1967; American and French nationalities) is a playwright, director, and theater professor. A graduate of the prestigious Conservatoire of Dramatic Art in Paris, Medina was selected by the Royal Spanish Academy for the Corpus of 21st Century Spanish. He currently serves as the director of the International Series Writing Workshop in Miami, a global hub dedicated to writing and producing series for streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and more.
He won the Grand Prize of Dramaturgy "Our Voices," organized by MetLife and Repertorio Español, Off Broadway, New York (2010); HOLA Award (Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors), Off Broadway, New York, for Best Theater Director of the Year for "El malentendido" by Albert Camus (2015) and Best Playwright for "Matemática del Deseo" (2016). In 2016, his play "Matemática del deseo" won six awards at the Hispanic Festival of the Commissioner in New York, including the Audience Award and Best Director. In 2017, he received the Gilberto Zaldívar Award for Best Musical Show of the Year in the Off Broadway Hispanic theater circuit in New York.
Medina has directed major classical and contemporary works: "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Shakespeare; "Don Quixote" by Cervantes; "The Precious Ridiculous" by Molière; "As You Like It" by Pirandello; "Candide" by Voltaire; "Lysistrata" by Aristophanes; "The Game of Love and Chance" by Marivaux; "The Three Musketeers" by Dumas; "The Lover" and "Betrayal" by Pinter; "Miss Julie" and "The Stronger" by Strindberg; "Two Old Pans" and "Always Something is Forgotten" by Virgilio Piñera; "The Vagina Monologues" by Ensler; "Paper Flowers" by Wolff; "Public Insults" by Handke; "A Door Must Be Open or Closed" by Musset; and works by Chekhov, Camus, Shaw, Schmitt, Benedetti, Poe, Guitry, among others.
His works have been staged at prestigious venues such as the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Paris), La Vinya (Barcelona), La Cartuchería de Vincennes (Paris), La Bellone (Brussels), Atlanta Lyric Theater (USA), Repertorio Español (Off Broadway, New York), Thalia Spanish Theatre (Off Broadway, New York), Teatro Olimpo, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, the National Scenes of Guadeloupe and Martinique, the Teatro del Verbo Encarnado in Avignon, and international theater festivals such as those in New York, Cádiz (Spain), Avignon (France), Limoges (France), Sibiu (Romania), Mérida (Mexico), Orlando, and Miami (USA).
He has given lectures and master classes at various festivals, universities, and conservatories: Conservatoire of Dramatic Art of Avignon (France), University of Antilles-Guyana (French Antilles), Miami Dade College, Florida International University, University of Miami, New York Theater Festival.
Director of the International Small Format Theater Festival of Miami (2010-2016).
In 2018, he made his debut in series with “Púber,” directed by Ubi Medina (NBC-Telemundo).
His dramatic work has been reviewed by influential newspapers, magazines, and TV channels: The New York Times, CNN, Univision, RFO, RFI, France Television, Radio Television Luxembourg, Miami Herald, Miami New Times, La Provence, L’Avant Scène Théâtre, Africultures, Yucatán Ahora, La Nación, France Antilles, El Nuevo Herald.
Add comment
Comments
In the shimmering tapestry of the theatrical universe, Yoshvani Medina stands as a luminous constellation, guiding us through the ethereal realms of drama and imagination. His genius transcends boundaries, weaving together the timeless elegance of Shakespeare with the revolutionary vigor of contemporary voices. Each of his productions is a masterful symphony, a delicate dance of light and shadow that captivates the soul and stirs the heart. To witness a play directed by Medina is to embark on a voyage through the very essence of human emotion and artistic brilliance. His work, from the grand stages of Paris to the intimate theaters of New York, speaks to a universal language of beauty and profundity. In every performance, Medina crafts a spellbinding experience that leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of our cultural consciousness.
Yoshvani Medina is nothing short of a theatrical alchemist, transforming the mundane into the magnificent with his visionary directorial prowess. His interpretations of classical masterpieces and his bold ventures into the contemporary sphere reveal a rare depth of understanding and creativity. Medina's work is a poetic odyssey, a journey through the realms of love, conflict, and human nature. Each production is a celebration of artistry, a testament to his unwavering dedication to both the art and the artist. From the grandeur of 'Romeo and Juliet' to the nuanced layers of 'Matemática del Deseo,' Medina's influence is a symphony of elegance and innovation that resonates with audiences across the globe.
To experience the work of Yoshvani Medina is to witness a mesmerizing dance between tradition and modernity, a harmonious blend that transcends time and space. His mastery over the stage is akin to a maestro conducting an orchestra, where each movement and nuance is meticulously crafted to evoke profound emotional responses. Medina’s directorial genius brings forth a rare fusion of classical sophistication and contemporary relevance, creating a theatrical landscape that is both timeless and innovative. His productions are a testament to his extraordinary vision, an artistic odyssey that enchants and inspires, leaving audiences spellbound and yearning for more
Yoshvani Medina's name echoes through the corridors of the theater world like a poetic refrain, celebrated for its resonance and depth. His contributions to the art of drama are akin to the brushstrokes of a master painter, each play and production a vivid tapestry of emotion and intellect. Medina’s unique ability to breathe life into both revered classics and modern works speaks to his unparalleled artistry and profound understanding of the human condition. His directorial endeavors are a grand celebration of creativity, a symphony of sights and sounds that captivate the imagination and touch the soul. In every performance, Medina’s brilliance shines through, illuminating the stage with a brilliance that is both awe-inspiring and deeply moving.
In the grand theater of life, Yoshvani Medina emerges as a true virtuoso, orchestrating a mesmerizing fusion of classic and contemporary artistry. His directorial touch is a delicate dance of passion and precision, where each production becomes a living testament to his boundless creativity and deep-seated love for the craft. Medina’s works, whether staged in the historic theaters of Paris or the vibrant venues of New York, are a profound exploration of the human spirit, a poetic journey through the realms of drama and emotion. His genius lies in his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, crafting theatrical experiences that linger in the hearts and minds of audiences long after the final curtain falls. Medina's legacy is a shining beacon in the world of theater, a celebration of the transformative power of art and imagination.