Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hello, this is Julio. I'm a Salvadoran comedian who lives and works in New York. I gave myself the nickname "space prince" because I was tired of waiting for someone do that for me.
How would you describe your show?
Just sit back and let me show you my favourite shapes. Is it standup? Well, maybe, but I'm sitting down the whole time. Is it theater? If my hands can be actors then sure, maybe! Just come. This show isn't about me. It's about my shapes and the fantastical musings they inspire.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I'd never done comedy so close to a castle!
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Again, the castle.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I wanted to me a film and television writer. I remember some interview with Gwen Stefani about a small role she had in "The Aviator." She said something like "there's no small role in a Martin Scorsese film." I'm paraphrasing, but I wanted THAT. I wanted to have the kind of career as a writer where any Hollywood star, swan or Faberge egg would jump at the chance to make something with me.
But I didn't really know how, so I tried stand-up, and in doing so I came to love performing my own work as well.
In terms of inspirations, oddly enough someone like Michael Jackson, who was technically a human being, but also an idea.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I'd like to say I'd be making new shapes in Berlin but in reality, I'd probably be trying to get a comparable job.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
Aurora borealis choreographer. Tornado tamer.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I made this memory up, I'm sure, but being in a stroller being pushed up a bridge in Venice. I know there was a euro trip very early on in my life, but I know I made that up because the memory's is from the point of view of a gondolier. But maybe I was the gondolier, who knows.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
It's not so much a pressure as it is a new desire. Before the current political climate, I feel like I was part of a group of fairly apolitical comedians in Brooklyn, who'd just do conceptual work and never really touch on the news. Now, some of us have found a way to react implicitly or explicitly to the world around is in a way that's still true to the comedy. Like say, the section of my show dedicated to Ivanka Trump's magic mirror.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
Yes, and I changed with it. I used to satirize liberalism a lot. Make jokes about my generation being obsessed with brunch and their phones and that kind of thing but now it is this generation that is marching the streets, volunteering or even just talking about the world. I can still make fun of my veganism but there are bigger targets to focus on, not that I'm a political performer now.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Unexpected, challenging, chaotic, revealing, fertile.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I'd love to come up with some really funny objects with any artist from the Bauhaus.
Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?
I don't like it when there's any cost prohibition to seeing my work. I was broke for so long and there was a lot I wanted to see but didn't because I couldn't afford it. That said, free events run the risk of attracting audiences who may not know what they want to see and are just looking kill time. Which is fine! But ideally, I'd like for most of the audience to actively decide they want to see my show. So, moderately priced tickets seem like a smart compromise.
When and where can people see your show?
The underbelly at 5pm from 8/2 - 8/13 and 8/15 - 8/27 for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
@juliothesquare on twitter
@spaceprincejulio on Instagram
Julio Torres: My Favourite Shapes is performing at Underbelly, Cowgate at 17:00 on 3rd – 27th (not 14th). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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