Berna Huidobro
Contemporary Physical Theatre and Circus Artist
Phones:
+351 911 878 215 / +33 7 45 42 39 38
Birthdate
November 6, 1986
Languages
Spanish - Portuguese - French - English
About me
I am a creator, passionate about artistic exchange and participatory experiences that transform the stage into a space for reflection and human connection. With a nomadic and collaborative vision, I am driven to explore new forms of expression, building cultural networks that transcend borders.
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My artistic style is defined by the creation of scenic worlds where the dramaturgy of images and space intertwines with physical exploration, resulting in pieces rich in symbolism. This language is enhanced by acrobatic and expressive elements, stemming from my study and work with neutral, larval, expressive masks, and Commedia dell'Arte. The comedic aspect present in my work emerges from an in-depth study and practice of clowning and buffoonery, bringing a playful and critical character to the stage.
My creations stand out for their multidisciplinary approach and their ability to establish a direct and profound connection with the audience.
Work experience
2023 - 2025
2009 - 2025
2022 - 2025
2015 - 2025
2009 - 2025
ARTISTIC DIRECTION​
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My experience in artistic direction includes standout projects in collaboration with the Municipality of Lagos, Portugal. In 2023, I directed "O Nevoeiro", a historical performance about the life of Dom Sebastião, featuring a cast of 20 Portuguese artists. In 2024, I co-directed, alongside Gabriela Espinosa, "O Povo é Quem Mais Ordena", a commemorative performance for the 50th anniversary of the 25th April Revolution, working with a cast of 15 artists. That same year, I co-directed "SomoSandes" with Adriana Xavier, a dance-theatre piece produced by the Teatro Experimental de Lagos, featuring 10 artists and exploring themes of identity and emptiness.
PERFORMER IN COMPANIES​
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Throughout my career as a performer, I have worked with various circus and theatre companies. In 2009, I was part of the company "Kanita Callejera" with the show "Capital", a mask and street theatre production created collectively with 15 artists. Later, I joined the company "Giramundo" with "Sueño de Hilos", a street performance in a female duo format that used string puppets, human marionettes, and acrobatics to reflect on the theme of freedom.
With the company "Dos Puntos", I participated in "Coffice Show", a hand-to-hand duo performance that questioned the systemic work routine. From 2016 to 2023, I was a performer and co-creator in the company "VAYA", participating in the shows "Atempo", "On Time", "Ecosofía", "Vertical Boom", "I See You", and "Barbelix", which toured across Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
Since 2023, I have been part of "Duo Niu", a hand-to-hand and new magic duo with which I am developing the show "Pandora". In 2025, I am starting a new creation project for children as part of the "Boca Aberta" programme of the Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II.
INDEPENDENT ARTIST
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I have developed solo artistic projects that explore the connection between the body, the environment, and social constructs.
My first project, "Arvorecer" (2021), was a site-specific participatory performance that explored the connection between the human body and trees, inviting the audience to experience a sensory and symbolic bond with nature. In 2022, I developed "Luar Project", an artistic-pedagogical proposal focused on questioning the role of femininity in today's society, delivering training in schools on new identities and narratives surrounding femininity.
In 2023, I presented "Femen", a solo artistic show that fused new magic, circus, and physical theatre to challenge gender stereotypes and roles associated with femininity. Currently, I am working on the creation of "Abrazo" (2025), a proposal that blends string puppets and physical theatre to explore the embrace as an essential gesture of human connection—a symbol of meeting in a world seeking new forms of emotional bonding.
CULTURAL PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
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I am a cultural producer and manager with experience in international productions and publicly funded projects. I have managed resources efficiently and worked as a field producer in Europe and Latin America.
With a Master’s in Cultural Management from the University of Barcelona, I have participated in major events such as La Llotja at Fira Tàrrega and the coordination of international programmers at the Santiago a Mil Festival in Chile. Between 2016 and 2023, I was the producer and in charge of promotion for the company "VAYA", and in 2019, I organised the Latin American Acrobatic Portés Seminar in Valparaíso, Chile.
I have managed projects funded by FONDART (Chile) and DGArtes (Portugal). Since 2020, I have been the artistic director and producer of the Emraizart Festival, collaborating closely with the Municipality of Lagos. I am also part of the board of the Teatro Experimental de Lagos, actively participating in the development of cultural activities aimed at strengthening the connection between art and community.
TEACHING​
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My experience in the field of training combines disciplines such as theatre, physical expression, and circus arts, with both pedagogical and creative approaches. Between 2009 and 2011, I was a teaching assistant for the courses "Masks and Improvisation" and "Commedia dell'Arte" at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. During the same period, I taught "Theatre and Mask Construction" classes for children and "Creative Expression" classes for adults at the Technical Training Centre INACAP, Chile.
Between 2014 and 2015, I taught "Handstands" at the Civic Centre of La Barceloneta in Barcelona. From 2017 to 2020, I worked as a "Hand-to-Hand" instructor in Chile, delivering workshops, intensive courses, and regular classes in cultural spaces such as: Centro Cultural Carpa Azul, Ex-Cárcel in Valparaíso, the Pulso Circo programme in Valdivia, and the El Circo del Mundo school.
Since 2022, I have been collaborating in Portugal with the children's circus school Circo Vagamundo, leading circus workshops for families, school groups, and groups with diverse abilities, promoting artistic practice as a tool for expression and creativity.
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