The Colombian actor and playwright Fabio Rubiano is currently at the center of a heated debate following the revelation of a controversial contract with the Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz (JEP). This situation is unfolding amidst the JEP's claims of financial difficulties due to funding cuts from USAID during the Trump administration. Rubiano, in an interview with Blu Radio, is addressing the accusations surrounding the contract, which aims to disseminate the institution's work and findings through dramatization.
The Core of the Controversy
The controversy stems from a citizen oversight body revealing a contract that has ignited public discussion, particularly given the JEP's reported financial constraints. Fabio Rubiano is actively defending the agreement, emphasizing that the disclosed figures are being taken out of context regarding the overall production costs of a theatrical work.
The Theatrical Project: 'Mantener el Juicio'
According to Rubiano, the JEP approached Teatro Petra in late 2023 to develop a communication project centered on the Jurisdiction's activities. «We started an investigation and agreements to show this through dramatization,» Rubiano stated, referring to the play 'Mantener el Juicio' (Maintaining the Trial), which has been performed in Medellín and Bogotá for magistrates, victims, and collaborators.
Actor Compensation: Unpacking the Numbers
Rubiano is addressing the publicized figure of 13 million pesos paid to each actor, including Marcela Valencia, clarifying that this sum covers not only their participation in eight performances but also three months of prior rehearsals. This arrangement translates to approximately 800,000 pesos per performance for each actor.
The Nature of the Agreement: Alliance, Not Bidding
Fabio Rubiano is clarifying that the agreement with the JEP was not a public bidding process but rather an alliance between the institution and Teatro Petra, which he founded and directs. «The JEP put up some money, and we put up another; we assumed more than them,» he added, noting that the total contract amounted to 441,805,000 pesos, with the JEP contributing 197,800,000 pesos.
Teatro Petra's Contribution
Rubiano explains that this type of project is part of a practice they carry out with other institutions. Instead of direct monetary compensation, Teatro Petra contributes the value of the production and staging of the play, including theater rental and other expenses.
Cost Breakdown: Beyond Actor Fees
The contract encompasses various production costs, as detailed by Fabio Rubiano. Apart from the fees for approximately 30 individuals involved in the production, 8 million pesos were allocated to sound, and 10 million pesos to musical composition and the outreach strategy.
Additional Expenses Borne by Teatro Petra
Teatro Petra also covered significant expenses, including 84,149,000 pesos for set design, lighting, and props; 35,396,000 pesos for costumes; 60 million pesos for dramaturgy and direction; and 64,600,000 pesos for the theater's availability.
The Play's Impact and Message
Fabio Rubiano is asserting that 'Mantener el Juicio' has been successful and emotionally resonant for the victims who have seen it. He emphasizes that it is not a propaganda piece but rather a representation of the country's situation through the creative freedom of the performers.
«It is not a propaganda piece but rather a representation of the country's situation through the creative freedom of the performers» - Fabio Rubiano.
Addressing Criticism and Political Stances
Rubiano is also addressing the constant criticism he and other performers receive for their participation in a video advocating for greater cultural support. He states that he does not identify as a 'Petrista' because he follows ideas, not individuals. «If you support a political position, they scold you, and if you criticize it, they say why did you vote for him,» Rubiano added, also expressing his disapproval of Armando Benedetti's presence in the government.
About 'Mantener el Juicio'
'Mantener el Juicio', produced by Teatro Petra, draws inspiration from the work of the JEP and presents a fictional narrative reflecting on restorative justice in the Colombian conflict. The play interweaves stories of Fabiola, seeking justice for her murdered children; Rosalba, confronting the pain inflicted by the guerrilla commander who kidnapped her husband; and General Monsalve, rejecting the charges against him. Magistrates and facilitators also play crucial roles in this intricate plot.
Central Question
The play poses the central question: Is it possible to restore life after violence? Each character represents both victims and perpetrators caught in a system that dragged them into conflict. Without providing definitive answers, the piece prompts the audience to reflect on the implications of reparation, forgiveness, and the construction of lasting peace in a context marked by violence and pain.
'Mantener el Juicio' is running at Teatro Petra until March 22, with performances at 8:00 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, and on Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are still available for purchase online.
