Teatro Trailer (2009)

Trailer for Teatro, which screened at the 2009 NYC Horror Film Festival.

Teatro is a dramatic thriller exploring the inevitable madness infused with creation and destruction. A masked folkloric dancer, named Dario Hernandez, auditions for a new theatrical production and flees the stage startling revered playwright Santiago-Santiago. Daunted by this occurrence, the playwright watches the auditioning tape obsessively. His producing partner, Rafael Santos, suggests they cast Mauricio Escobar, known to immerse himself in character as well as in alcohol. As opening night nears, we see the Masked Dancer in his lair sharpening his weapon, a machete, for the ultimate revenge. On stage, Santiago’s tragedy unravels and the audience gives a standing ovation. An intimate cocktail party follows the performance and we see the smiling faces of Santiago- Santiago and his producing partner. They toast and bask in the glow of their success. When Santiago’s inebriated leading man is discovered with his throat slit, it sets the stage for the Masked Dancer to make his appearance and wreak havoc on the playwright who, in his twisted mind, frightened him away from the stage. A surrealistic battle ensues as Dario, the Masked Dancer, slays each party guest, Mauricio’s Trophy Girlfriend, and Rafael sparing Santiago for a final redemptive monologue. But it is only when Santiago receives a special gift from his tormentor that inspires him to create his new play. By becoming Santiago’s latest muse the Masked Dancer enjoys a bittersweet victory while trading a portion of his integrity and revealing his true identity.