Meet Carlos “Fabián” Medina | Actor, director and creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos “Fabián” Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos “Fabián”, how do you think about risk?

Risk keeps us on the edge of becoming. Taking risks most of the time is an expression of our desires, and it’s that exercise of desiring what defines our humanity as changing beings. And if to be human is to change, then risks represent the doors we must open toward growth, expansion, evolution… and love —why not?

I believe every day we are challenged with choices and decisions that might lead us to transformation. But I also believe that not every day is a day to change. Not only because it is an exhausting and demanding task, but because transformation also happens on the quietest day, in the waiting room, in the silent hour. In that sense, I could say that not taking risks has taught me patience and compassion in the moments when I thought nothing was moving, but everything was.

As artists, we are constantly asked to change, be better, reinvent ourselves, and improve… but what does that mean? What does it take? When I was younger I used to watch this anime series called Fullmetal Alchemist, where two young brothers tried to bring their dead mother back to life by using alchemical magic, only to realize they have to sacrifice their own bodies for that to happen. They called it the “equivalent exchange”. That idea shocked me and shaped the way I lived my life as a teen and young adult: In some weird way, I found peace in understanding that something of the same value must be given away to obtain something else.

I think the most important risks we take are the ones that demand from us nothing but ourselves. When I decided to start my life all over in a different country in 2019… I understood that I would have to lose my previous life to build a new one again. And that’s where I’m at. Still. But with patience… and compassion… and love — why not?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Nowadays I do many things. I started my acting experience at a very young age in elementary school. But right after my professional training as a performer I discovered that what I really wanted to do was tell stories, so I started directing. And very soon, I was doing more than I thought I could do while collaborating with artists and companies in different capacities for performing and visual arts. Today I can proudly say I’m an actor, director, filmmaker, producer, editor, and teaching artist.

When I think about how I got here, I cannot help but think about all the teachers and mentors I had in Caracas while I was studying. Spaces like Centro TET, La Caja de Fósforos, and the Philosophy school at Universidad Central de Venezuela gave me the most amazing education. They shaped my interests and inspired me to be curious and aware of my reality. I think my work is the result of all those experiences with Venezuelan artists I admire.

I think my interest in “multiplicity” helps me understand the world around me. I feel comfortable expressing myself through different angles and identities. I think it keeps life interesting and less boring. But being a multidisciplinary artist hasn’t been an easy ride. Even though I enjoy having the freedom to communicate through a wide variety of channels, there is also this feeling of not being great at anything at all… like you just are a master of none. It took me a while to understand that being multidisciplinary doesn’t mean being a master of those disciplines, but an open commitment to explore and communicate from where it feels right. In the end, it’s not about skill, it’s about passion. I guess being a master of none is also being in a perpetual state of learning and becoming. I like the sound of that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

One thing about Miami is its culinary diversity. So if you are looking to eat something delicious I recommend places like Lung Yai Thai Tapas in Calle 8, Tam Tam in Downtown, Luna Pasta e Dolci in Biscayne Blvd, Katana and Mi Colombia in North Beach, Chef Creole Seasoned Restaurant in Little Haiti or Walrus Rodeo in Little River. As for bars and drinks I could recommend places like Jolene, Jaguar Sun, Dante’s HiFi, Gramps, and The Corner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to dedicate this shoutout to all the artists, companies, and organizations that have supported me since my arrival to this city. Gracias to Miami New Drama & Michel Hausmann, Juan Souki, Miami Light Project & Beth Boone, Knight Foundation, Carla Forte & Alexey Taran (Bistoury Physical Theater and Film), Roxana Barba, Teo Castellanos, Vyana Preti, Mikhael Levy, Mónica Quintero, and María Corina Ramírez.

Website: www.fabianworks.com

Instagram: c____fabian

Image Credits
Photos by Morgan Sophia, Kevin Álvarez, Alexey Taran, Paulo Cezar Alves, and James Jackman.