H2OMBRE: A wet experience like no other

H2OMBRE will transport the audience into a supernatural world. (Courtesy: Adrienne Arsht Center)

Q & A with Pichon Baldinu, the director of H2OMBRE

VOXXI: What inspired you to create this show?

Baldinu: In 2008, Ojala Entertainment was tasked with creating a show for 3,000 people to debut at Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, Spain, an international exposition that had the theme of “Water and Sustainable Development.”

We created a 30 minute show utilizing a theater concept, water pump system and rigging system all designed by our team, and audiences loved it.

A few years later, we decided we wanted to expand on the concept and create a new version that takes audiences into the mind and creative process of an Artist, the main character in H2OMBRE.

This allowed us to expand the plot, add more music and scenery, and include even more acrobatics, stunts, and, of course, water.

This is the version of the show known as H2OMBRE that had its world premiere at the Arsht Center on July 18 and will be playing through August 31.

VOXXI: Tell us who is behind and involved in the creation of the show?

Baldinu: The original creators of the show are Gabriella Baldini and myself, Pichón Baldinu, through our company Ojala Entertainment.

The composer Gaby Kerpel developed electronic music especially for H2OMBRE that really highlights each scene and makes a huge impact on the overall experience.

Sergio Trujillo was also involved in the creation of the show, he is known for his acclaimed choreography for Broadway hits including Jersey Boys, Memphis and the Addams Family, lent his talent as choreographer and creative director.

And last but not least, Scott Shiller, executive vice president of the Arsht Center, is also credited as a Special Artistic Advisor for the production, as he played an integral role in helping us develop the version of H2OMBRE.

H2OMBRE uses references of pop culture, graphic novels and superhero culture to mythical beasts and epic battles. (Courtesy: Adrienne Arsht Center)

VOXXI: Talk to VOXXI about the different Latin sounds that the show uses during the performance.

Baldinu: We love to immerse the audience in a “landscape of sounds,” and tried to create a musical repertoire that guides how the audience will experience the show.

I worked closely with composer Gaby Kerpel to develop the music pieces by sharing with him my thoughts on what is happening in each scene.

Due to our long-standing relationship from working together for so many years, Gaby was able to interpret my explanation of the show into a compelling, electronic musical score, which uses Latin sounds and some verses in Spanish throughout.

VOXXI: What does water symbolize in the show?

Baldinu: Water can symbolize so many things, creation, life, and creativity. It’s an amazing element to play with, and we’ve incorporated it into the show, as it’s beautiful to watch what can be done with the water. It’s also a lot of fun for the audience.

In the show, water is the main element that gives the Artist life, but it is also a force to be reckoned with – one that can harm the Artist if he loses control.

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