ECO at The Fountain Theatre

Mexican writer, director, creative copywriter, and founder of Nirvana Theatre, a Los Angeles–based company dedicated to developing bold, original Spanish-language theatre. His work explores the emotional tensions of contemporary life, blending cinematic storytelling with intimate, character-driven narratives. A graduate of Miami Ad School, Stella Adler Academy of Acting & Theatre Los Angeles, and Escuela Universitaria de Artes TAI in Madrid, Jorge has built an international career that bridges advertising and the performing arts. As a creative copywriter, he has developed campaigns for global brands across the United States and Latin America, earning a D&AD New Blood Pencil, two Círculo de Oro Awards, and recognition as a FIAP. As the founder and Artistic Director of Nirvana Theatre, Jorge has spent more than a decade creating original productions that amplify Latino voices in Los Angeles. His plays—including CTRL and ECO—combine theatrical intimacy with a contemporary visual language, inviting audiences to reflect on identity, technology, love, and human connection. Whether writing for the stage or creating campaigns for global brands, Jorge believes the most powerful stories are the ones that leave a lasting emotional impact.

Miguel Sagaz is a Mexican actor based in Los Angeles. He graduated Cum Laude from Emerson College with a B.A. in Theatre Studies (Acting). His television credits include American Horror Story: Cult, CSI: NY, Entourage, Will & Grace, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The O.C. His film credits include Cherry Pop, Navidad S.A. and No Eres Tú, Soy Yo. His stage work includes The Me Nobody Knows, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Blowing on Embers.

Mariana Belén is a Colombian actress, producer, and creative collaborator based in Los Angeles. As a core member of Nirvana Theatre, she has become an essential part of the company's artistic identity, contributing not only as a performer but also as a principal creative collaborator across multiple original productions and initiatives. Her work is driven by emotionally honest storytelling and a commitment to creating meaningful connections with audiences. In 2025, she was recognized with the Audience Choice Award for Best Actress for her performance in Ropa Sucia during Season 5 of NBCUniversal and Nosotros' Ya Tú Sabes Monologue Shorts, a program celebrating emerging Latino writers and actors. Mariana stars in ECO, an original play by Jorge Durán, continuing her work with Nirvana Theatre to champion bold, contemporary Spanish-language theatre in Los Angeles.

Costa Rican actor, writer, and director based in Los Angeles. With a foundation in both classical and contemporary theater, his work is defined by emotional truth, strong physical expression, and a deep commitment to storytelling that explores identity, resilience, and human connection. As a multidisciplinary artist, Emilio approaches every performance with authenticity and intention, seamlessly moving between stage and screen while continuing to develop original creative work as both a writer and director. His passion for character-driven storytelling has become a defining element of his artistic voice. In ECO, Emilio joins Nirvana Theatre, where he brings sensitivity, vulnerability, and emotional depth to Jorge Durán's original play. He is proud to contribute to the company's mission of creating bold, contemporary Spanish-language theater that resonates with audiences in Los Angeles and beyond.

Marycarmen Portillo is a Mexican actress, dancer, and choreographer based in Los Angeles. Trained in both acting and dance, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling, blending movement, emotion, and character to create work that is both visually compelling and deeply human. She began her artistic career in Mexico City and is a graduate of the Art of Acting Studio in Los Angeles. As a choreographer, Marycarmen is passionate about using movement as an extension of dramatic storytelling, creating choreography that grows organically from each character's emotional journey. Her work draws from contemporary dance, physical theatre, and a strong commitment to truthful performance. For ECO, Marycarmen serves as Choreographer, collaborating with Nirvana Theatre to develop a movement language that deepens the play's emotional landscape and reinforces its themes of memory, love, and human connection.