Acting

Miguel Hernando Torres Umba

Miguel Hernando Torres Umba is a talented Colombian actor, director, and movement specialist renowned for his ability to embody physically rigorous and dynamic roles. He recently captivated audiences as Ben in the Paramount film *Primate*, earning praise for his performance. Fangoria commended him, stating, "Miguel's performance is really quite incredible ... and makes Ben feel like a legitimate threat." Similarly, Bloody Disgusting highlighted the impressive character design and Miguel's portrayal of the chimp's unsettling transformation, calling it the film's standout element.

Miguel's journey began in Bogotá, Colombia, where he first honed his acting skills. He later specialized in corporeal mime and physical theatre in the United Kingdom. A prominent collaborator with Gecko Theatre, he has showcased his talents in notable productions, such as the National Theatre co-production *KIN*, *The Wedding* (UK Tour), and the film *Institute* (Gecko/BBC). His acclaimed one-man show, *Stardust*, received accolades at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with The Guardian praising its innovative mix of animation, movement, and storytelling.

In addition to his acting career, Miguel has made significant contributions to immersive theatre as a creative director for Rematch Live's *Rumble in the Jungle* and as performance director for Glastonbury's *Terminal 1*. His tenure at Secret Cinema spanned over 12 years, where he advanced from performer to creative director, contributing to landmark productions like *Moulin Rouge*, *Back to the Future*, and *Star Wars*. Through his company, Umba Arts, Miguel champions inclusivity and cultural expression, notably through the Latinx Youth Theatre, which empowers young Latin Americans in London to embrace their heritage through the performing arts.

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