For Carlos Martínez – 70 Years, 40 on Stage

My first memory of Carlos dates back to 1982, when we were both invited to a five-day workshop that brought together various artistic disciplines. Carlos gave an introductory course on mime, while I led a course on creating audiovisual presentations—at that time still a very hands-on process with 35mm slides, scripts, storyboards, and photo labs. At the end, the group produced a short audiovisual piece, complete with narration and music. And whose voice did the participants unanimously choose for the narration? Carlos Martínez, of course!

That was the beginning of a friendship now spanning more than 40 years. It has been a joy and privilege to witness his artistic journey—guided by inspired directors, shaping dozens of mime pieces into unforgettable shows. His work never grows old, never loses its freshness. Each performance opens a space for audiences of every age and culture to create their own inner “audiovisual,” completing the story with their imagination. And on the occasions when a spoken narration was needed, I had the great honor of lending my voice—in Spanish and English—for pieces such as Human Rights and Psalm 23. In this way, I feel I have accompanied Carlos to countless countries and stages around the world.

Over the years, we have also shared many memorable moments at Art Gatherings, whether participating or simply attending. In those settings, another dimension of Carlos always shines through: his thoughtful insights in discussion, his masterful reflections on communication, and his inexhaustible sense of humor and joie de vivre. His eloquence in words is as striking as his eloquence in silence.

And then, of course, there is our own 1955 trio. Ten years ago, we celebrated our 60th birthdays together; today, we celebrate the “aged to perfection” milestone of 70! May the years ahead bring many more shared celebrations, lasting friendships, and occasions to laugh, reflect, and be inspired together.

- James Phillips

Voice actor www.jamesphillips.info

For Carlos Martínez – 70 Years, 40 on Stage

In ’82 our paths first crossed,
a workshop—arts both gained and lost.
He spoke in silence, mime’s pure art,
I clicked the slides, a different start.

The scripts were written, stories spun,
the photos shot, the work begun.
But when the final voice was sought,
it was Carlos—his voice they caught.

And so began, with joy sincere,
a friendship lasting forty year.
I’ve watched him craft, with heart and hand,
shows that speak in every land.

With humor bright, with wisdom deep,
with laughter full, with truths that keep,
his silence louder than a word,
his voice a song that’s always heard.

Sometimes he let me join the play—
to give his pieces voice, a way
to walk with him through lands untold,
on stages vast, in stories bold.

And when we’ve met at gatherings wide,
his insight shines, his thoughts abide.
For he can speak as well as mime,
with wit, with joy, with truths in time.

And here we stand, the trio, we—
the vintage year of ’fifty-five, three.
At sixty once we raised our cheer,
at seventy—still friends, still near.

So let us toast what lies ahead,
more roads to walk, more words unsaid.
For mime or voice, for laugh or song,
our friendship’s stage will still be strong.