Cecilio Benitez
Cecilio Benitez, born in Arenys de Mar, Barcelona, Spain. Cecilio Benitez began his apprenticeship at the age of 14 in the Fontalba Theatre in Madrid. In 1951 he became Technical Director, a position he maintained working in many major theaters throughout Spain, including the “Teatro de Zarzuela” in Madrid and “Teatro Calderon” in Barcelona. For the next 20 years he toured with major opera, dance, theater and zarzuela companies.
After arriving in this country, Mr. Benitez taught Spanish literature at Verde Valley School from 1969 to 1973 where he also directed such plays as Blood Wedding and Casa de Bernarda Alba by Garcia Lorca, Don Juan Tenorio by Zorrilla, and La Barca Sin Pescador by Alejandro Casona.
Cecilio also directed the College of Santa Fe’s mobile bilingual theater for a summer. Mr. Benitez serves as Lighting Designer for the Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco and the regional company, “Estampa Española”. His dramatic and stark design are praised by audiences and critics alike.
His other current position is Co-Founder/General Director of the Institute for Spanish Arts.
After arriving in this country, Mr. Benitez taught Spanish literature at Verde Valley School from 1969 to 1973 where he also directed such plays as Blood Wedding and Casa de Bernarda Alba by Garcia Lorca, Don Juan Tenorio by Zorrilla, and La Barca Sin Pescador by Alejandro Casona.
Cecilio also directed the College of Santa Fe’s mobile bilingual theater for a summer. Mr. Benitez serves as Lighting Designer for the Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco and the regional company, “Estampa Española”. His dramatic and stark design are praised by audiences and critics alike.
His other current position is Co-Founder/General Director of the Institute for Spanish Arts.
