We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arthur Bastos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Arthur, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
In the words of Sylvia Plath, “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
To keep my creativity alive, I recognize the importance of setting aside self-doubt. Silencing the voice of self-judgment is what allows creativity to flourish. I combat self-doubt through reading and meditation. I was recently introduced to Eastern Body Western Mind by Anodea Judith. The book tackles psychology and spirituality and its connection to our chakra system. Judith goes into detail on how our body holds trauma, and explores different methods to release tension in a healthy way. The book plays a vital role in my creative process as it connects me with my body and silences my mind. This physical and mental warm up allows my imagination to roam freely. Watching films stimulates my imagination, which is the pillar of creativity. One of the biggest sources of inspiration for me is Warren Beatty and his filmography. Reds, Shampoo, Heaven Can Wait, and Bulworth are films I constantly revisit as I learn not only about filmmaking but about life itself. Warren’s films compel viewers to question profound themes such as history, politics, love, religion, and existentialism. Though I may not know Warren personally, his work reveals his convictions and the values he stands for. His ability to intertwine intimate storytelling with broader societal questions exemplifies what the best art should be: deeply personal. Each film is as impactful as it is personal, and they resonate with me deeply. His films challenge us to expand our perspective throughout all aspects of life which is imperative in the artistic process. Growth comes from embracing different points of view and being comfortable with being wrong. Keeping an open mind when consuming art is vital to maintaining a dynamic and ever-expanding imagination and keeping my creativity alive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I recently produced, directed, wrote and starred in a solo show about a moment in the life of Marlon Brando. The show, A Search for Stanley, tells the story of a young Marlon Brando preparing to audition for A Streetcar Named Desire. I feel a deep connection to Marlon, both in the roles he played, I recently got to play Mark Antony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, as Marlon did, and in his desire to inspire change. Marlon is part of a very exclusive club of individuals whose impact expands beyond their field. He utilized his platform to raise awareness and provoke change through social activism by championing civil rights and Native American rights. His outspoken advocacy and bold actions brought significant attention to social injustices, inspiring others to join the cause for equality and human rights. His advocacy expands beyond his personal life to his professional one. Marlon meticulously chose films that provoked social causes in order to inspire change by portraying complex characters and narratives that highlighted issues such as racial injustice, civil rights, and the struggles of marginalized communities. I believe it is the duty of those who have such large platforms to utilize their resources to provoke change, and that is what I aim to achieve through my art. I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a country known for its vibrant culture and diversity, into a big Brazilian family. My citizenship expands beyond Brazil as I am also Portuguese. Growing up, my family moved around a lot, exposing me to different cultures and providing me the ability to learn different languages. English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French have been a cornerstone of my identity. Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a gateway to understanding different cultures and perspectives. Each language I speak opens up a new world of literature, art, and history, allowing me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds on a deeper level. Living in various countries exposed me to a multitude of traditions and ways of life. In the United States, I experienced a melting pot of cultures and the power of storytelling in film and media. France taught me the elegance of expression through art and literature, while Spain’s passionate and vibrant culture inspired my creative energy. Portugal’s balance of tradition and modernity provided a unique perspective on blending the old with the new. But the heart of my art is filled with the exuberance and perseverance of Brazilian people, who use art to overcome and find happiness. As an artist, my goal is to represent all these cultures in my work. I believe that my diverse background gives me a unique lens through which I can tell more inclusive stories. Ultimately, my pursuit of a creative career is driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference through storytelling. My multicultural upbringing has provided me with a unique lens through which to view the world, and I am committed to using this perspective to tell stories that are specific in their cultural context. I am currently in the preproduction of a picture I wrote, that I hope does exactly that. The film highlights these different cultures and languages and how similar they are despite their apparent differences. Heading into production in the fall, I aspire for the film to guide audiences into understanding these different nations and advocate for more diversity in hollywood.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Patience is a skill I’ve cultivated over time, one that continues to evolve as I navigate the complexities of personal and professional growth. Focusing on the process and not on the result is vital for an actor. This requires patience and trust in the artistic process which ultimately leads to growth. I recently portrayed Mark Antony in a production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Breaking down almost twenty thousand words written in verse is no easy task.Although the preparation remains, at its core, the same as for a contemporary role, Shakespeare’s works require additional levels of patience to allow your body to fully digest the language. There were times when progress felt slow, but understanding that every step, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture kept me motivated and resilient ultimately resulting in a fulfilling creative process. Another impactful skill I’ve practiced in my journey is surrounding myself with artists who are not only more experienced but also artists who constantly push and challenge me. By being around those who excel in their fields, I’ve been inspired to elevate my own skills. Their feedback, support, and different perspectives have helped me grow and improve continually. I collaborate with as many international and experienced artists as possible, either as an actor, a producer, a writer or as a director, working with artists from different walks of life is always a rewarding and educational experience. A third quality that has impacted my journey is setting ambitious goals. This has driven me to reach beyond my comfort zone and strive for excellence. Although comfortability provides safety, it is the death of growth. Good art is personal and requires deep levels of vulnerability which can be scary. Fear is necessary for artists to evolve in uncomfortable situations. This mindset has allowed me to tackle challenges with confidence and envision possibilities that I might not have considered otherwise, regardless of fear and challenges. These three qualities together have shaped my journey, guiding me towards achieving my creative and personal aspirations.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My mom has been the most instrumental person in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills I need to be successful. She has taught me the importance of patience, showing me how to navigate difficult situations with calmness and resilience. Her unwavering support and belief in perseverance have guided me through countless obstacles, encouraging me to keep going even when the path seemed uncertain. She keeps me accountable and serves as a pillar of support across all aspects of my life, both professionally and personally. She constantly reminds me of the importance of art and my responsibility to keep my work authentic and personal. Above all, she has instilled in me the courage to dream large, reminding me that no goal is too big if I’m willing to put in the effort. Her wisdom, encouragement, and love have shaped who I am today, and I am forever grateful for her influence.
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