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This week on “Professionals of the Inland Empire”, host John Tulac is joined by Beatrice Cazagran. As a successful businesswoman and the founder of the nonprofit theater company Ophelia’s Jump, Cazagran shares her professional evolution and her deep-seated belief in the cultural and societal necessity of the arts.
Beatrice Cazagran identifies herself as a “recovering attorney,” having transitioned from a legal career to a life in the theater. Although she had participated in theater since her high school years, she initially did not view it as a sustainable career path, a perspective shaped by her upbringing as the child of Cuban immigrants. However, a significant life-altering event occurred when her husband became ill in his mid-30s, prompting her to re-evaluate her passions. This shift led her to pursue and obtain a master’s degree in theater, eventually founding Ophelia’s Jump near Cable Airport alongside her husband and daughter.
Ophelia’s Jump is structured as a nonprofit theater company that focuses on telling universal stories while ensuring accessibility for diverse communities. The organization’s philosophy is rooted in inclusivity, often casting based on energy and fit rather than traditional criteria. A core part of their mission involves youth training and hiring, particularly students from junior colleges, to help them establish careers in the entertainment industry. Their eclectic programming includes classical works, Shakespeare, contemporary dramas, comedies, and musicals, often tackling controversial topics to engage the community with diverse perspectives.
Cazagran’s artistic approach is deeply rooted in literature and a passion for storytelling that reveals varied truths. She places a significant emphasis on promoting female playwrights and reinterpreting classic works through a female-centric lens. For instance, in a recent production of Hamlet, the narrative focus was shifted toward the experiences of Gertrude and Ophelia, characters who are often marginalized in traditional stagings. This production also featured a unique interpretation of Laertes as a lesbian sister and suffragist, adding modern layers of depth to the classic text.
The company is currently preparing for a performance centered on the life of Hildegard of Bingen, a medieval mystic, musician, and visionary. Cazagran is particularly interested in Hildegard’s potential neurodivergence and how her unique mental state allowed her to thrive within a monastic setting. She notes that Hildegard’s artwork and visions appear strikingly modern compared to other medieval art, providing a compelling narrative for contemporary audiences to explore.
Cazagran argues that storytelling is not just an artistic endeavor but also a critical business tool that fosters empathy and authentic connection. She suggests that business leaders can utilize theater-style storytelling to connect with their audiences and engage in meaningful discourse. Furthermore, she emphasizes that the business community should view the arts as an economic partner. Supporting local theater can lead to enhanced community health, higher tax revenues, and a more collaborative social dynamic, ultimately proving that the arts are an essential investment for a thriving society.
The PIE podcast aims to showcase Inland Empire professional talent, foster local economic development, and highlight the Provisors networking community. Catch the full show on YouTube @ProfessionalsofInlandEmpire.
