H.Sven Fernandez

H. Sven Fernandez is a Swedish theatre director, playwright and acting coach currently living in Finland. His journey began in a family deeply involved in the theatrical world. At just seven years old, he penned his first script, igniting a lifelong love affair with the stage that would shape his identity and purpose.

Growing up in the backstage of many of his father's theatrical productions, Sven developed an intimate understanding of theatre. While his intellectual pursuits spanned a myriad of fields from biology to aviation, it was the call of the theatre that ultimately drew him back, allowing him to channel his diverse experiences into a rich tapestry of storytelling.

With almost ten years of dedicated experience, Sven has directed and produced a diverse array of performances. His repertoire ranges from  monologues and unipersonal performances to dynamic multi-cast productions featuring ensembles of various sizes.

Sven has crafted over a dozen plays, with seven of them brought to life under his direction. Others have found a voice in the United Kingdom and Argentina, showcasing the universal nature of his narratives. At the heart of his work lies a deep passion for symbolism and naturalism, where characters serve as powerful allegories for human frailty. Drawing inspiration from the stark contrasts and gritty realism of renowned filmmaker Federico Fellini, one of his biggest influences, Sven encourages audiences to reflect on their own lives through the lens of his characters.

His masterpiece, "The Flower Girl," exemplifies his unique vision. This poignant work showcases a vibrant tapestry of Fellinian imagery and social critique, exploring themes of environmental awareness and the delicate balance between innocence and experience. Wrapped in a shroud of naïveté, the story resonates with audiences as it delicately unravels the slow death and ultimate rescue of the inner child, revealing the profound price we pay when we abandon our dreams.

Sven is not only a director but also an educator. He conducts yearly acting workshops and directs between two to four drama productions annually, nurturing the next generation of artists. To this effect, he has developed a 4-year actor's training program that concludes in a staged performance. In his free time, he indulges in restoring vintage treasures, including automobiles, cameras, and bicycles, while also embracing woodworking, aviation, travel, and meditation. His passion for theater fuels his endeavors as he collaborates with fellow playwrights to create innovative and cooperative works.

Sven stands firm in his belief that theatre is a powerful tool for examining and understanding the depths of human nature. It holds a mirror to our joys, struggles, and the shadows that linger in our lives. In a world increasingly dominated by dehumanizing technology, he advocates for making theatre accessible to all, viewing it as the "ultimate form of analogue honesty." As he often tells his students, "If you do not feel it, if you do not believe it, no one else will."

Sven sees the stage as a sanctuary for truth, reflection, and connection. Through his work, he invites everyone to rediscover the beauty of simplicity and sensitivity, challenging us all to embrace our humanity amidst the chaos of the world. To him, theatre is a transformative force; a medium that not only entertains but also enlightens, inspires, and unites us in our shared experiences.