BWW Q&A: Rodolfo Nieto Talks ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 at Asolo Repertory Theatre

The Western Front. Christmas. A German soldier sets down his rifle and steps into No Man’s Land, singing “Silent Night”. Thus begins an extraordinary night of fellowship, music, and peace, told in the words and the songs of the men who lived it. Peter Rothstein’s salute to unsung heroes of The Great War returns to the Historic Asolo Theater after a sell-out run last season.

Since 1958, Asolo Repertory Theatre has been recognized as one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. Asolo Rep presents up to eight productions each season, including classics, contemporary drama, musicals, and world premieres. A theatre district in and of itself, Asolo Rep is committed to expanding its reach into the community, furthering its collaboration with leading theatre-makers, and cultivating the next generation of artists through its affiliation with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein and Managing Director Ross Egan, Asolo Rep’s ambitious theatrical offerings, commitment to new work, and groundbreaking education and engagement programs ensure the company’s lasting legacy for future generations.

RODOLFO NIETO is excited to return to Asolo Repertory Theatre where he was last seen as Dr. Carrasco in Man of La Mancha. As a performer he is a frequent presence on the Twin Cities Theater stage, appearing with Theater Latté Da (All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, Hello Dolly, La Bohème, A Little Night Music, Assassins), History Theatre (Dirty Business, Buddy), Mixed Blood Theatre (Safe at Home), Minnesota Opera (Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, Werther, Silent Night, La Bohème), and Artistry (The Sound of Music, A New Brain).

How does it feel to return to Asolo Repertory Theatre?

It feels wonderful to be returning, especially for this show. This will be my third time performing at Asolo Rep, the first time being Man of La Mancha in 2023 and then All Is Calm in 2024. In each case, the company’s staff and crew were immensely supportive in our collaborations, and the audiences received our work enthusiastically. Bringing back All Is Calm is a delight since, for so many, last year was their first time engaging with this show, and both crew and audiences were effusive in their appreciation of the work.

Can you elaborate on your role as an Ensemble Member for this production?

It is perhaps one of the most challenging, exhausting, and satisfying pieces I have ever been involved with. We are a tightly knit group of nine performers, many of whom have performed this show together in numerous productions over the past 10 years (this will be my 7th production). What makes it unique is that for the entirety of the show – which runs only about 64 minutes – we are ever-present with our bodies and our voices, either in song or with spoken words taken directly from those who were involved in WWI. Since the music is sung “a capella” without a conductor, and because of the way citations are interwoven with the music, there is never a moment for us to rest; we are always “on”. For me personally, that means I am occasionally setting starting pitches, checking my own musical intonation with the group, and flipping between different European accents depending on the individual I am citing, all while engaging with the ensemble as needed to bring the audience into this incredible story.

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