Shakespeare

Robert Beltran loves the theater, especially Shakespeare. He has taken part in various stage productions, often interpreting classical texts. Officially, there is no specific "favorite sonnet" of his, nothing is publicly documented. However, there are indications that he has a particular soft spot for Shakespeare's deeper, philosophical works in particular, as Robert has often emphasized in interviews how much he appreciates theater, especially classical roles that require psychological depth. William Shakespear's sonnet 29 is a good example and he recites the first two lines in the video below

In this video made from Lydia Nicole TikTok shorts Robert explaining how to recite Shakespeare right and why ... see for youself, it is awsome to listen to him. Having him as teacher must be increadible:

Here is the whole sonnet:

Sonnet 29

(William Shakespeare)

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,

I all alone beweep my outcast state..

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries

And look upon myself and curse my fate,

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,

Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,

Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,

With what I most enjoy, contented least;

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,

Happily I think on thee, and then my state,

Like to the lark at break of day arising

From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven's gate;

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

What if...

... one were to write a sonnet inspired by Robert's acting style, his spiritual streak (he has spoken out many times on topics such as identity, culture, and philosophy), and his love of classical theater and Shakespeare?

A sonnet intended as a tribute to Robert's artistic and personal journey as an actor with indigenous roots, as a seeker and as someone who not only plays roles but lives them:

Sonnet for the Wanderer Between Worlds

(fictional, in the style of Shakespeare - Robert might like it)

When stars are veiled and silence haunts the skies,

I walk the path where earth and spirit meet.

No crown I seek, nor gold to blind my eyes,

But truth, where soul and shadow dare to greet.

In painted mask or robe of ancient lore,

I speak the words that time has cast in stone.

Each voice I wear reveals me evermore

A mirror made of lives not all my own.

Yet still I yearn for lands beyond the stage,

Where hearts commune and silence holds its grace.

Beyond the script, beyond the cage of age,

I find the self in every stranger’s face.

So let them say I dreamed with open eyes

A voyager beneath uncharted skies.