Julio Torres has announced a new comedy special titled “Color Theories” set to premiere on HBO.
Serving as a thematic sequel to his previous HBO special “My Favorite Shapes,” Torres filmed “Color Theories” during his recent month-long off-Broadway engagement at Performance Space New York. According to a statement regarding the live performance, “Color Theories” is described as blending elements of stand-up, design, and dreamlike concepts into a playful examination of color, feelings, and identity, representing an intricate mix of comedy, theater, and art. The show initiated previews on September 3, with its official premiere following a week later. Originally scheduled to close on September 21, the run was extended twice due to overwhelming demand, ultimately wrapping up on October 10.
In a chat with Variety prior to the opening, Torres explained, “I’m utilizing color as a means to clarify observations we all share.” He elaborated, “That common direction where a filmmaker suggests an actor embody a certain color, like ‘Be more purple or orange,’ I totally understand that. This feels like a method to express my thoughts.”
“The ambiance of the show is distinctly purple,” he added. “It addresses anger within a bureaucratic framework. The red embodies anger and frustration, while the bureaucratic aspect is symbolized by blue, making purple the result of their combination.”
“Color Theories” is a project crafted by Torres, who takes on writing, directing, and performance roles, alongside contributions from Ian Edlund, Nick Meyers, Drew Rollins, and Joe Rumrill. The executive production team includes Torres, Olivia Gerke from 3 Arts, and Matthew Vaughan from Rotten Science, with co-executive producers Christian Palomares and Chris Douglas from Boundary Road Productions.
Beyond “Color Theories” and “My Favorite Shapes,” Torres is known for his work with HBO on projects such as the series “Fantasmas,” which aired for six episodes in 2024, and the acclaimed “Los Espookys,” which ran for two seasons from 2019 to 2022. The latter was co-created with notable talents Fred Armisen and Ana Fabrega. His additional credits showcase his versatility as he wrote and directed the A24 film “Problemista,” featuring a performance alongside Tilda Swinton, and was a writer for “Saturday Night Live” from 2016 to 2021.
