Alberto Corona: "I'm Aries, and all challenges are very appealing to me"

Acting has allowed Alberto Corona to explore other forms of artistic expression. He played a musician in the soap opera Tan Lejos y Tan Cerca, and now Sábados de Gloria puts him in the role of a visual artist "who is venturing into new trends in art, such as art with technology," as he exclusively told CubaSí while introducing his character, Javier.

What challenges did this character pose?

"Facing Javier and bringing him to life, as we actors say, was a significant challenge. I joined Sábados de Gloria late in the production process, which left me little time to develop the character. However, with the support of the directors and the actors I interacted with in my character's subplot, I was able to understand him, dig in his particularities, interests, and concerns. More importantly, I conveyed a message to Cuban society and the contemporary world: life is much more fulfilling when lived without prejudice or taboos, as it grants greater freedom throughout our journey."

Soap opera Sábados de Gloria

What did you enjoy the most about this character?

"One of the aspects I enjoyed the most was the process of building the character, as creation is truly magical for actors. Given the limited time I had, I adopted a different approach than usual for television: instead of constructing the character from the inside out, I began from the external appearance. I focused on his image, hairstyle, accessories, mannerisms, and way of walking. Gradually, I immersed myself in him and got to know him.

Through this process, I discovered that Javier was a wonderful human being—an excellent friend, a great professional, and, above all, someone who always spoke the truth, without filters or masks. This authenticity made me connect with him and enjoy the process of portraying him even more."

You have confessed that after your first experience on television in the soap opera Aquí Estamos, you thought you might not be cut out for television. However, you have returned to several projects, even as a protagonist in Tan Lejos y Tan Cerca. What did you find appealing about this medium? Did any particular project mark a turning point for you?

“The experience of Aquí Estamos was truly revealing and, at the same time, abrupt because I got very nervous when I first faced the cameras, the lights, the sound… everything on set. I’ve talked about this in several interviews. After that, I asked myself, ‘Can I really do this?’ But of course, I’m Aries, and I find all challenges very appealing. Projects started coming up on television, and I began auditioning. I was lucky enough to be chosen, and I think a project that marked a turning point in my career was Latidos Compartidos. It was my first major role on television, a character that brought me awards, friendships, and experiences. That incredible actor, Manuel Porto, whom I’ll always remember, played a fatherly role to me in that soap opera. We studied together, and the creative process with him was magical. It contributed a lot to my professional growth. I think Latidos Compartidos made me fall in love with television, with its processes, especially telenovelas, because I was able to take that journey actors seek when telling a story through a character—a sincere, true, and real journey that only happens in the actor’s imagination, creating that actor-character bond.

Each project is unique in its own way. Tan Lejos y Tan Cerca was also a major challenge —it required an intense workload, with up to 22 scenes per day. However, it provided great training and helped me grow immensely. Moreover, working alongside my daughter, Lucía González Lam, was an added motivation, as it required even more dedication and study.

If I had to highlight two productions that shaped my television career, I would undoubtedly mention Latidos Compartidos and Tan Lejos y Tan Cerca."

Your artistic career began in theater. After working in television and film, do you still consider theater your true home?

"Yes, theater remains the artistic medium I love the most. In fact, while in Mérida, I was interviewed about theater because I am currently participating in the seventh edition of the Mérida Monologue Festival.

During the discussion, an interesting debate arose about which form of art is superior. Some argued that music is the highest form of art, but I contended that theater is, based on my experience.

While walking through Mérida, I observed numerous musicians performing in bars, theaters, and small venues. However, I realized that being a good musician is not enough; one must interpret the music with authenticity. If an artist does not truly feel what they are playing or singing, the art fails to touch the soul, to transform, and to evoke emotions. That is why I believe theater is the most sublime form of artistic expression.

For me, theater is a reason for being. Throughout life, we experience moments of joy, sorrow, and melancholy. During difficult times, theater has been my refuge. The moment I step on stage, everything changes. The magic and creative energy of theater have the power to heal. I will always say that theater saves us."

What projects are you currently working on?

"As I mentioned earlier, I am currently participating in the Mérida Monologue Festival with the Kilómetro Cero theater project.

Additionally, I am honored to star in a new soap opera titled Ojo de Agua, directed by Alberto Luberta and José Víctor. This project presents a new challenge, a new perspective, and a new character, which is one of the greatest wonders of our profession —the ability to bring multiple lives to existence within a single lifetime.

Some people say to me: You're an actor, so you must be a great liar. I don’t know if I can believe you. However, I always respond that my profession is quite the opposite. If there is no truth, there is no acting, no theater, no art. Even if a character is fictional, the actor must build them with the same sincerity and passion as if they were a loved and real person. That is why I deeply respect my profession, and each day I continue to discover new challenges and surprises within it.

In the theater, we are also preparing for a national tour with our latest production, Profundidad, based on the life of Oscar Wilde. This play, written and directed by Liliana Lam and myself, will premiere on February 8 at the Adolfo Llauradó Hall and run until February 23, with performances on weekends at 5:00 p.m. Afterward, we will take the production on tour to Matanzas and Pinar del Río.

Additionally, in March, we will participate in the International Monologue Festival of Cienfuegos with our play Favez."

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff