Ernesto Codner: "Orestes’ character brought me so much joy"

Ernesto Codner is a restless young man who dances very well. Recently, we met at the 2022 Piña Colada Music Festival and it was easy to take notice of this sensitive and easygoing young man who plays the role of Orestes in the TV series Calendario.

What has the character of Orestes meant to you?

It meant a lot as he brought me a lot of joy. First, this character has made me popular somehow. I am now on television and my name is now out there thanks to the TV series. I had already done other things, but not this huge as an actor, especially with such a wonderful character, where I can make the most out of my histrionic talents. I think Orestes has been a blessing.

Does Orestes look anything like the teenager you were?

Orestes has nothing to do with me. We are quite different. Perhaps we have some connections: we are constantly trying to make jokes but to the extreme, to the point that sometimes those jokes are offensive and on the other hand, I loved studying. I was always aware of my homework and I tried to be on the top of my class. Orestes is the opposite.

It was your first experience on television. How did you manage to model such a compelling performance?

Yes, it was my first appearance on television. I stepped into it on the right foot. I always say it and I could manage to perform well thanks to the help of my classmates in 9-3, the help of Clarita (teacher Amalia), Odelmis Torres (Orestes’ mother), who were the ones by my side in most of the scenes and of course, Magda. Magda is a director of television who knows perfectly what she wants and she knows how to lead the actor with her motivations, with the work even before filming. We rehearsed a lot. She made me do a proper characterization of the character from the moment he is born until Orestes reaches the start of the TV series. It helped a lot in the modelling of the character of Orestes.

"I also leaned on the experiences I lived with boys when I was in my junior high school. I had them there in my classroom and helped them several times, but also in my neighborhood. In fact, I see a lot of Orestes nowadays and I treasured all those experiences I knew how to put it on the scene."

What lessons or experiences has Calendario brought you?

Lots of learning and experiences too. Learning especially when it comes to being in front of a camera, how to move, a proper diction, a lot of elements that are completely different from theater, radio, which was what I had done before. All of the above helped me professionally. Besides, we achieved such a team chemistry between all of us, that we are currently a family. We have a WhatsApp group where we constantly talk and share. Everything became much easier for us thanks to the shared experience.

After making a triumphant debut in the world of acting, do you like it over dancing?

I studied at the National School of Pantomime Art and there we trained as mimes, but we also had training as actors and dancers. I've always said that I can't act without dancing and I can't dance without acting, the two complement each other. I would never stop training any of these two vocations. It is not me. Both complement me.

How much does the character of Orestes change in the second season?

Orestes changes in the second season. He actually changes a lot. I can't say it is U-turn, but a year and a half has passed.  He is now studying a qualified worker, eleventh grade. There is a somewhat abrupt change in his family. I can't go any further, but I can say that my mother has a new relationship. I have a new stepfather. The character is called Ignacio and he is played by Jorge Enrique Caballero. On the other hand, Orestes’ economic situation also changes due to factors that I cannot anticipate either.

What expectations do you have with this new season of Calendario?

There is some fear due to this popular belief that "sequels are never any good." People tend to compare new productions with previous products and especially in this case, the plot develops 70% at the characters’ home and 30% at the school. Therefore, this space loses weight compared to season one. The boys are on their own but they manage to get together every episode. I think it is a much stronger season as of conflicts, issues to be addressed and, personally, I think it will be more successful than the season one. But the public has the final say.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff