Gisselle Fajardo: “Lilian posed some challenges for me”

During the first episodes of the soap opera Renacer, it was hard to imagine that Liliam's character would give us so much to talk about and, above all, would bring to light such necessary awareness on violence and sexual abuse.

Until today, many of us wonder if Lilian is going to report or remain silent to protect her beloved aunt. I have heard diverse opinions, ranging from re-victimizing her to embracing her in the warmest sisterhood.

In any case, it is clear that the young actress Gisselle Fajardo embraced the challenge of making us think and feel in Lilian's skin. We spoke with her via WhatsApp.

What were the greatest challenges that this character posed for you? What satisfaction did it bring for you?

“I think Lilian posed many challenges for me, many, from singing in front of many people, known (my coworkers, both actors and technical crew) but also unknown (i.e. workers at the location where we recorded the cabaret, extras, and so on) I only sang at home and where I felt comfortable, always with a closed circle of friends, and Lilian gave me the opportunity to let it fly. This character has given me many satisfactions, but among that many, the warmth of the soap opera fans: “how beautiful you sing. Don’t remain silent, report it,” that connection that a viewer creates with the character, is the most beautiful thing.”

I read that Lilian has been your first experience in television. How have you felt?

“Well, at first, I felt a little out of place, doing television has always been difficult, and now it is even harder. What made me gain confidence was the help and support of my more experienced set colleagues and the directors, as well as my classmates at ISA. Once I felt comfortable, I felt great and now I even miss being in front of the camera.”

You have debuted on prime time television. Do you consider it a challenge or just luck?

“Actually, the fact that my first television job was a soap opera made me feel a huge responsibility towards the viewer. I had a great need not to let them down and they demanded a lot of me. I consider it a wonderful luck that I would repeat again and again, and at the same time a challenge, because of everything that making a soap opera entails. I speak of production, but also a lot of time studying. It entails dedication and sacrifice.”

Is there any common ground between Lilian and Giselle?

“Well, the first and most obvious is that Lilian and Gisselle are actresses. The second, which is also very clear, is that we have an immense love for music, and another, just to mention three, is the fortune we have of having a Ramses at our side, the courage we have to move forward and perseverance.”

How much did your theater experience contribute to this new facet of your acting career?

“Theater and television are very different media, but you can always take advantage of resources from one to the other. Personally, I used Stanislavskian methods such as emotional memory (especially for the post-rape stage, based on my own experiences regarding sexual abuse), sense of truth, working with the senses and the magical yes.”

A curiosity, does Giselle like to sing?

“Gisselle cannot live without music, at home, at work, in the theater, on television… I always feel the need to singing. I think it has become a tool to relax and feel freer. Singing is my best therapy!!!! Definitely.”

Immediate projects...

“I cannot help but mention that since last Friday, September 13, El Público theater group continues with the season of Réquiem por Yarini and, well, my next project now on television will be a story called Soledad under the direction of Virgen Tabares Nápoles, whom I have to thank very much for the opportunity.”

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff