In the midst of the climatic situation the character of “Magda” lives in the soap opera Renacer is a very pleasant opportunity to be able to talk with Mireya Chapman, the actress who incarnates her. Mireya, a simple woman, eternally in love with theater, who when performing for other genres like television or cinema, leaves the embers of wanting to continue watching her.

I remember her well as Tomasa in “Eco de las piedras”, a Cuban soap opera that alternated in time with the popular Brazilian La esclava Isaura. In both dramatizations there was a mean slave who bothered the passionate viewers a lot; nevertheless, our Tomasa won the applause by far.

Memories aside, today we talked with actress Mireya Chapman, who, full of joy, never tires of thanking for the opportunity to have played “Magda” in the soap opera Renacer. After some time away from television due to the many responsibilities in her big home, theater, Chapman reappears with a role full of nuances; a character full of light and shadow that once again the actress removes artifice to show with a convincing naturalness. Thus she moves between violence and tenderness; deceit and kindness; leaving that disturbing side that speaks of the vulnerability of old age, despite whatever circumstances she has to live.

In the face of all the refusal to be able to say in advance even a small detail of what will happen with the character, Chapman comments:

“Director Heiking Hernández and co-director Jorge Molina called me to take on this role; I was a bit hesitant because of the commitments I had with the theater, but well, the pre-process of the soap opera was coordinated, I was able to work calmly, and I feel very happy with the opportunity because “Magda” is a character that’s a real challenge, I simply feel very rewarded with it.

I’m an actress who owes everything I am to amateur movement, I always was, and from there I learned from Stanislavski, his budget of faith and sense of truth, as well as the value of the magical yes, I always carry that with me, and this character in that regard is a jewel for all the problems in which it’s involved, even though there’s still much to watch.”

How has Magda been received?

Well, the reception has been exciting, and in the midst of daily difficulties it’s a joy for me that it is so. Since I approached it, I discovered its richness, I was able to understand it little by little because the amount of nuances it has makes it transcend by its character, the roughness and crudeness of its reality. I especially thank the support and understanding of actor Jorge Molina, who takes on a criminal, in addition to being designated as guest director. I worked closely with him on the conception and development of my character. It was very beneficial for me to find so many ways to face it, assume it and defend it.

Tell me about your relationship with Liam’s character

“That boy, Alejandro, right? (Alejandro Guerrero), yes, that’s his name, he’s an admirable young man. We got along very well during the filming. He has a natural grace, he’s very sincere. I love him. He filled the filming time with proverbs and colloquial phrases; for example, I remembered the one that says: “estás en talla como la gente de Playa.” I also felt very comfortable with the actress who plays his mother, Mirta Lilia Pedro, and so in general the character of “Magda” moves among many others, and in all cases I found the experience very pleasant and enriching.”

While preparing this meeting with actress Mireya Chapman, she was immersed in the premiere for theater of a selection of works that Rita Montaner company (her other home) has arranged to honor her years of valuable artistic career. We also learned that she is part of the feature film Neurótica anonima, Jorge Perugorría’s latest project, which means that we will happily continue to have good news about Mireya Chapman, as there will be no shortage of chances to retrace the steps of this Magda who represents a well-deserved and applauded Renacer on television.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff