With roots embedded in the Congo and the melodic chants of Lucumí, carrying Carabalí blood, and the fiery spirit of Mandinga, Marieta Sánchez is a true Cuban, deeply connected to Santiago. Every stage she graces is filled with joy and soul.
A passionate and resilient actress, Marieta transitions effortlessly from theater to whispers, from storytelling to brilliance, from song to sorrow, and from laughter to tremors. Her versatility mirrors life itself, transforming each role into truth and radiance.
She is a keeper of the drum's legacy, cherishing memories and flowing rivers, blending music and poetry into an ancestral ritual. In her performances, she transcends acting, becoming a universal voice that resonates and pulses with the world.
The Voice of Cuba in Catalonia
In Catalonia, Marieta Sánchez shines as a beacon of identity. Her mixed heritage and quest for freedom make her the authentic voice of Cuba in this region. Engaging with this remarkable Cuban artist, who has left her mark on Spanish cinema and theater, is a pleasure. Welcome to CubaHeadlines!
Currently, Marieta is teaching camera acting at a film school, preparing to rehearse the play Aguas Grises by a Cuban writer, and engaging in oral storytelling for children.
Artistic Interplay: Theater, Storytelling, and Music
How do theater, oral storytelling, and music interact within you? Is there a difference between playing a character and embodying one?
Theater, storytelling, and music coexist harmoniously within me, allowing me to flow seamlessly between different creative expressions. For me, embodying a character means inhabiting it fully, lending it my body and emotions to convey its story. This integration is crucial; otherwise, the performance lacks depth. To inhabit a role is to be aware of the act of performing, beginning the moment I start studying a character.
The Unique Magic of Theater
What does theater offer that no camera can replace?
The audience. Theater provides a singular and irreplaceable moment where communion with the audience brings the performance to life. It's an experience of being in the here and now. While cameras offer technical storytelling and the ability to alter timelines, the theater remains an unparalleled way of creating.
A Return to Santiago de Cuba
Take me back to Santiago de Cuba, to your family. What memories from that time continue to shape the woman and actress you are today?
Ah, what a wonderful question! I'm a true Santiago native, with a big, joyful family. Memories of playing with my grandmother and growing up with three brothers and many cousins in my grandparents' home are cherished. My mother was generous and hardworking, while my father loved life. I carry traits from both.
The Lessons of Motherhood
Now that you're a mother to a teenage son you adore, what has motherhood taught you that no stage ever could?
My son is my sunlight and strength. Motherhood has taught me to give love and my best self, to learn from other mothers, to unlearn old teaching methods, and to listen and trust my instincts. Raising and educating a child is the most challenging task, and I constantly question my approach.
Cuba's Place in Her Stories
What role does Cuba play in your stories? As a Cuban living between memory and distance, how do you feel about the current situation in Cuba?
Leaving Cuba means carrying it with you. It's challenging to detach from that feeling, and I strive to convey it through my creative work. Despite the physical distance, the connection remains. Over time, memory can be tricky, as we instinctively seek to start anew and cope with nostalgia. Yet, the memories stay, cherished and preserved.
The hardships faced by Cubans today fill me with sadness and helplessness. I worry about mothers, the elderly, and the needs of the people. Sometimes, I need to distance myself from the constant flow of information to manage the emotional toll. It's overwhelming to see the suffering and the silence of the international community.
The Influence of Afro-Cuban Roots
How do your Afro-Cuban roots manifest in your art?
I have always embraced my black identity and am proud of my Afro-Cuban heritage. In every creation, character, and performance, my ancestors are present. Whether through text, music, dance, or prayer, elements of my heritage emerge, like a scarf or a specific movement.
Challenging Silences and Artistic Influences
What was the most challenging silence you've had to interpret?
The most difficult silence was in the play La Valla, where I portrayed Naome, an African woman crossing the desert while pregnant to reach Europe and reunite with her husband. The play profoundly impacted me, and Naome's silences were intense and challenging. It was an incredible experience, a theatrical gift from its author and director, Pere Peiró.
Who were your most influential mentors in your artistic and personal journey?
I was taught by the great Raquel Revuelta, whose classes left an indelible mark on me. I remain in contact with my fellow students, known as Raquel's kids. I also learned a great deal from Vicente Revuelta and Eugenio Hernández Espinosa, who introduced me to Afro-Cuban culture from a different perspective.
Life Between Two Shores
Does living between Cuba and Spain change an actress?
Perhaps the real question is whether it changes the person. Migration brings a profound shift in one's life, and while it alters your perspective, it doesn't change your essence. Barcelona is my city of refuge, while Santiago remains my cherished hometown.
Dream Roles and Future Aspirations
What roles do you still dream of playing? What remains for you to achieve professionally?
I hope there's much more to come. I'd love to perform a character by Federico Lorca or a classic like Medea. There are so many, it's hard to choose. I find joy in any role and look forward to being surprised by many more.
The Woman Behind the Actress
When the curtain falls and the applause fades, who remains behind the actress?
A happy woman who cherishes what she does, despite the circumstances. Curious, joyful, and optimistic, she's ready for the next performance. Life is a miraculous gift, and I am grateful for it.
Working with Renowned Spanish Artists
You've collaborated with many prominent Spanish artists. With whom have you felt most at ease?
In theater, I've enjoyed working with directors like Pere Peiró and Manuel Dueso. In television and film, Joel Joan and Alex de la Iglesia have been fantastic. I also admire Leticia Dolera. While I hesitate to name actors, as we are sensitive, I've been fortunate to work alongside remarkable Spanish talents.
Marieta Sánchez speaks and lives with the memory of Santiago de Cuba in her skin, the strength of her ancestors in her art, and the conviction that every story deserves to be truly inhabited. Through theater, cinema, teaching, and motherhood, she has forged a path where emotion, discipline, and gratitude naturally coexist. Her gaze reflects familial joy, cultural commitment, and sensitivity to her people's suffering. As an actress, storyteller, teacher, and mother, she continues moving towards the next performance, convinced that life, as she says, is a miraculous wonder.
Exploring Marieta Sánchez's Artistic Journey
What distinguishes Marieta Sánchez's acting style?
Marieta Sánchez is known for her versatile and emotionally immersive performances, embodying characters with depth and authenticity. Her Afro-Cuban roots influence her unique approach, infusing music and storytelling into her roles.
How does Marieta Sánchez balance her roles as an actress and a mother?
Marieta Sánchez balances her career and motherhood by integrating her son into her life and work. Her experiences as a mother enrich her performances, providing her with insights that no stage could teach.
What impact does Marieta's Cuban heritage have on her work?
Marieta Sánchez's Cuban heritage profoundly shapes her artistic expression. Her connection to her roots is evident in her performances, where she brings the vibrancy and cultural richness of Cuba to the forefront.