Ana duato Returns to the Stage After Two Decades with Marguerite Duras’ ‘La Música’
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After nearly 25 years embodying the iconic Mercedes alcántara in the long-running RTVE series Cuéntame, actress Ana Duato is embarking on a new chapter, returning to her first love: the theater. The celebrated performer is currently touring Spain with La Música, a poignant work by French novelist Marguerite Duras, directed by Magüi Mira and co-starring the acclaimed Darío Grandinetti.
From Television Icon to the Theater Stage
Duato’s return to the stage marks a important moment in her career. Her last theatrical performance was in 1998,with a production of The Elephant Man. La Música centers on a couple reuniting after a two-year separation to finalize their divorce, offering Duato a compelling role and a chance to reconnect with the roots of her craft. The play provides a stark contrast to the familiar warmth of Cuéntame, allowing the actress to explore a different emotional landscape.
Did you know? – Ana Duato’s passion for acting was ignited by a performance of the musical Evita in Madrid. Witnessing paloma San Basilio’s powerful performance of “Don’t Cry for Me,argentina” inspired her to pursue a career in the arts.
A lifelong passion Ignited by ‘Evita’
The seeds of Duato’s passion for acting were sown in the early 1980s. During an appearance on the SER podcast ‘By the beginning’, Duato recounted a formative experience: witnessing a performance of the musical Evita, starring Paloma San Basilio, in Madrid. “When she came out on the balcony and sang ‘Don’t cry for me,Argentina’,I was so struck by her strength that I told myself I had to be an artist,” she recalled,highlighting the powerful impact of live performance.
Pro tip: – Aspiring actors can find creative ways to pursue their dreams. Ana Duato cleaned a theater in exchange for acting classes, demonstrating resourcefulness and dedication to her craft. This allowed her to overcome parental resistance.
Overcoming Obstacles to Pursue Her Dream
Duato’s path to becoming an actress wasn’t without its challenges. At age 15, struggling academically, she found an unexpected ally in a high school literature teacher who encouraged her participation in a production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “I played Puck and that changed my life,” she explained, crediting the experience with solidifying her desire to pursue drama school. This decision initially met with resistance from her parents.
Reader question: – What other challenges do you think aspiring actors face when pursuing their dreams? Share your thoughts on the importance of perseverance and finding support in the comments below.
Undeterred, Duato found a resourceful solution to attend the Abanda theater school at age 17. “Since my parents didn’t want me to study there, I cleaned the theater in exchange for classes,” she revealed. She described a practical approach,donning “a bricklayer’s overalls” and commuting on a “Mobylette” motorcycle to complete her morning cleaning duties before attending classes.
A Reflection on Perseverance and Family Support
Looking back on her journey, Duato expressed a sense of clarity and determination. “I look at my past and I catch myself thinking: ‘How clear I was!'” she stated. While acknowledging she wasn’t naturally rebellious, she recognized a proactive spirit, shaped by being the fourth of her siblings. She concluded
