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María Torres, a Costa Rican actress with a renowed career.
This singular artist attributes her successful t,ajectory to her closeness to he public, her humility, and her charisma when she speaks with the public.
María Torres won the affection and sympathy of theater lovers many years ago, especially those who prefer comedy She has an innate talent for making people laugh. Her huge smile never goes unnoticed. People in Costa Rica recognize her wherever she goes. With a career that spans over thirty years, this "Tica" actress says that her profession has given her great satisfaction. Still, she considers herself a very humble person, a loving mother, and a woman who loves to do household tasks.
How long have you known you wanted to be an actress?
I found out when I entered the University of Costa Rica in 1977. I took theater workshops and classes from famous professors. Right then, I knew 1 wanted to study dramatic arts. So, in 1978, I enrolled in the Escuela de Artes Dramáticas (School of Dramatic Arts).
Tell us about your first years in the Costa Rican theater. What were they like?
I started in the University Theater in 1979 in a play by Brecht, called "Los fusiles de la Madre Carrar" (Mother Carrar's Rifles), directed by Virginia Grutter. Then I worked at the University of Costa Rica for several years, and then at the Teatro del Ángel, where I spent nine years.
You've performed many jobs. Which ones do you think were the best?
When I worked as a guest actress with the Compañía Nacional de Danza (National Dance Company), and when I was with the Compañía Lírica Nacional (National Lyrical Company), with the singer Adrian Goizueta. I also spent several years with Radio Nederland in Holland, where I worked in various programs.
Who are you main heroes, idols, or inspirations?
Some of my inspirations are teachers and professors, people who have helped me in this difficult profession.
To what do you attribute your success as an actress, and the acceptance that you've had from the public for so many years?
Mostly, because the public feels close to me. I think they don't see me as an unreachable person. Everyone can come and talk to me as if they were my friend.
Do you have a favorite theatrical work or play?
Some works have meant very important moments 'in my life. "La Chupeta Electrónica" (The Electric Lollipop), "La Rosa de Dos Aromas" (The Rose with Two Aromas), The Vagina Monologues, "Gallito Pinto 1 and 2"; "Caras Vemos" (Faces We See); "Divorciadas, Evangélicas y Vegetarianas" (Divorced, Evangelicaand Vegetarían Women); "No seré feliz, pero tengo Marido" (I might not be happy but I have a husband); Orgasms; and 'Cristo roto" (My Broken Christ). But the most important thing was opening a theater, the Teatro Torres, in downtown San José. We'll inaugurate our new theater hall in ]une.
What has it meant to you to open up your own business?
El Teatro Torres (The Torres Theater) was inaugurated on October 5, 2003. It was a dream come true. I fervently believe that al¡ theater lovers should have one.
Who are the members of María Torres' family?
María Torres is an ordinary woman. I have a normal family ¡¡fe and a marvelous twelve-year-old daughter. I enjoy having a partner who accompanies me and is always with me. He's my greatest strength and my best friend.
With what proverb do you identify most?
My motto is "En boca cerrada no entran moscas" (she laughs). [Note: literally, this means Mies don't go finto a closed mouth."
Tell us about the play "Orgasmos" (Orgasms), which was your most recent theatrical work. When can the public enjoy it again?
Orgasms is the most important work that has been done, not only at Teatro Torres, but in the country as a whole. It's good that the public appreciates a work that has been internationally successful. It has given us great satisfaction, This month of April, it will reach 400 performances, with a total audience never seen before in our country.
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