The Magic of Living a Life That Is Not Your Own

I do not know exactly how long the interview lasted, but the gardens of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba provided a perfect setting for Enmanuel Castillo Martínez to dedicate a few minutes to the Cuban News Agency.

To converse with him is to simply become captivated by his story, with the same sensation one gets when watching him perform on stage or in front of cameras.

Simplicity, humility, transparency, and naturalness are some of the qualities that describe this young and popular actor who, at just 21 years old, has stolen the hearts of many with his diverse characters.

From a young age, he was interested in the arts, but it was thanks to his grandfather that he had his first encounter with an audience, through improvised Cuban folk music, repentismo.

Regarding theater, he mentioned that in his hometown of Quivicán, Mayabeque, he belonged to an amateur group called Nómada. There, he was part of a production that allowed him, in a way, to approach acting. This continued until he entered the ninth grade at the National School of Art (ENA) and later the University of the Arts (ISA), where he is currently in his third year of Theater Studies.

"I could not believe it myself, and many wondered how a country boy, with no prior training, had managed to pass the entrance exams," he reflected.

Once inside, he felt he was in the right place. That is how he began his training and acquired knowledge about true stagecraft as part of the school's curriculum.

"In my second year, I took on the role of Antonio in the play Los Carboneros by Onelio Jorge Cardoso (the Master Storyteller), directed by Jorge Enrique Caballero. Here, I truly felt that connection with a character, one that reminded me of that country life and my roots," he added.

Regarding his arrival on television, he highlighted the role of Richard in the telenovela El derecho de soñar, and especially that of Abdel in the series Calendario, a role that opened many doors for him and for which he remains grateful.

"I landed the role of Abdel because I was bold. I wrote to Magda González Grau on Facebook. Although she told me she would keep me in mind, a response many directors give, she made the difference by giving me the opportunity to audition for the third season. The version of Abdel that everyone saw on television was my entry into Calendario, a series that captivated many and led to my subsequent work."

Samuel, Yunier, and Darío are some of the characters this young actor has portrayed in the telefilms Barcos de Papel, Contra Viento y Marea, and more recently, Desde Cero, all presented on the popular program Una calle, mil caminos during this summer season.

"More than a challenge, each production serves as proof that my work is well received. I had the opportunity for several directors to approach me with leading roles, but having to choose between such good proposals was not an easy task. I would have loved to say yes to everyone who thought of me."

Between questions and reflections, I confirmed that acting is a runway for Enmanuel, a platform where he expresses his feelings and displays the nuances that define the versatility of someone who never seeks the leading role, but rather pursues those characters that appear to be insignificant.

"Every time I go to an audition, my mother tells me to go with my heart in my hand, and that is what I do. I even ask directors to give me those small roles that nobody wants, so I have the chance to try and make them great."

He is currently involved in many projects. However, he revealed that he will soon return to Cuban Television with the series Emocionalmente Subversivas, directed by Elena Palacio.

This actor, who seeks to interpret characters far removed from his own being, ones that push him out of his comfort zone, aspires to work in film. He aims to leave his mark on an environment that opened its doors to the world of art when all he possessed for success was the certainty of his mother's love and unconditional support.

"It has always been my mom and me against the world. Having her by my side at all times is what got me to where I am and gives me the strength to keep growing."

Despite his on-screen opportunities, Castillo Martínez has not abandoned the stage. He continues to champion theater with the groups Teatro de la Luna, Argos Teatro, and the creative community Nave Oficio de Isla.

"Theater is a foundational experience for which I am very grateful. It is something that feeds your soul, your spirit, I do not know how to explain it. It should be valued more, as young people today do not enjoy it as they should. We actors always return to it, because in the end, it is where we are born and grow before moving on to film or television, as was my case."

"For me, acting originates from what you feel on stage. When you love what you do, you enjoy the entire process, from studying a script, to rehearsing it, to filming. Sometimes filming tires you out, but it gives you the chance, if you are at the beach for example, to take a swim, look at the ocean, and live experiences that the rigor of daily life often makes impossible."

"Acting is not pretending, as many think. Acting is being transparent and giving yourself the opportunity to feel and live something you did not have the chance to experience in your own life, but perhaps a friend or relative did. Their story needed to be told," concluded Enmanuel.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff