Natalia Ramirez, Julio Cesar Herrera and Lorna Cepeda from “I’m Betty the Ugly” together in the play “El diwan rojo”.

From “I’m Betty the Ugly”, actress Natalia Ramirez and actor Julio Cesar Herrera — who played Marcela Valencia and Freddie Contreras respectively — will always remember how the telenovela created by Fernando Gaitan changed their lives. Since then, the name of the screenwriter and playwright has been present in their lives, even to this day, when they have to visit Peru (in Trujillo on April 14 at the Teatro Upao, and in Lima on April 15 at the Teatro Canut). stage ‘red sofa’, a play written by a Colombian.

Thanks to Gaitan, as Ramirez admitted in an interview with RPP Noticias, she was able to “internationalize” her career and develop as an actress. “He wrote large blocks of text and large scenes of several minutes, which is a pleasure for an actor. Learning the text of Gaitan is worth it,” he said. And Herrera, for his part, recalled that his first experience as a television actor was in the series “La fuerza del poder”, written by a screenwriter who died in January 2019.

‘Then it came’I’m Betty Ugly’ which was a great coincidence because I was going to be in another soap opera but the casting chief said to me ‘No no no, do it here, it’s kinda good,'” said the man who gave life to the funny Ecocomfort herald .

“I’m Ugly Betty” and “Red Sofa” similarities

With the advent of “I’m Betty the Ugly” in streaming (first on Netflix and currently available on Amazon), the success of the tune it had at the time of release was repeated. The soap opera hit the platforms very well, so much so that it continues to rank as the top 10 most viewed titles on Prime Video. “It transcended all generations,” said Natalia Ramirez. “There are two important divisions in the world,” Julio Cesar Herrera suggested, referring to the groups of fans that are proliferating on social media today, “K-Pop and addicted Betty.”

While the soap opera is not without critical acclaim due to some dubiously funny episodes, it seems inevitable at this point. “Canceling something doesn’t mean it’s not happening,” the actress defended. “When you turn on the TV or go to the theater, you go because you don’t pay attention to what is happening on the street, and when you rub it and show it, you are indignant. Fernando did it all [Gaitán]to everyone, we say, “Look at this, this is not the right thing to do,” his partner said.

Like in that fantasy Fernando Gaitan I also seek to uncover a hidden problem inred sofa’, which in this case starred Herrera and Lorna Zepeda (the well-remembered “Pelitenida” from “Yo soy Betty, la fea”), produced by Ramirez. In the original version, a womanizing man goes to a sexologist to solve his feminine problem, but in the one that will be staged this year, the roles are reversed: now a woman goes to a psychologist to test her excessive love for men.

“Director [Víctor Quesada] He makes us an indecent offer, – said the main character, – he told us: “We are in the 21st century, look at everything that happens to women today: why a woman cannot be a man-head and be respected.” ? So we decided to change the circle, and it gave us an amazing effect. In addition, I must say: women are much better than men at hiding little things.

couple on sofa

They were relatives Fernando Gaitan who ordered Natalia Ramirez correspond ‘red sofa’ this year. “I have a huge responsibility for the legacy of Fernando: I respect him very much, I deeply love him,” said the producer, who admitted that he had seen this work more than four times on stage. For her, the performance is “a great reflection on communication and respect” as a couple.

Behind his comedic aspect, as he did with “Yo soy Betty, la fea”, Gaitan spoke with his unique take on romance. “This is a call to pay attention to what is happening to our couples. About how we can spend many years with the same person without falling into the monotony of Fernando’s vision,” said Herrera, for whom this is “therapy”. “You’ll save on the ticket if you go,” he said between laughter. Your viewers will surely be able to confirm this.

EER+ 24 Premiere: ANTONIA EN LA VIDA, a Peruvian independent film directed by women.

It’s time for Peruvian cinema! Premiere of the Peruvian independent film “Antonia en la vida”, made entirely by women. Renato León spoke with director Natalia Rojas Gamarra about the process of making the film, as well as screenings at the PUCP Cultural Center and around the country. Listen and share!