Begoña Maestre: estilo frente a la cámara

Begoña Maestre: style in front of the camera

What exciting projects do you have on the horizon?

For now, it looks like it will be a quiet summer; the return will bring more action.

You've worked in both daily television and classical theater. What artistic demands do you find greater in each medium?

Each medium has its own magic and processes, and I love them all! In theater, I'm very concerned about my voice; it's crucial to be at 100% when the curtain rises. In film and television, with daily series, I'd say the challenge is to stay as fresh as possible, since the format is more repetitive, the sequences are very long and can become monotonous if we don't give them rhythm. Plus, we have a lot to study every day, and sometimes you can have several "extra" scenes from one day to the next. In seasonal series, the rhythm is different; the scripts arrive well in advance, and working on the character is much more enjoyable for me.

In Entre Tierras you play Justa, a character full of inner turmoil. How did you prepare emotionally for that role?

I'm going to tell you a secret: I met a Justa! I immediately recognized her, and that became my foundation. Then, little by little, I shaped her and adapted her to my own style. It's curious, but I came to understand her. Justa was emotionally crippled; she suffered immensely and didn't know how to manage that pain, which is why she acted so badly. She lacked the tools to communicate and made terrible decisions. I learned a lot from her, and although it might seem strange, I also had a lot of fun.

You're a mother and you juggle your family life with work on demanding film sets. What has been your biggest challenge in achieving work-life balance so far?

I don't really do anything that thousands of mothers don't do every day; it's difficult to balance work and family life, and we still have a long way to go. What complicates things most for me are the theater gigs, being on tour and not being home much. Some film shoots also take place outside of Madrid, which can cause a lot of changes in family life, but they're not usually that common.

After so many years in your career, what project (theater, film or television) do you feel transformed you as an actress?

Each one teaches you something and helps you grow, both as an actress and as a person; they go hand in hand. The characters with extensive experience and those with less, all of them, in their precise order of appearance, improve you, teach you, and transform you. This is common to all those interviewed.

Have you ever had an embarrassing experience because of your outfit choice?

The truth is that I find it hard to take risks when it comes to dressing; I feel more comfortable in simple styles, and that way it's harder to have embarrassing moments.

What is the oldest item of clothing you own that you haven't thrown away yet?

I've always loved a pair of high-waisted skinny jeans that my boyfriend gave me ages ago.

A style you feel (very) identified with.

Jeans that fit me well and a nice t-shirt, and in summer a light dress.

What changes would you like to see in the fashion industry? Are you someone who takes the time to analyze what you buy, or do you just go along with fast fashion?

To be honest, I buy very few clothes. I think we have more than enough. Perhaps we are entering into an invented need for consumerism. My clothes last a long time because I buy what makes me feel comfortable and beautiful, and I don't follow trends that much.

What do you wear, for example, to a rehearsal?

Comfortable pants, clothes that I don't worry about getting ruined... sometimes we can come across some "special" exercise and end up lying on the floor!