Baladés, born in Algeciras in 1994, first graced the Teatro Florida stage at the tender age of six. Now, 24 years later, she returns to this iconic venue alongside Lydia Aranda. Both friends and natives of Algeciras, they currently reside in Madrid, where Las Nietas has been successfully performed. This upcoming show will mark the closing of the second season of the "Uno de los nuestros" program by the Asociación Cultural de Amigos del Teatro (ACAT), an initiative celebrating local acting talent.
The actress recalled her childhood debut, when, as a student of José Luis Muñoz and Mari Eugenia Ferrera's theater school, she forgot her lines as a fairy in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Her quick-witted response, reading the script on stage, drew laughter and applause, a moment she believes was pivotal in shaping her career.
“"I was in front of everyone and I said, 'I've forgotten my lines!' And Maru called me backstage. I went, grabbed the script, took it out onto the stage, read my lines, hid the paper, and said: 'Dad, Dad!' And everyone applauded and laughed."
Baladés describes Las Nietas as a play that "focuses on the lives of young people, particularly young working women, and the generation of our grandmothers." The piece explores the contrast between generations, highlighting how the current system can make it difficult for young people to spend time with their loved ones, who often feel isolated.
Her return to Algeciras evokes a mix of excitement and responsibility. "It commands a lot of respect because I know family, friends, and acquaintances will be there," she confesses, adding that she feels an "extra bit of responsibility" knowing the performance is a tribute to her community. Despite the inherent instability of her profession, Mel Baladés prefers not to make long-term plans, choosing instead to enjoy the process and embrace each new project as it comes.
