Andrea Chaparro – Like Water For Chocolate

By starrymag | December 15, 2024

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) Andrea, we’ll be seeing you in the series adaptation of the acclaimed book Like Water for Chocolate. What drew you want to take part in this project?

A) Definitely the story being centered in women and the history that it portrays of our beautiful country. After watching the movie for the first time and reading the book, Gertrudis and her will to be free stayed within me.

 

Q) What was your preparation process to bring to life a character like Gertrudis? Did you explore the prior references such as Laura Esquivel’s book or the 1992 film?

A) After getting the casting, I watched the movie with my family and read the book here and then when we were filming. We also had the opportunity to explore the revolution with a historian, as well as horse riding lessons and I got in some of my sister’s cooking classes – I had to.

 

Q) Like Water for Chocolate is a story that develops around the Mexican Revolution. What stood out the most for you about playing a woman that lived during the 1900’s?

A) Playing a woman who is surrounded by rules but chooses to not live by them. Giving voice to an adelita is something I have always dreamed of, showing the rebellious side of history – an honor and a pleasure.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this beautiful series?

A) Yes! Azul [Guaita] and I worked together in “Rebelde,” where we were mostly frenemies on screen. It is sweet to share another story that brings us closer. And as for Ana Valeria [Becerril] and Irene [Azuela], it was my first time working with them. I admire so much their ability to be chameleons on screen. Their presence only brought me much closer to the story.

 

Q) Which part of playing Gertrudis do you consider that has truly pushed your boundaries as an actress?

A) I think the whole revolution universe. It was very intimidating to hold a rifle at first, but there’s something very empowering I felt during filming those scenes where I was mostly the only woman. I felt the bravery of all my years on this earth and other women through me as I galloped into scene. And for that moment, I was bigger than what intimidated or scared me. Today I remember being there whenever I need a little push.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film and the ones that turned out to be the most enriching for you?

A) My favorite ones would be the market scene, the sad cake scene and, of course, the running off on the horse scene. It was my most enriching as well. I knew the challenge that it was and maybe the expectations it had from the beginning, yet I never felt more free, strong and one in my skin before. I am forever grateful Gertrudis shared that with me.

 

Q) Gertrudis had an important development throughout the story becoming a symbol of freedom and independence; how does her story resonate with you as a person and as an actress?

A) From the moment I met Gertrudis I could see a part of myself in her. This sense of justice and somewhat detachment has always been present in my life. I never really knew where to put it or what to make of this feeling until I met Gertrudis.

 

Q) Female voices resonate loud despite the time they were in. What is the main lesson you take away from these complex female characters?

A) Maybe that we as women have a very strong bond no matter what. There is something that unites us and powers us to move masses. From all the love and rituals we share, it’s what stays the most within us. Wouldn’t life be much more pleasant if we could take the tastes and smells of our mother’s home with us wherever we went?

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with viewers that explore this beautiful series about Mexican heritage and the power of emotions?

A) The music and feeling of waiting. We now live in an instant gratification society. I hope the feeling of seeing the letters were never responded or waiting for another episode every Sunday lingers with everybody so they can stop for a second and give a chance to familiar rituals that were once practiced at home. Maybe call their moms or ask for a recipe. Get to it.

 

Q) What are the upcoming projects that you have been busy working on that you can share with us?

A) The second season of “Bandidos” will be soon on Netflix and right now I’m playing a part in a series from the 80’s. It’s been really fun.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of your work?

A) To each and every one of you, gracias for your support and simply your presence. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to be able to do what I love every day and connect with you somehow. I’m constantly striving to improve and challenge myself as an artist and as a human. Thank you because your encouragement motivates me to keep taking risks and dive deeper into the stories I tell. thank you for being part of my journey <3