Leonardo Sbaraglia and Griselda Siciliani, the dynamic duo behind the characters of Carlos and Zulema, delve deep into their transformative journey. As they gear up for the premiere of “Menem,
” a gripping drama series meticulously crafted by director Ariel Winograd, their dedication shines through in every word and gesture.
The day unfolds with Sbaraglia’s tight schedule hinting at his imminent flight, while Siciliani playfully teases about continuing their conversations in Spain. Their camaraderie is palpable as they embody the roles of the late President Carlos Saúl Menem and former First Lady Zulema Yoma. It’s evident that these actors have seamlessly slipped into character, shedding their own personas to embrace those of a bygone era.
Siciliani reflects on Sbaraglia’s portrayal with admiration, saying, “
Today when I see images of Menem, it seems less real because to me, he is Leo.” They both acknowledge the immense effort poured into this six-episode series that intricately weaves together the personal and political life of Menem with a splash of fictional flair.
Amidst discussions about character preparation, Siciliani unveils her meticulous study of Zulema Yoma’s mannerisms and speech patterns. She shares how embodying a living persona brings its own set of challenges but also rewards in terms of creative freedom.
As they navigate uncharted territory portraying such iconic figures without prior collaboration, they find an instant chemistry that elevates their performance to new heights. Sbaraglia muses on this newfound synergy, highlighting the essence of trust and mutual respect that underpins their partnership.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn as they discuss the delicate balance between fiction and reality within biographical portrayals. While exploring Menem’s presidency alongside his tumultuous personal life with Zulema Yoma on-screen, they grapple with the responsibility that comes with portraying real-life individuals.
Their conversation delves into broader themes surrounding artistic expression amidst challenging industry landscapes. They emphasize the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering a vibrant cultural scene that resonates with audiences hungry for authentic storytelling.
With each passing moment leading up to the series’ release date, reflections on Argentina’s ever-evolving political landscape add layers of complexity to their portrayal. Against a backdrop marked by shifting ideologies and societal norms, they recognize the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change.
In closing remarks tinged with wisdom and introspection, Sbaraglia touches upon Menem’s legacy as a unifying figure capable of bridging divides—a stark contrast to contemporary trends rooted in polarization. His poignant words echo sentiments of unity amid growing discord in today’s world.
As they prepare to unveil this captivating saga that breathes new life into Argentina’s history, Sbaraglia and Siciliani stand as torchbearers for storytelling that transcends boundaries—ushering audiences into a realm where past meets present in a tapestry woven with threads of emotion and authenticity.
