At just 7 years old, child actress Maya Dias is emerging as one of the revelations of the performing arts. About to debut as Denguinho in the soap opera “ Êta Mundo Melhor”, on TV Globo, the young artist has already accumulated appearances in films, such as the film “Princesa Adormecida”, in the series “Reis”, on Record TV, and on stage in the musical “A Noviça Rebelde”. Since she was 6 months old, Maya has participated in advertising campaigns and has achieved achievements that highlight her versatility and talent in different media.
You have been immersed in the world of performing arts since you were very young. At just 7 years old, you have already made important appearances in films, soap operas and musical theater. How do you divide your time between your childhood, your studies and this intense routine of recordings and rehearsals?
Oh, I love doing all of this! I love acting, singing and dancing, so even when there is rehearsal or recording, it feels like playtime to me. But I also really enjoy playing with my friends, drawing, watching movies and going to the playground. My mom and dad help me organize everything, so I have time to study, rest and have fun. Sometimes it is tiring, but I am happy because I am doing what I love!
Participating in a soap opera like “ Êta Mundo Melhor” must be quite an experience, especially with the character “ Denguinho ” in a project by Walcyr Carrasco. What excites you most about bringing this character to life and what do you hope to experience during the filming?
I was very, very happy when I found out I was going to be in the soap opera! Denguinho is a very cute character and I love getting into her world, as if it were a game of make-believe. What excites me the most is wearing period costumes! I hope to have a lot of fun filming and do a beautiful job that everyone will enjoy watching!
In the movies, you played the child version of Áurea Rosa in the film “Sleeping Princess”. This transition between different languages — TV, cinema and theater — is challenging for any actor, even more so for someone so young. How do you deal with these changes in character and filming environment?
Each place is different and special! In the theater, there is an audience, and we do everything live, without making mistakes. On TV and in the movies, there are cameras, lights, and we can record several times. I think it’s all really cool, because each character has their own way of doing things, and I like to imagine how they talk, walk, and feel. Sometimes it’s a little difficult, but I rehearse a lot and everyone helps me.
You were also in “The Sound of Music”, a musical that is very popular with the public, where you starred alongside names like Larissa Manoela. What was the experience of singing, dancing and acting on stage at the same time like? Did you feel any difference compared to the TV recordings?
It was amazing to be in ‘The Sound of Music’! I love singing, dancing and acting, so doing it all together on stage was like a dream! In the theater, you feel the energy of the audience right away, and that’s really exciting. I was a little nervous before going on, but after that I was just happy. It’s different from TV because there are no cuts or cameras – you have to do everything right the first time! And acting alongside Larissa Manoela was really cool, she was super nice to me and taught me a lot of things!
By playing Basemate in the series “Kings”, you had the chance to explore a more historical universe full of cultural layers. What did you learn from participating in this production and how did it influence your view on acting?
Playing Basemate in ‘Kings’ was very special, because the story takes place a long, long time ago! I learned about how people lived back then, how they dressed and even how they spoke differently. It was like entering an old book! It helped me understand that each character has a story, a way of thinking, and that we need to study to do it right.
Since you were very young, you have also starred in advertising campaigns. With so much experience on sets and in studios, you certainly have many stories to tell. Is there any special or funny behind-the-scenes memory that you like to share with family and friends?
Yes! One of my funniest memories was in the movie Sleeping Beauty. My scene, where I had to eat prunes… and I ate more than 10! LOL Everyone started laughing because I really liked the prunes and ate them for real in every rehearsal and retake. It was so much fun, and to this day my family teases me about it.
Even though you’re so young, you’ve already shown great versatility as an actress. You’ve played characters ranging from cute kids to more complex roles, like in the series “Kings.” What kind of character do you still dream of playing in the future?
I like all types of characters, because each one is a different adventure! But I still dream of playing a princess with magical powers, like someone who can fly or talk to animals! I also want to play a really funny villain, just to play at being evil (but just pretend!).
In addition to all these amazing projects, you are still discovering the world and your own passions. What do you like to do when you are not recording or rehearsing? Do you have a favorite hobby or activity that helps you recharge your batteries?
When I’m not recording or rehearsing, I love to play! I love painting rainbows and butterflies, playing house, running around in the park. I also love going to the beach, feeling the sand under my feet, playing in the water and building sandcastles. All of this makes me happy and gives me the energy to keep having fun!
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