At just 10 years old, Maitê Viana is already a rising star in the Brazilian artistic scene. Born in Nilópolis, Rio de Janeiro, the actress is part of the cast of Globo’s 7pm soap opera, Dona de Mim, playing Ciça, a friend of the character Dedé, played by Lorenzo Reis. In addition to shining on TV, Maitê is about to make her film debut with the film A Mulher no Jardim, scheduled to hit theaters on May 8, marking her debut in the world of dubbing. With a solid career in theater, participating in productions such as Escolinhazinha do Professor Raimundo and A Megera Domada, Maitê continues to win hearts and promises much more for the future.
You are currently on the air in the soap opera “Dona de Mim”, playing Ciça. What has it been like playing this character and sharing scenes with other child actors like Lorenzo Reis? What do you enjoy most about this world of the soap opera?
It’s been amazing and a lot of fun! What I love most about this soap opera universe is how real everything becomes.
Making your film debut is already a milestone in the career of many artists — and you’ve already achieved that! What was it like dubbing your first film, “The Woman in the Garden”? Did you find it different from acting on stage or on TV?
It was wonderful and terrifying ( lol ). I’ve always been afraid of horror movies, so when I was invited to dub The Woman in the Garden, I was very apprehensive. But it was an incredible experience and in the end I was very happy with the result. And yes, it’s different. In dubbing, we give voice to a character that already exists, interpreting the emotions that are already there. On TV and on stage, however, we build the character from scratch.
At just 10 years old, you have already participated in plays with important directors, such as Cininha de Paula and Simone Beghini . What was the most memorable experience in musical theater for you?
Dancing, singing and acting — that’s pretty cool!
The transition between stage, TV and film can be challenging even for experienced actors. How do you adapt to each of these formats? Is there one that you enjoy the most?
Honestly, I don’t do anything special. I just go and act, it’s not hard for me. I always do what the directors ask me to do. In theater, I open up more, while in TV and film, the work tends to be more restrained. I don’t have a favorite, I love doing both.
You have already been part of productions such as “The Taming of the Shrew” and “To Grow or Not to Grow – That is the Question”. Which of these stories moved you the most or made you reflect in some way?
Both had points that moved me and made me reflect. The Taming of the Shrew is Shakespeare, so I don’t need to say anything else. To grow up or not to grow up – that is the question made me reflect on how difficult it is to be an adult.
Even though you’re so young, your career is already full of important moments. What was the scene or performance that made you the most nervous — and how did you deal with it?
The premiere of Escolinha do Professor Raimundo made me very nervous, because I had a great responsibility. After all, it was a work by the great master Chico Anysio. So I took a deep breath and did what I do best: act.
Many people now follow you on TV, but you also enchant people on stage. How do you feel the affection of the public in each place you go?
When we do things from the heart, the public responds. I do what I love and give it my best, I think that’s why I receive so much affection.
Looking ahead and dreaming is part of being someone who loves what they do. What character do you dream of playing one day, whether in a soap opera, play or film?
I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, so playing Hermione would be really cool.
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