Maritxell Carrero
Tell us about you and your work.
My work is eclectic but grounded. I am constantly searching for ways to grow as a person and performer. Being a trained actress from early in my life has helped me appreciate the intricacies of being a human being in this world and navigating it without fear. I am an actress, producer, singer-songwriter, and educator. I find value in sharing what I know with others, and I have made it a point to pair my life as a performer with education. As an educator, I have worked in various scenarios, and I treasure my experiences with young people. As a performer, I gravitate to work that has a social impact and meaning while also entertaining. I don't see art as an accessory; I think of art as a gift, an opportunity to connect, bring beauty to this world, grow deeply, and offer what I have. Healing has always been an essential element in my life. Art keeps me sane, so I hope that I can also be light through my expression. If that happens, that brings me great joy. Everything feels like a process for me. Nothing is ever truly finished, even when it's out because I am not a finalized version of myself.
“Silencio” is my most recent single, taken from “Calle de la Resistencia,” a movie I produced. “Silencio” is in line with the message of activists that have been denouncing gender violence in Puerto Rico and who are a vital force behind the social movements that offer solutions to this rampant problem.
“Silence is no longer an option. In Puerto Rico and all over the world, we are creating structures that allow us to live freely, without fear, because the space we inhabit belongs to everyone. In doing so, we will also liberate our men from the preconceived notions of masculinity that hurt us all. No more silence, and no more gender violence. I’m in admiration of the work our activists continue to weave day by day and I wholeheartedly join their fight.”- Maritxell
What inspires you?
The mysterious depth is part of everything—the impermanence of life and knowing that things can change instantly. I have always felt I live in an in-between place. The understanding that I am in this life experience for a short amount of time always gives me perspective. Not getting sucked in by expectations and looking at life through a lens of curiosity and joy inspires me. Perception; trying to understand why people think how they think inspires me too. The fact that life has many angles, points of view, and possibilities. Puerto Rico, my homeland, has always been an incredible inspiration. Our culture, our roots, everything about Puerto Rican culture is inspiring for me. There is so much that I want to learn because I feel we have been robbed of knowing ourselves as a colonized nation. People who make the best of their circumstances like immigrants in every country, mothers, and the fighting spirit I see in people, especially in the women I know. They inspire me. I also find great joy in being part of a bigger vision, of helping someone else also achieve a challenge while also growing myself. An example of this is our latest production, Calle de la Resistencia. Producing that film for me was a great challenge personally. Still, I also had the immense inspiration that was bringing to life the writing of my dear brother. Collaboration with people is inspiring. When the vision is broader and involves more than my own, the work brings more satisfaction. Also, while I was a guest artist working with incarcerated young women, I felt highly inspired to be better, to offer more. Growing out from my perceived limitations to be better for others inspires me. Also, nature & love, of course.
What does community mean to you?
Community means that I am not in this experience alone. It means that I can be who I am and have aspirations that can also serve others. Community is understanding that if I win, you win; if you don't win, I won't win in the long run. We can all grow and lift others. Sometimes lifting others will inevitably impulse our growth. Community is challenging your own set of ideas to see more expansive possibilities. Community is also the one thing that will save us from ourselves and the lack of equality we suffer worldwide.
Favorite film
What Dreams May Come, directed by Vincent Ward.
Favorite song
I can ALWAYS dance to Ray Barreto's: Guarare, Creencias- Ruben Blades. However, I have not heard a song more EPIC than Juan Antonio Coretjer's poem Oubao Moin as made into a song by Roy Brown and sung by Lucecita Benitez. If you listen intently, you can feel generations of pain, resistance, and transcendence.
Y que no falte, Mercedes Sosa's singing Leon Gieco's Solo le pido a Dios. I pray before any show with her voice.
Favorite place
Puerto Rico or anywhere my family is together.