Margarita Xirgu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margarita Xirgu
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| Born |
Margarita Xirgu Subirá
18 June 1888 |
| Died | 25 April 1969 (aged 80) |
| Resting place | Molins de Rei (Barcelona), Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish and Uruguayan |
| Other names | Margarida Xirgu |
| Occupation | Actress, Director |
Margarita Xirgu Subirá (born June 18, 1888, died April 25, 1969) was a famous Spanish actress. She was known for her amazing performances on stage. Margarita was very popular in Spain and across Latin America.
She was a close friend of the famous poet Federico García Lorca. Because of a difficult time in Spain under Francisco Franco's rule, she had to leave her home country. She moved to America and continued her acting career there.
Margarita Xirgu starred in many important plays. Some of these include Como tú me Deseas, La casa de Bernarda Alba, and Mariana Pineda.
Her life and friendship with Lorca inspired an opera called Ainadamar. This opera was created by composer Osvaldo Golijov and writer David Henry Hwang. It first opened in 2003. A recording of Ainadamar even won two Grammy awards in 2007. It won for Best Classical Contemporary Composition and Best Opera Recording.
Contents
Margarita Xirgu's Early Life and Career
Margarita Xirgu was born in Molins de Rei, Spain, in 1888. Her family moved to Girona in 1890. Later, in 1896, they settled in Barcelona.
Starting Her Acting Journey
Margarita began her theater career in 1906. Her first role was the character Blanca in the play Mar i Cel. She performed this play at the Teatre Romea.
In 1908, she became very successful with her role in Joventut de príncep. This play was shown at the Teatre Principal. The next year, 1909, she started acting in movies. Her first film was Guzmán el Bueno.
Building Her Own Company
In 1910, Margarita Xirgu married Josep Arnall. A famous writer named Àngel Guimerà wrote a play just for her in 1911. It was called “La reina jove.”
That same year, Margarita created her very own theater company. This was a big step for her career. In 1912, a businessman from Buenos Aires hired her. She then traveled to South America to perform.
Important Roles and Films
Margarita Xirgu continued to take on many interesting roles. She was known for bringing characters to life on stage.
Playing the Mermaid
In 1934, she played the mermaid in a play called La sirena varada. This play was written by Alejandro Casona. Her performance was highly praised.
Starring in a Lorca Film
Margarita Xirgu starred in an early film version of Federico García Lorca's play, Bodas de sangre. This movie was filmed in 1938. It is very special because Margarita was a personal friend of Lorca. She had also performed in his plays on stage.
This film is Margarita Xirgu's only movie with sound. It has rarely been shown on television. It was first seen on Argentine television in 1966.
Later Life and Legacy
Margarita Xirgu passed away in Maldonado, Uruguay, in 1969. She had become a citizen of Uruguay. This was a right given to people who had to leave their home countries.
Returning Home
In 1988, the government of Catalonia, Spain, brought her remains back home. They are now buried in Molins de Rei, the town where she was born.
A book about Margarita Xirgu's life was written by a Catalan author. Her story continues to inspire people.
See also
In Spanish: Margarita Xirgu para niños
