The crime that moved Brazilian society in the late 1970s is once again a topic with the release of the series Ângela Diniz: Murdered and Condemned, arriving on HBO Max on Thursday (11/13). In the title role of the production, directed by Andrucha Waddington, Marjorie Estiano revisits the story of the socialite murdered by her then-boyfriend, businessman Duca Street.
During the press conference held on Tuesday (11/11) in which this columnist participated Capitals While sharing, Marjorie reflected on the importance of giving life to a woman who defied norms and paid a heavy price for it. The actress highlighted how Angela Diniz’s role goes beyond the crime narrative and relates to the cultural and social issues that still exist in Brazil, especially regarding women’s freedom, guilt and pleasure.
“Playing the role of Angela, a character who devotes herself to pleasure is something very important in Brazilian culture. We feel guilty when having fun, taking vacations, having fun… Angela allowed herself to give herself pleasure, to give herself freedom. This is a very important education for all of us. I sympathize very much with this lack of permission for pleasure and freedom. For me, life has always been a lot of work, commitment and seriousness. It was an opportunity to experience myself in lightness. A process and practice of life.”
Marjorie also highlighted how the process of character construction awakened her new perceptions of the female condition and the social structure that continues to perpetuate inequality.
“There were many things that this character brought to me and continues to bring to me: historical awareness about the struggle for women’s rights, awareness about the influence and power of gender construction, in a sexist society. When you study that, you start to see better. You see society better, and your own life, and your relationships.”
Gender violence
Marjorie also connected Angela Diniz’s story to the gender-based violence that still persists in Brazilian society, as well as transcending her own personal path.
“It is something that affects me directly, the fact that it is gender-based violence. Not only have I suffered countless times, I will continue to suffer. And because this is a reality, we are here trying to work on re-education, on changing thought, in society. These transformations are slower. We can prove it according to the laws. The theory of legitimate defense of honor has fallen in 2023.”
Women’s freedom
The actress also spoke about the persistence of gender inequality and the ongoing need for new laws to protect women. For Marjorie, this scenario highlights that social transformation remains limited and reinforces how her character represents a symbolic break with the norms imposed on women, both in real life and in fiction.
“We still need to make new laws to protect women. Which to me reflects that the mentality has not changed. We need laws, because we are still being threatened. And the fact that she was affected so directly is an element that brought me great engagement. The fact that the character of Angela is so free, so interested in having fun, and she enjoys her daughter, the beach, friends, drinking, partying, having sex… that is unprecedented and innovative. And not just for my characters. In general, female characters are not built on a sense of pleasure, female characters are Also. Always there to suffer.
Learn with Angela Deniz
Finally, Marjorie Estiano highlighted that playing Angela Deniz was an ongoing process of learning and reflecting on the role of women and what shapes their experiences. The actress stated that connecting to the character’s story expanded her awareness of gender inequality and her personal and professional relationships.
“There were many things that this character brought to me and continues to bring to me: historical awareness about the struggle for women’s rights, awareness about the influence and power of gender construction, in a sexist society. When you study this, you begin to see better. You see society better, and your own life, and your relationships.”
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