Venezuelan Soap Stars in London - Esperando Al Italiano

By Russell Maddicks
Anybody who's followed a Venezuelan telenovela, or soap opera, will have heard of Carolina Perpetuo or Hilda Abrahamz, two legends of the small screen who've played everything from wide-eyed country-girls with hearts of gold to evil vamps, pouting their ruby lips like their lives depended on it. And who will ever forget Hilda Abrahamz as the jungle girl Ka Ina.

Both actresses have starred in more than 20 soap operas, movies and TV dramas but they are also accomplished theatre stars, and later this month will be in the UK to perform in a light comedy called "Esperando al Italiano" ("Waiting For the Italian") at the Chelsea Theatre in London.

The performances on Thursday, 17 and Saturday 19 November are in Spanish.

The funds raised will benefit the UK-based children's charity CHAMOS, which aims to help needy children in the urban and rural areas of Venezuela.

Caridad Canelon, sadly, will not be performing in London but is replaced by the versatile actress and singer Fanny Arjona.

Marisol Matheus and Hernán Marcano also star.

The play was written by Mariela Romero, produced by Rolando Padilla, and directed by Tulio Cavalli.

This is a rare opportunity to get up close to telenovela royalty. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Performances:
Thursday 17 November: 7:30pm
Saturday 19 November: Matinée 2.30 pm, Evening 7.30 pm

Directions: Chelsea Theatre, 7 World's End Place, Kings Road, London SW10 0DR

Price: £30 p/p (£27.00 p/p for CHAMOS members)

To purchase tickets or find out more about the performances visit the webpage of CHAMOS or contact Janin Barboza at janinbarbozaf@yahoo.com.

Venezuelan actress Elba Escobar in London shows to aid charity

Venezuelan actress Elba Escobar is bringing her highly-acclaimed one-woman comedy show to the Chelsea Theatre in Kings Road, London, on February 17 and 18 to raise money for the UK-based Venezuelan children's charity CHAMOS.

The play is a monologue in Spanish on the ups and downs of married life from a Venezuelan woman's perspective and is teasingly entitled "Mi Marido es un Cornudo" ("My Husband is a Cuckold").

This is a rare opportunity to see one of Venezuela's most popular and engaging actresses performing in the UK.
With only 110 seats for each performance you should book early to avoid disappointment.
Escobar has appeared in countless Venezuelan movies and soap operas over the years, including knockabout comedies such as "Cóctel de Camarones, en el Día de la Secretaria" and hard-hitting black comedies like "Secuestro Express". 
The event is being organized by CHAMOS, a not-for-profit UK charity that aims to improve the living standards of the most deprived children in Venezuela, whether living in urban or rural areas, or in indigenous communities.

CHAMOS has no political or religious affiliation, and all funds raised through volunteer work are used to financially support NGO’s working in Venezuela.

Tickets are priced £30 and are on sale now. You can pay by either: 1) Electronic tranference to HSBC Bank, Sort Code 40-07-30 Account No. 11891677 CHAMOS, Reference: "Mi Marido es un Cornudo"; Or 2) Send a cheque payable to CHAMOS c/o 19 Earls Terrace, London, W8 6LP.
For more details visit the home page of CHAMOS or email chamosukcharity@googlemail.com or janinbarbozaf@yahoo.com.
 
One of the Venezuelan charities supported by CHAMOS is the Hogar Santa Ana in Maracaibo, which feeds over 150 children every day. CHAMOS were able recently to provide colourful new tables and chairs for the dining area, which can be seen in this short video highlighting the fantastic work being done at Hogar Santa Ana: