Ghanaian actress and Co-Host of TV3’s New Day, Naa Ashorkor has earned international acclaim with her standout performance in the Spanish monologue ‘5 Hours with Mario’ at the renowned Centro Cultural Casa de Vacas in Madrid.
Presented by Globe Productions, the critically praised performance marked a significant achievement for Ashorkor and African theatre, with the actress skillfully portraying the complex character of Maria del Carmen, a grieving widow reflecting on her life and marriage.
Directed by Latiff Abubakar, the production breathed fresh life into Cinco horas con Mario (Spanish for Five Hours with Mario), a classic novel written by Miguel Delibes in 1966.
Known for its intricate narrative, the story explores the societal tensions of post-Franco Spain (the period after dictator Francisco Franco’s rule) through the lens of a widow’s emotional monologue.
The novel examines themes of intellectualism, feminism, and modernity—issues that remain relevant today.
A Groundbreaking Performance
In 5 Hours with Mario, Naa Ashorkor delivered a moving portrayal of Maria del Carmen, a character whose inner conflict oscillates between bitterness, humour, and sorrow as she recounts her frustrations with her late husband, Mario.
Through her intimate performance, Ashorkor captivated Spanish theatregoers, bringing a universal depth to the character’s struggles with marriage, regret, and societal expectations.
Reflecting on the experience, Naa Ashorkor shared, “Taking the stage anywhere is amazing, but doing it in front of theatre patrons at a place where I am unknown and winning plaudits at the end is exhilarating.”
Bridging Two Worlds: African and Spanish Theater
The production 5 Hours with Mario, directed by Latiff Abubakar, successfully bridged African and Spanish cultures by reimagining a cornerstone of Spanish literature through the lens of an African performer.
Globe Productions has consistently pushed boundaries, fostering cultural exchanges and innovative storytelling that resonate with global audiences.
Honouring Miguel Delibes’ Legacy
Miguel Delibes remains a towering figure in Spanish literature, and Five Hours with Mario is one of his most significant works.
The novel intricately portrays Spain’s societal contradictions following its civil war (1936-1939) and the dictatorship that followed.
Delibes’ work invites varied interpretations, allowing each actor to explore characters with remarkable depth. Naa Ashorkor’s unique portrayal offered a fresh take on Maria del Carmen’s character, presenting both sympathy and criticism while leaving room for audience interpretation.
A Star on the Rise
This latest international appearance adds another milestone to Naa Ashorkor’s illustrious career. Known for her versatility across television, film, and theatre in Ghana, her remarkable ability to break language and cultural barriers with 5 Hours with Mario further cements her status as a global performer.
As Ashorkor’s star continues to rise on the international stage, audiences around the world eagerly await her next project.
