Marjorie EstianoGlobo/Victor Pollak
Published 04/23/2024 06:00
Rio – Marjorie Estiano is back on the small screen as vascular surgeon Carolina in the series “Under Pressure”, which has already earned the actress an International Emmy nomination. The fifth and final season of the series, which premieres this Tuesday (23), on TV Globo, focuses on the mental health of the medical team and will show the character’s fight against breast cancer.
Although the season was recorded in 2022 and is already available on Globoplay, Marjorie believes that the series will reach new audiences when shown on open TV. In an interview with DAYthe actress talks about her character and what viewers can expect from this new phase of the doctor.
Surgeon Carolina, used to dealing with a wide variety of patients, now finds herself on the other side. She faced several challenges portrayed in the series, such as sexual abuse, depression, self-harm, unexpected pregnancy and a miscarriage. Breast cancer is yet another aspect of the journey.
“There is no more or less appropriate time to face a disease like this. The discovery of cancer disorganizes all plans and idealizations. With Carolina, it will be no different. She will experience the fear of death, denial, acceptance and all the psychological and physical, professional and personal effects of this journey. She will experience all the stages and transformation that this diagnosis offers”, he adds.
Due to the diagnosis, Carolina’s marriage to Evandro (Júlio Andrade) will have to undergo adaptations. “Cancer is the engine of change, it changes everything, and one of the main questions that comes with it is: ‘What have I done with my time to date?’ or ‘If I’m going to die now, was it worth it?’. The threat of cancer reestablishes the importance of time in many ways, especially time in the present. Choices in life start to have different criteria. living, what is really valuable in my life, what is a priority, become urgent and new markers… Questions that propose a new chance, a new life, however long it takes. Marriage with Evandro has always been a challenge for me. Carolina, but I think that from this deep dive into herself, a new path presents itself”, she reflects.
Personal evolution
Having the opportunity to deal with the issue of breast cancer was something very special for Marjorie, as she herself defines it, and promoting public health through her work on “Sob Pressão” is one of the most rewarding things for Carolina’s interpreter.
“It is very special to study this topic. In the world, it is the most prevalent cancer among women. And getting to know this subject more intimately is a learning experience that I will also enjoy in a very practical and concrete way in my life. Any of us can go through breast cancer, directly or through friends, acquaintances, family… And even if that doesn’t happen, being able to promote health is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding places I live in ‘Sob Pressão'”, he says.
The artist also comments on how transformative the process of preparing the character was. “I was able to discover beautiful stories, incredible women, inspirations for my life. Doctors, patients, volunteers… Even because it is a reality for many women and families, the number of stories shared is very fulfilling. Patients of different age groups, of different social classes, at different stages in their relationship with the disease, with treatment, newly diagnosed, metastatic… A very beautiful and generous sharing.”
“I think that, in my life, it was where I saw most clearly the meaning of words like solidarity, empathy, sorority and companionship. And even my perspective on social networks broadened, I realized how it can become a capable and strong instrument of true union, of welcoming, of information, of healing… A perspective that I have not yet observed so intimately. When we approach a topic of such relevance to the population, it is very important to be cautious, mainly because the desire is to offer identification, clarification, support… Just like other very sensitive topics that we have already dealt with. It is essential that it serves the viewer, serves those who directly or indirectly experience this circumstance and everyone in general. It has been much more beautiful than I could have imagined, I was very surprised. with everything I have read, seen and heard. Once again, I am very grateful for the opportunity”, she thanks.
With the end of work on “Sob Pressão”, Marjorie evaluates Carolina’s trajectory. “Not only this woman’s maturity is clear, but mine as well, both professionally and personally. I had never played a character for so long, nor worked with the same team. It’s very interesting to see Carolina’s growth, to see how experiences change behavior over the years. I see Carolina arriving at the hospital for the first time, defended, detached, full of certainties but with her essence very clear. We gradually got to know the baggage she was carrying and, at the same time, the circumstances. They presented her with opportunities to face and understand the origin of some blockages and their triggers. It’s an irregular graph, full of ups and downs. I have no doubt that these are. six years were a college in my life. I know that my place as an apprentice is for life and with it I expanded my understanding of the profession, of the relationship with my co-workers, with the collective, with the country and with myself. I feel much more whole”, she concludes.
Success of the series
“Under Pressure” is an internationally recognized series. It has been shown at festivals such as Berlinale (Berlin) and TIFF (Toronto) since the first season. The work won important awards, including four at the 31st Festival International de Programs Audivisuels (2018), in Biarritz, France: best series, best female and male interpretation (for Marjorie Estiano and Julio Andrade) and best script.
Marjorie Estiano was also nominated for an International Emmy for Best Actress in 2019 for her role in the second season. The series was successful in Argentina, debuting on Telefe in January 2019, and becoming one of the most watched programs on open TV. Furthermore, it was shown in Portugal on the Globo channel and licensed to more than 70 countries, including Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Ecuador, among others, making it one of Globo’s best-selling series today.
The actress debuted on TV in 2004 as Natasha from “Malhação”, who was part of the fictional band “Vagabanda”. In 2011, she had a prominent role as Manuela in “A Vida da Gente”, who shared the lead role with Fernanda Vasconcellos. Before “Sob Pressão”, she was highlighted as Cora in “Império”, in 2014.
