Carlos Alcántara and Melania Urbina and the truth behind the first Peruvian radio soap opera that came to Spotify

The life of Carlos Alcantara (Lima, 1964) is full of powerful synchronicities. At the beginning of 2022, during a Latino cinema exhibition in Massachusetts, the Peruvian artist received a proposal from the Ecuadorian producer and businessman Vladimir Soesti to direct and act in “La China Hereje”. There, thousands of kilometers away, the first Peruvian radio soap opera to reach Spotify began to take shape.

“I traveled to the United States at the invitation of director Jorge Ulloa, for the presentation and a conversation about the film in which I participated: ‘Dedicated to my ex’ (2019). It was very cool to see how an audience that does not speak Spanish enjoyed and had fun watching it. At the end of the presentation, Vladimir, who is a friend of Jorge’s, approached me. He told me that he had a radio soap opera that he wanted to do in Peru under the name ‘La China Hereje’, a title inspired by the composition by the Uruguayan Juan Pedro López. Carlos Gardel recorded it as tango in Argentina, Julio Jaramillo in Ecuador and Los Romanceros Criollos in Peru.”, explains the actor after clarifying that he feels a special and endearing motivation for this project. “The sounds have marked my life. I like them very much. Since I was a child I have been fascinated by making noises with my mouth.”, he assures.

“La China Hereje” has actress Melania Urbina in the main role. Katia Condos, Ebelin Ortiz, Carlos Carlín, Andrés Salas, Armando Machuca and Bruno Odar are also part of this listening proposal that consists of twelve chapters.

“When they gave me the script and I saw the characters, I decided -without hesitation- that the Chinese should be Melania Urbina. For china, not for heretic (laughs). In addition to the admiration and respect I have for her work, it seems to me that she has vast experience as a presenter. I formed this cast with actors who have experience in voice-overs, dubbing, commercials, series and radio soap operas.”, clarifies the creator of “Asu Mare”.

Like fish in the water

Like Alcántara, Urbina Keller enjoys telling stories with her voice and creating fun universes through sound. “It was a fascinating, wonderful job. There was a very good atmosphere, with a lot of chemistry. Everything flowed fast, we recorded in just three days. Then came Vladimir’s post-production work: the sounds of the door key, the window, the car, breathing, the phone. He created an amazing, fun, interesting space”, highlights the actress.

“I play Lorena Bautista ‘La China’, a single mother who, when she comes to the radio to work as a production assistant, upsets everyone. And she doesn’t do it maliciously, ”she clarifies, Melania. “In your character there is a double reading and misunderstandings. She has beauty, a tremendous body, and charisma; but she misunderstands. All the radio vultures want to get up and take advantage of the situation. My character, a radio host and celebrity known as ‘The ‘Principal’, is also behind her. He is the producer and creator of ‘El Mañanero’, the most famous morning radio show in Peru.”, adds Alcántara about this story of passions.

“Bruno Odar also has a predominant role in this production. He is the narrator. He is a kingpin in what he does and he lets himself be directed. He is a professional, punctual and versatile team. It has been an incredible experience getting this project off the ground. I’m looking forward to a second part. I hope it happens”, he emphasizes.

the soundtrack

“Heretic China” has as its soundtrack an important selection of songs performed by Eva Ayllón, who also has a special participation in this satirical story. Peruvians elmer churampitrumpeter with the famed Dallas and Boston Symphony Orchestras; and, Aldair Sanchezyoung promise of national criollismo, also collaborated in the musicalization.