Silvia Abascal makes her vibrant return to the small screen with ‘Asuntos Internos’, a new series premiering on La 1 of RTVE. The show, set against the backdrop of 1979 Spain, follows the poignant tale of Ana, portrayed by Abascal, who becomes embroiled in the struggles of motherhood within the turbulent world of drug addiction.
Abascal leaped to fame in the mid-90s through her roles on classic Spanish television, particularly as the beloved character Clara on ‘Pepa y Pepe’. This series quickly garnered favor with viewers, averaging five million audience members who followed the trials and tribulations of Abascal’s character within the comical dynamic of her television family. “Pepa y Pepe is family for me,” Abascal expressed during her recent interviews, reflecting on how the show shaped her early career.
After making waves on the show, Abascal carved out a successful niche for herself within the Spanish film and television industry. From notable performances alongside actors like Verónica Forqué and Maria Adánez to serious projects such as ‘La Catedral del Mar’ and ‘Cuéntame cómo pasó’, the actress has consistently evolved within her craft.
Yet, her life took a dramatic turn in 2011 when she suffered from a stroke just before the closing gala of the Málaga Film Festival. This traumatic experience forced her to relearn fundamental life skills, shaping her perspective on vulnerability and resilience. “You have to learn everything from scratch,” Abascal narrated, reliving the challenges of her recovery. Her return to acting was not just about reclaiming her former glory but achieving personal redemption and growth post-rehabilitation.
Fast forward to the premiere of ‘Asuntos Internos’, and viewers are reintroduced to Abascal's evolution. “I feel like it’s been one of the most beautiful returns for me,” she shared, describing her character's engaging narrative arc. Ana, a high-class mother battling the dire issues of her daughter’s drug addiction, is thrust headlong onto the stage of chaos and desperation. The timely dramatization highlights the societal undercurrents affecting families, especially during the turbulent changes following Franco’s dictatorship.
“This character starts the series newly widowed and grapples with evident communication issues with her adolescent daughter, Gema, played by Carla Campra,” Abascal explained, discussing her character's emotional evolution as she confronts the grim realities of drug addiction. “The smack of reality is so overwhelming it tears the blindfold from her eyes, propelling her to fight for her daughter’s life,” she elaborated, demonstrating Ana's transformation from denial to fierce advocacy.
‘asuntos internos’ does not only focus on individualized sagas but also illuminates larger themes—highlighting the arrival of women police officers and their struggles during this pivotal time. Laia Manzanares leads as Clara Montesinos, alongside Abascal. “It’s thrilling to portray characters overcoming obstinacy and machismo from patriarchal norms,” Manzanares stated about her role. The series offers viewers insight not just to personal dynamics but also the social shifts defining early democratic Spain.
“This period is fundamental to Spain's narrative,” Abascal reflected, encapsulating the significance of moving from dictatorship to democracy. The story evolves around the characters' intertwining lives as they tackle drug epidemics, highlighting how community members from varying backgrounds align against common struggles.
While Abascal remains focused on her character’s compelling narrative, her future looks bright. She is also set to appear in ‘Loba Negra’, the much-anticipated follow-up to ‘Reina Roja’, where she portrays Romero, emphasizing her adaptability to different roles across the screen.
Abascal expressed excitement about future projects, hinting at collaborations across digital platforms: “If all goes as planned, I’ll go on to be part of another Netflix series as well.” Each venture symbolizes her unwavering commitment to storytelling and the evolution of women’s roles on screen.
With ‘asuntos internos’ debuting, Abascal leads the charge for more nuanced women-centric narratives within the Spanish television sphere. The series aims to not merely entertain but serve as a reflective window on society's pressing issues, bringing necessary attention to addiction and familial dynamics during politically disrupted times.
“The more time passes, the greater my respect and love for this profession,” she asserts, reaffirming her passion for acting and storytelling as continuous avenues for personal and social exploration. Audiences are invited to step beyond the glamour of the screen, witnessing the depth of experience and the emotional realities as portrayed through Abascal and her colleagues. ‘asuntos internos’ promises drama, tension, and action—in short, everything worth tuning in for.