Adelina Abranches

Adelina Abranches (August 15, 1866– November 21, 1945) was a Portuguese stage actress.

Overview

She was born in Lisbon, Portugal. A theatrical child prodigy, she first performed at just four years of age in the piece "Meninos Grandes" ("Big Kids") at the National Theatre D. Maria II in Lisbon. She became known as "the Spanish girl" because of the dress she wore in her first role. She then began a brilliant career in Rio de Janeiro, playing, in spite of her small stature, drag roles, soubrettes, and ladies of the night. She made large impact in plays such as "Os Velhos" ("The Old Ones"), "Avô" ("Grandfather"), "Pranto de Maria Parda" ("Maria Parda's Tears"), and "The Lady of the Camellias" in which she had a widespread success.

Silent films

In 1930 she played Aunt Aurélia in the Portuguese silent film, "Maria do Mar", directed by José Leitão de Barros. In Portugal she worked under Amélia Rey Colaço alongside actors such as Eunice Muñoz and Estêvão Amarante.

Family

She married Luís Ruas, owner of the Teatro do Príncipe Real, and is the mother of actors Luís Ruas Aura Abranches, the latter published her mother's memories in 1947. She was awarded the Order of St. James of the Sword.

References

* Grande História Universal Ediclube, 2006.
* Grande Enciclopédia Portuguesa e Brasileira.
* Nova Enciclopédia Portuguesa, Ed. Publicações Ediclube, 1996.

External links

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