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After more than a decade away from the Jamaican stage, celebrated actress Maria Walters is back – older, wiser, and still wildly in love with the craft of theatre.
Walters steps into the emotionally charged role of Sonia in Bloodlies, the gripping new drama from writer-director Dahlia Harris, now playing at the Little Little Theatre. But what led her back under the lights?
“My passion for theatre never waned,” Walters shared. “I’m just very selective about the scripts I accept. It was only my travels that kept me from the local theatre scene.”
For someone with such a deep reverence for the stage, the return was no small feat. It was nothing short of serendipitous.
“It was exhilarating, exhausting, and terrifying,” she admitted with a laugh. “I was quite anxious about doing justice to the role.”
And what a role it is. In Bloodlies, Walters plays Sonia, a woman entangled in a web of emotional complexity. The character’s depth and vulnerability are exactly what drew her in.
“The fullness and range of Sonia pulled me in immediately. Trust, unconditional love, and forgiveness – those themes truly resonate with me.”
Although the experience has been fulfilling, it has also been a stark reminder of how much the theatre landscape has changed.
“Sadly, the availability of theatre space is a major concern. Three theatres I’ve performed in no longer exist,” Walters lamented.
Still, the seasoned actress remains undeterred, throwing herself fully into a performance that demands emotional range and unwavering presence.
“There’s a particular scene in Bloodlies that pushes me every night. And I continue to rise to that challenge.”
She credits Harris’ leadership and the professionalism of the team for helping her transition smoothly.
“Dahlia is brilliant – having a good product and a supportive director makes a world of difference. I’ve also drawn from personal experiences to breathe life into Sonia.”
And what did she miss most and did she have any jitters?
“The joy of touching people in a profound way. That feeling of accomplishment is like nothing else. I prayed my brain would retain all my lines! But once I surrendered to the rehearsal process, the fears subsided,” Walters stated.
To other artists contemplating a return, Walters is encouraging. “You can do it. Just make sure it’s the right project and trust the process.”
Asked what she hopes audiences take away from Bloodlies, she doesn’t hesitate:
“I want them to be completely sold on Sonia and to leave feeling thoroughly entertained. It’s solid, great entertainment for everyone. I promise they’ll leave the theatre wishing it wasn’t over.”
Bloodlies runs through September 28 at the Little Little Theatre in Kingston. Maria Walters turns in a performance that marks not only a return, but a revival of artistry, authenticity, and the timeless power of theatre.
English (US) ·