By VozEs
Mariana Corrales, born in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, always dreamed of theater, poetry, and art in all its forms. From the age of six, she recited poetry and participated in school plays, falling in love with the transformative power of words and acting. Although life took her down other paths, that childhood love remained dormant. It was when she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, that she rediscovered that passion she thought she had lost, becoming an active voice in the city’s Latino theater scene.
“I always knew that theater wasn’t over for me; I just didn’t know when or how I would return,” Mariana reflects.
This unexpected return not only allowed him to reconnect with his roots, but also to help other Latinos connect with their cultural identity through art.
Arriving in the United States wasn't easy. Mariana, who had worked as a public relations director in Mexico, found herself in an unfamiliar environment where no one knew her name or her story.
“I arrived here, and the first thing I noticed was the silence. No one needed me, no one was looking for me. It was a huge shock, as if the reputation I’d built up over the years no longer existed.”
However, that silence was broken when he came across an advertisement in Spanish for a poetry reading organized by Lucila Ruvalcaba, a cultural icon in the City of Queens.
“I went because I needed to feel alive. Reading that poem in front of other people was like striking a spark. That’s when I realized that my love for art was still intact.” That reading marked the beginning of a journey that led her to become part of a vibrant and committed artistic community.
Medea: A Tragedy of Two Worlds
One of the most significant projects of her career was playing Armida in an adaptation of the Greek tragedy *Medea*. The play, directed by Carlos Alexis Cruz and Michelle Medina, transposed the story to the experiences of Latino immigrants in the United States, exploring themes such as trauma, sacrifice, and identity.
“Armida was a dark role, but also a very liberating one. It gave me a confidence I didn’t know I needed. I think all villains have a superpower; the problem is that they use it in the shadows. I promised to take that strength and turn it into something positive,” Mariana shares. Her son also participated in the play, bringing the family together on stage. “Watching him perform was a gift. It was his first experience, and he did an incredible job. It was as if the theater had embraced him too,” she reflects.
In addition, the play had a particular impact on the audience, especially among American viewers. “Many left saying they had no idea of the challenges immigrants face. It was very moving to know that we were able to strike a chord and raise awareness.”
A Legacy of Art and Community
In addition to acting, Mariana has been a tireless advocate for Latinx theater in Charlotte. She has worked with talents such as Mónica Reina, Margarita Dager-Uscocovich, and Banu Valladares, striving to create spaces where immigrants’ stories can be told and heard.
“Theater isn’t just art; it’s a way to heal, to connect, and to open minds. Every time we step onto the stage, we build a bridge between cultures.”
Today, Mariana combines her love for theater with her personal project, Coach Mágica, where she organizes workshops and women’s circles focused on energy and personal growth. Although her schedule is packed, she never loses sight of the transformative power of art. “I want Spanish-language theater to continue growing, for more people to get involved and discover what it means to see their stories reflected on stage.”
Mariana Corrales’ story is a testament to resilience, passion, and rediscovery. From the little girl who dreamed of performing on stages in Torreón to the woman who inspires others from Charlotte, Mariana has shown that it’s never too late to return to what we love.
As she herself says:
“The theater hadn’t gone away; it was just waiting for the right moment to come back into my life.”
Follow Mariana on: instagram.com/marianacorrales_coachmagica
Photos: Courtesy of
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