Alba Ribas

From another point of view

Alba Ribas

  • alt
  • alt

Alba invites us to her home in Barcelona's Eixample district. She likes giraffes, Ben Brooks and asking how things work. She is an actress and has a new project in hand, a book of poetry coming out very soon, which talks about love with humour and photographs by her friend Martina Matencio.

Q - What inspires you?

A - Travelling, getting to know other cultures. Watching films and plays. Reading. My family and friends.

Q - When did you decide to become an actress and do you prefer film or theatre?

A - I don't remember when I decided. It was a process. Theatre is precious and special. It is an adrenaline and linear creative process. Every time I go on stage and finish, I feel like a better person, I don't know why, but that's the effect it has on me. And cinema amazes me. The language it has is hypnotic for me. When I'm on a shoot I can't stop talking to the crews; sound, assistants, camera.... I have lots of questions, I want them to tell me what that device the camera assistant has in his hands is for, I want to know the name of the flag they're putting in front of the spotlight... and so on and so forth all the time.

Q - What is your creative process like?

A - That's just it, it's a process. It depends on the project and the character but normally I don't have any set pattern to follow. The first thing is to fully understand your character. Sometimes it's someone far away from you and your way of being/understanding. You have to eliminate judgement and be super super open to soaking it all in.

Q - Who are your main points of reference?

A - My mother. It's something so obvious to me. It's just that if you knew her...

Q - Any special moments you would like to share from your career?

A - When I meet people who stay in my life. Things that until a while ago I thought were necessary or that were part of my profession as an actress but that in reality are pure vanity.

Q - What roles would you like to play or have played?

A - A lot. I don't have a wish list. I want things to come. That unknown in our profession is both exciting and stressful in equal parts.

Q - Which director/actors/artists would you particularly like to work with?

A - I would love to do some theatre with Bruna Cusí. She's a brutal actress. And a magical friend. I learn a lot from her.

Q - What are your professional aspirations?

A - To keep learning. To write and to be able to tell my stories one day. To enjoy and be happy with this job, which is a real roller coaster. To be true to myself, to what I really want, to not be afraid to choose my path, my "no's", to eliminate all those things that until a while ago I thought were necessary or that were part of my profession as an actress but that in reality are pure vanity.

Q - What are you currently working on?

A - Right now I'm working on a project that I'm very excited about. It's like a big surprise that I never thought would come to me. I'm going to publish a book, together with Martina Matencio, with Stendhal Books. Actually, it won't be long now... stay tuned!

  • alt
  • alt

alt
Q - A book.

A - 'The city' by Karmelo Iribarren makes me fly.

Q - A restaurant.

A - Can Maño, a miracle in the exploited Barceloneta.

Q - A film.

R - Blue Jay.

Q - A place.

R - Burma.

Q - When would you wear the clothes you are wearing in the photos?

A - In my everyday life. They are comfortable and beautiful. After all, I wear the things that make me feel at home.

  • alt
  • alt

alt