Ghanaian actress and journalist, Naa Ashorkor has once again showcased her incredible talent on the international stage, delivering a mesmerising performance in the Spanish monologue 5 Hours with Mario.

Held at the iconic Centro Cultural Casa de Vacas in Madrid on September 11, the production—brought to life by Globe Productions—received rave reviews, with Ashorkor’s portrayal of the conflicted widow Maria del Carmen earning her widespread praise from Spanish theatregoers.

Directed by Latiff Abubakar and supported by a passionate team from Globe Productions, Naa Ashorkor tackled the emotionally charged monologue with grace and power, breathing new life into the complex narrative originally penned by renowned Spanish author Miguel Delibes.

The performance marked a monumental moment for the actress and African theatre on the global stage.

A Classic Tale Brought to Life

Cinco horas con Mario (Five Hours with Mario), first published in 1966, is one of Delibes’ most significant works. The novel, which reflects the sociopolitical tensions of post-Franco Spain, offers a haunting and reflective narrative. It tells the story of Maria del Carmen, a widow who spends the night beside the body of her late husband, Mario, recounting their life together while airing out her grievances.

Through her monologue, Maria reveals her frustrations with Mario’s idealism, their lacklustre marriage, and the shifting tides of Spain’s cultural landscape. The text serves as both a deeply personal reflection and a commentary on the broader state of Spanish society. The complexity of the role required an actress who could deftly navigate the nuances of the narrative, and Naa Ashorkor did just that.

A Performance for the Ages

“Taking the stage anywhere is amazing,” Ashorkor shared, reflecting on her groundbreaking performance. “But doing it in front of theatre patrons at a place where I am unknown and winning plaudits at the end is exhilarating.”

Her ability to bring depth and vulnerability to Maria del Carmen, a character who oscillates between bitterness, humour, and sorrow, resonated with audiences unfamiliar with the actress. Ashorkor’s performance also illuminated the universal themes within Delibes’ work—offering insights into marriage, regret, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships that transcend cultural borders.

International Collaboration Shines

Globe Productions, led by visionary director Latiff Abubakar, has long been committed to producing works that push boundaries and create cultural exchanges. With 5 Hours with Mario, the team successfully bridged two worlds—African and Spanish—by bringing a classic piece of Spanish literature to life through the voice of a celebrated African actress. Their commitment to excellence in storytelling was evident throughout the production, which not only honoured Delibes’ original work but added a new layer of richness with Ashorkor’s unique interpretation.

Miguel Delibes’ Legacy Revitalized

Miguel Delibes remains a literary giant in Spain, and Five Hours with Mario is a cornerstone of his legacy. The novel is a masterful exploration of postwar Spain’s moral and social contradictions, examining issues of feminism, intellectualism, and modernity in ways that continue to resonate today. What makes Delibes’ work particularly intriguing is its ability to be interpreted in multiple ways—pro- or anti-regime, pro- or anti-intellectual, and even pro- or anti-feminist. This slipperiness makes the novel a fascinating reflection of its time and allows actors like Naa Ashorkor to explore the character of Maria del Carmen with boundless interpretive freedom.

Ashorkor’s performance provided a fresh perspective on the character, offering both a sympathetic and critical view of Maria’s grievances. Her portrayal of the widow’s internal conflict—part love, part bitterness—allowed the audience to experience the complex emotional terrain of the story in a way that felt intimate and deeply human.

A Rising Star

Naa Ashorkor’s foray into the Spanish theatre scene marks yet another milestone in her illustrious career.

Known for her versatile acting skills and commanding stage presence, she has already made a name for herself in Ghana’s entertainment industry, with roles in television, film, and theatre.

Her ability to break through cultural and language barriers with 5 Hours with Mario cements her status as a truly global performer.

For Naa Ashorkor and her team, the journey is far from over, and audiences everywhere are eagerly awaiting her next move.

About Naa Ashorkor

Nisirine Ashorkor Mensah-Doku is a Ghanaian Broadcast Journalist and Actor. She is a specialised compère, TV producer, and content creator.

In 2009, Naa Ashorkor won the Best Actress award for her stellar role in Sparrow Production’s ‘The Perfect Picture’ (2009) at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. She is also known for Starring in the sequel “The Perfect Picture Ten Years Later” and other award-winning movies including Scorned, Aloe Vera, A Letter From Adam & Checkmate.

Throughout her career, Naa Ashorkor has been praised for her ability to portray a wide range of emotions and characters, making her a favourite among both audiences and critics.

Her transition from the big screen to the stage has further showcased her versatility, with standout performances in productions like The Marriage of Anansewaa, The Gods Are Not to Blame, Vaginal Monologues, and most recently, her internationally acclaimed portrayal in the Spanish monologue 5 Hours with Mario

About Globe Productions

Globe Productions is an award-winning Ghanaian theatre and film production company, known for creating impactful works that foster cultural exchange and storytelling on a global scale.