Itziar Ituno in “Mask Singer”: “I would do it again without...

Well done Jarry! Saturday evening, while the names of Lady Gaga or Eva Longoria burst forth during the program “Mask Singer”, on TF1, it is the humorist Jarry who knew how to recognize the Spanish actress Itziar Ituno during his cover of ” Million Reasons ”by… Lady Gaga. The interpreter of the character of Raquel Murillo, alias Lisbon, in the series “La Casa de papel” (Netflix), was hiding under a ballerina costume made up of thousands of mirrors. The artist, currently filming the fifth and final season of the phenomenon series, looks back on this unusual experience.

Did you hesitate before agreeing to participate in the show?

ITZIAR ITUNO. Yes, because I was impressed. I consider myself to be an actress, even though I have a music group. I was scared. Ultimately it was a great experience and I would do it again without thinking. And then, if it had gone wrong, I could have not taken the mask off and gone (laughs).

How long did the preparation take?

I had to train alone at home repeating thousands of times. I couldn’t tell anyone about it because of the confidentiality. Suddenly, I could not check with professionals if my voice was well placed. I was stressed when I arrived, but I was quickly reassured, so the doubts vanished.

Did you choose this great costume?

I was offered four models, but the ballerina was obvious, because I did ballet until I was 19. I was never professional because I was rather plump, and not slender like classical dancers. But dancing has always been part of my life. The costume is light, but it affects vision. They had to help me get on stage. Underneath, we sweat from nervousness, but I was ventilated and refreshed. I was treated like a princess. A lot of the costumes were awesome, but for none of them I wouldn’t trade mine.

Have you changed your voice so as not to be recognized?

I listened to Lady Gaga a lot in order to study the way she has to make sounds resonate in the nose, etc. It’s a responsibility, so I thought about it every night. I don’t have a technique, so I did it on instinct. Maybe one day I’ll take singing lessons. When Jarry recognized me, I told myself he was smart. But when they mentioned Monica Cruz, I was laughing under my mask.

Did that make you want to turn more to song?

Everyone has their insecurities and I was not sure of myself in this area. When I heard the jury’s reaction, it made me feel better that the song could be something for me. It gave me back confidence.

In your portrait, we discover that success has not always been there …

I have always done theater. I am from the Basque Country where the scene is small. We suffered from a cultural crisis, so there were times when I didn’t have a job. I had to reinvent myself. I was a children’s storyteller. I also had to assemble and disassemble the stages I was going to play on. I am aware today, at my age, that I am tasting something new. But I don’t forget where I’m from.

How is the filming of “La Casa de papel” going?

We shoot in Madrid in the studios of Netflix. It’s more difficult because of the coronavirus. We work with masks during rehearsals. This puts additional pressure, because we know that contamination would impact the whole puzzle. The scenario is top secret, but it’s going to be a real bomb.

VIDEO. “In the Casa de papel, we changed sexist dialogues”

In 2017, did you expect the show to become such a phenomenon?

The first season was broadcast on a Spanish channel and audiences gradually declined. We thought it was over. Then Netflix bought the series. Today, all those who participated are surprised at the extent that it has grown.

In March, you told Le Parisien that you asked to change some sexist dialogues. Was this still the case for this season?

I didn’t need to call back because they have an immense capacity for listening. The place of women will be even more important and evolve in a very positive way. My character will enter the Bank of Spain in force.

A few fans were disappointed with the 4th season, compared to previous ones. Do you understand them?

It’s hard being so involved to have an opinion. After such success, the directors managed to maintain a certain level. I have a preference too, although I won’t say it. But this one will offer an ending that will satisfy everyone.

What are your future projects?

I was offered two series and a film to be confirmed. If I do it, it would be in French so I would have to find a language coach (laughs). I am also preparing a film on the mythology of the Basque Country. But I’m waiting to see if the coronavirus will let us work