Aitana Sánchez-Gijón stars in ‘Malquerida’ at Teatro del Soho CaixaBank. The actress balances a demanding stage schedule, recent film work, and her family life, marking a significant moment in her career.
Aitana Sánchez-Gijón is experiencing a pivotal phase in her career, taking the stage in ‘Malquerida’ at Málaga’s Teatro del Soho CaixaBank. This production marks a full-circle moment for the actress: 35 years after playing Acacia, the daughter, she now embodies Raimunda, the mother, in Jacinto Benavente’s classic. Her return to this play, now in a leading role, highlights both her longevity and evolution in Spanish theatre.
The Málaga run is notable not only for the role but also for Sánchez-Gijón’s debut at Antonio Banderas’s renowned theatre. Between performances, she was seen enjoying the Costa del Sol, with images published by Lecturas showing her relaxing on Marbella’s beaches. These moments away from the stage underline the intensity of her current workload and the importance of brief respites during a packed professional season.
Recent months have been especially active for Sánchez-Gijón. She presented Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film, ‘Amarga Navidad’, and continues to receive acclaim for her stage work. Her personal life has also drawn attention, particularly her relationship with actor Maxi Iglesias. The two met during the filming of ‘Velvet’ over a decade ago, and their on-screen chemistry has since become reality. Lecturas first published photos of the couple together after a theatre performance, and since then, Iglesias has been seen visiting Sánchez-Gijón’s home on several occasions. Although neither has commented publicly, their relationship appears to be ongoing, despite recent professional commitments requiring them to spend time apart.
Family remains a central part of Sánchez-Gijón’s life. She has spoken openly about the balance between her career and motherhood, expressing pride in her children, Bruna and Teo. In an interview with Diario Sur, she emphasized that both her vocation and her role as a mother have always been equally important, challenging the double standards often faced by women in the industry.
Interest in the private lives of Spanish public figures remains high, as seen in other recent stories such as the temporary leave of TVE journalist Silvia Intxaurrondo, which also drew significant public attention (read more about Intxaurrondo’s break from television).
‘Malquerida’ continues to be a touchstone in Spanish theatre, and Sánchez-Gijón’s dual connection to the play—first as daughter, now as mother—reflects the generational shifts within the performing arts. The Teatro del Soho CaixaBank, under Antonio Banderas’s direction, has become a prominent venue for major productions in Andalusia. Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol remain popular destinations for both artists and tourists, reinforcing the region’s status as a cultural and leisure hub in Spain.
