Boix Arenal, Gloria M.

Person

Boix Arenal, Gloria M.

• Boix, Magali

1925-2023

Gloria Magali Boix Arenal was a film and theater actress born in Havana, Cuba on August 29th, 1925. She began her career in acting early, appearing onstage at the National Theater of Cuba for the first time at 8 years old for a well-received recitation of José Martí’s famous poem “Las Zapaticos de Rosa.” From there she lent her voice to the radio as an announcer, starting at 15 years old. Her voice became known throughout Cuba from her frequent work on radio broadcasts. This experience in historical or time period roles led Boix to be cast as a voice actress on Cuba’s most famous and beloved Radio Novela program “ El derecho de nacer” by the author Felix B. Cañet, which was later adapted to television. She also worked on commercials for companies such as the maker of appliances General Electric which sponsored popular radio program “Conflictos Humanos” where Boix shared airtime with the famous Cepero Brito.

Boix's vocal talent bolstered product sales and ratings of the programs that she worked on and in 1956 she was awarded the "Colegio de locutores de Cuba" award for the best female announcer of the year. That year, Boix transitioned her acting career to the theater, and played a role in Miguel Mihura’s “ El caso de la mujer asesinadita,” appearing alongside the star Adela Escartín. Boix, in the same year, played the lead in“ Espíritu Burlón” directed by Rubén Vigón. In 1958, Boix made her way to the television, appearing in three episodes of the soap opera “Mamá.” The Revolution of 1959 brought significant changes to the production of culture in Cuba and the logistics of television and radio, which was subsumed by the state. In that year, Boix became acquainted with Dumé, and the writer Abelardo Estorino, key figures in the acting world. Her career was mostly in theater by 1960, but she acted in several films by Jorge Fraga, including “El robo” (1965) and “En días como estos” (1964.)

Boix appeared in numerous theater productions in Havana from 1960 until her departure for the U.S. in 1993. She played roles in La hora de estar ciegos which opened at the Sala Ñico López on July 28, 1960, as La Mujer in La muerte de un viajante alongside Vicente Revuelta also at the Sala Ñico López opening on November 23, 1960, as Maestra in El robo del cochino at the Sala Teatro Hubert de Blanck on July 21, 1961 as Hortensia in Las vacas gordas at the Gran Teatro de La Habana in 1962, as Mamá Osa in Una aventura at Teatro Payret on May 10, 1962, as Blanca in Ana in 1963, again as Maestra in El robo del cochino at the Sala Teatro Hubert de Blanck in July of 1963, in Vestido de novia at Sala Teatro El Sótano in 1964, as Cándida in Cándida at the Sala Teatro El Sótano in September 1964, and Boix reprised that role in May of 1965. She also appeared as Eunice in Un tranvía llamado deseo in 1965, as Rosa in El robo del cochino at the Sala Teatro El Sótano on February 17, 1966, a role in La soga al cuello at the Sala Teatro El Sótano on March 11, 1967 in Doña Rosita, la soltera at Sala Teatro Hubert de Blanck January 1980 and as El recuerdo de su madre in La dolorosa historia del amor secreto de Don Jacinto Milanés at the Teatro Sauto in Matanzas in 1984.

Boix and Roberto Blanco together founded the theater company “el Teatro de Ensayo Ocuje,” where she went on to direct works such as Diario de Campaña, Ocujes dice a José Martí y María Antonia, and others. During her years as director of theater productions, she resisted the Ministry of Culture’s targeted attacks against minority groups such as the LGBT community in Cuba, which was persecuted by the government. Her support and advocacy is remembered by many.

In 1993, she went into exile in Miami along with her family. In Miami, she continued to appear onstage in productions such as Bodas de sangre and La casa de Bernarda Alba as well as in television commercials. Boix was also recognized for her work, and was awarded the La Medalla de la Excelencia Cubana in 2006 at a ceremony at the San Carlos Club. In 2010, she was awarded the René Ariza Award for her legacy in Cuban theater, presented to her by Iván Cañas, which took place at the University of Miami. She died in Miami in 2023.

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Biographical note written by Kate Villa, 2020-2021 UGrow Fellow for Manuscripts and Archives Management.

1. Cuban Theater Digital Archive (miami.edu)

2. El robo | Cubacine (cult.cu)

3. 2010 "Premios René Ariza" :: CHC Lectures and Presentations (miami.edu)

4. Magazine Cultural. Instituto Cultural René Ariza: Magali Boix Premio René Ariza. (icrariza.blogspot.com)

5. Magaly Boix - IMDb