Mariana De Silva: From Telenovelas to Playwriting, Telling Stories That Matter

Mariana De Silva, a Miami native, discovered her passion for acting at an early age. Drawn to film and the arts, she found comfort in stories like Matilda and classics such as Mi Familia, where she felt truly seen. Growing up acting in telenovelas, De Silva enjoyed a sense of representation that made her feel at home in the industry. However, when she moved to Los Angeles, she encountered a different reality, one where Latino representation was not as prevalent as she had experienced in the world of telenovelas.

Despite growing up in a household where her artistic aspirations were not always fully supported, De Silva found encouragement in her teachers. Their belief in her talent pushed her forward. “I wouldn’t change it for the world,” she says, reflecting on the chance she took to pursue her passion for acting.

Beyond acting, De Silva has dedicated herself to storytelling that reflects the immigrant experience, particularly the complexities of  how immigration can sometimes tear families apart. She hopes to see more diversity in Hollywood, not just on screen but in executive and corporate positions where real decisions are made.

Although she is a seasoned actress she has also found comfort in her writing. Her journey into writing began a decade ago, initially as a journal, and what t started as a journal eventually transformed into scripts, as people around her encouraged her to further develop her storytelling.

One of De Silva’s most personal projects is her play Ybor City, which she describes as her “home” in a mental and emotional sense. Having immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 12, she later discovered that she was undocumented. This revelation reshaped her understanding of the immigration system and deeply influenced her storytelling.

Writing Ybor City was a way for De Silva to process these experiences and share them with a broader audience. She not only wrote the play but also stars in it. Though she never formally studied screenwriting, her lifelong exposure to scripts and storytelling prepared her for this moment. “I have consumed art my entire life,” she says, crediting this for her deep appreciation of the craft.

A major milestone in her career has been working alongside the legendary Tim Robbins, who serves as her mentor. She speaks with gratitude about his respect for her work and his willingness to provide notes that enhance the cultural authenticity of the script.

Ybor City is currently being performed at The Actors’ Gang in Culver City, a theater company with a 43-year legacy. The play runs until April 5th, giving audiences a chance to experience De Silva’s deeply personal and culturally resonant story.