Every Monday at 8:30 p.m., in the broadcasts of the humorous program Vivir del cuento, a character appears that breaks with the classic representations of the "little grandmother". Someone peculiar who always tries to sell Pánfilo some piece or material that has nothing to do with a knitting needle or yarn.
Eight years ago, Aris Teresa Bruzos Núñez lost her name; "now everyone calls me Evarista".
"I never in my life thought I would work in television and much less in a comedy program. First I went to the casting of Los Amigos de Pepito in 2008, but I never had the idea of receiving an award. I participated in the program so my family from the East would see me, because it had been many years since I knew anything about them. I only brought the number of stories they asked for and they liked it, they accepted me. That's how I became Evarista and I confess that I don't much like the name", and she frowns because she misses being called Aris.
She always liked humor. Since she was little she saw her father making jokes. "He could find the funny side in everything", she tells me. That's where her influence comes from, plus she loves to laugh. The program for her means entertainment, using her free time in a pleasant way, smiling.
Aris was a teacher for 34 years, two as a classroom teacher, and the rest as director of different schools. "Every time there was a commotion they would send me to fix it". It's what she always wanted to do, she never thought about being an actress.
"Teaching is my thing, when I was little I was always the teacher. Now life has made me a comedian and that's how I feel happy".
The wrinkles on Aris's face only radiate energy and clarity. Her hands don't stop knitting, as if the needle and yarn were an appendage of her body. It's her favorite hobby, and by demonstrating her skill she turns it into something magical.
She is president of the seniors circle Para empezar a vivir, located on Reina between Gervasio and Escobar, in the capital municipality of Centro Habana, and she exercises with them in the mornings, in the time that her new profession allows her.
"I like to do a bit of everything, that way I feel useful and valuable, even though I don't lack affection from people. I like to take the bus so people recognize me and greet me, I love that, especially the children, their innocence captivates me".
Among the many anecdotes that Aris keeps about her life as a comedian, one that she remembers with embarrassment and affection at the same time is the encounter with a former student who told her very seriously, almost bothered: "Professor, with how serious you were and now you show your belly button and thighs on television, you're too old for that". Just telling the story made her cheeks turn red.
"Let people think what they want. My years have not been an obstacle to anything so far, I enjoy life minute by minute. After all time passes, and I don't get old".
