Carlos Soroa, Deaf actor in Netflix’s “Welcome to Eden”

Renca Dunn, Daily Moth Reporter:

A new Netflix show called “Welcome to Eden” was released on May 6th. This show is a Spanish thriller series and there are two seasons so far. The show has a Deaf cast member in it, Carlos Soroa (31), from Madrid, Spain.

Everyone speaks Spanish on the show and there are English subtitles provided. Carlos, his name sign is this. His character’s name is Eloy. On the TV show, he uses LSE- Spanish Sign Language.

The plot is about five young people getting invited to an exclusive party on a remote island, but that expectation of paradise ends up not going in the way that they expect. That pretty much summarizes it.

Carlos aka Eloy is not one of the five main actors, but he is one of the supporting actors.

The series is rated as MA (Mature Adults) due to some graphic content and violence.

Netflix has their top 10 non-English TV shows and this “Welcome to Eden” TV show nabbed number 2 on Netflix’s list.

We reached out to Carlos for an interview about his experience. I want to let you know that you will see in the interview that Carlos and I are communicating through International Sign.

Carlos Soroa: When I first started, I read the script, the author was not fully aware about what is the best way a Deaf person can communicate with hearing people because with the original script, I would have to write to the hearing person then the hearing person would respond to me by speaking and I would have to read their lips. I told them no. I changed the approach.

For example, in a scene with a big group when people are talking to each other, I do not want to appear to be left out. So, I told them to add an iPad for me so I can use it to capture what people are talking about through live subtitles. I showed them it was possible.

The other one is having a hearing person communicate with me by using sign language instead of just me using sign language to them and they speak back to me. It was very hard for me in the beginning to explain that to them. Finally, they accepted and changed the script. I taught them some sign language. The positive outcome is that everyone used sign language with me.

This is the first time for Spain to use sign language in a Netflix show. I remember there was one time that a hearing person was portrayed as a Deaf person and that is not acceptable. Deaf roles belong to Deaf people.

Renca: So, are you like the first Deaf person from Spain to be part of a TV series that uses full sign language?

Carlos: Yes, it is tough, but yes I am. It was hard. When it was my first time being part of this show, it was so difficult. It was just me and the interpreter. I was not in my Deaf world anymore.

The filming did not take place in Spain, but on an island. I was on that island for 4 months. Being with all hearing people, it was really hard for me. What you see in the TV series about my character (Eloy) interacting with the other characters and teaching them sign language, that was also what happened in real life too. That was a positive outcome.

The negative outcome was that I was the only Deaf person there. I did request them if I could add another Deaf person who could serve as a role as a sign language consultant for me. They said no. They said I could use my interpreter and I told them no because the interpreter has an “interpreter” role, not as a sign language consultant. It needs to be a Deaf person as a consultant. They still said no to me because of money.

I really want to represent myself as a Deaf Spanish actor as there are none here in Spain. We are not strong with deaf actors like the USA. It is hard. So, I am alone on this. It is hard, but I am getting through it. Right now, it is good so far- positive. Now, I feel stronger. I was weak before and unsure, but I feel more strengthened.

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Renca: I see acting is in your blood. Tell me a little bit about your life and your family.

Carlos: Yes. My family is Deaf- I come from a 3rd generation of having a Deaf family. Growing up, I have always loved acting, theater, etc. I have experienced being an interpreter, translator, being part of a movie, been part of a theater, and more in my Deaf world. So, this recent one was my first time being part of the hearing world of acting. My first time opening this door. I want to be a role model for the Deaf children and they can see that they can also be involved with acting in the future. The USA has progressed so much, but Spain needs more Deaf representations so Deaf children can feel inspired. I want to see this positive outcome.

Renca: Now, what do you want to see next? You want to be part of more series? Or be part of another movie?

Carlos: I hope to continue with acting. It is part of my heart. Before this, I worked as a cook at a hotel for many years. It has been good, yes, but it is not my heart. My heart is with acting. The culture here in Spain is very behind. The USA is very ahead with movies, etc. I hope Spain can advance a bit more, I believe Spain can. I would not mind moving to the USA to get training in acting or move somewhere. It is easy for a hearing person to be selected. It is harder for a Deaf person to get a role. We have to wait longer. It’s different.

Renca: With people across the globe watching this interview, what is your advice to uplift the Deaf community?

Carlos: I encourage Deaf people to not feel less worthy, doubt themselves, or second guess themselves about their talent- no, you CAN do this. Yes, it is hard, but keep trying. Move forward. Find your family or friends to help support you. Like me for example, when I was a cook, it was a stable job, but with acting it is not stable work. My family and friends kept supporting me. It progressed well and I am happy where I am now. The experience is very important. I would hope the same for you. Stay strong, Deaf people!

We want to thank Carlos for his time. There are several articles in Vanity Fair and others that published a story about his life and have more information about who Carlos is. You can also follow his journey on his Instagram. We provided links in this transcript.

We do wish him the best of luck with his acting career.

Links:

Carlos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosoroaa/?hl=en

Articles:

Unusual Verse: https://www.unusualverse.com/2022/05/carlos-soroa-deaf-actor-in-netflixs.html

Vanity Fair (Spain): https://www.revistavanityfair.es/articulos/carlos-soroa-serie-bienvenidos-a-eden-entrevista

Khabar Nonstop: https://www.khabarnonstop.com/carlos-soroa-and-the-experience-of-being-the-only-deaf-actor-in-welcome-to-eden/

Early Bulletin: https://earlybulletins.com/films-series/23540.html