By Alfredo Cernadas

For the Herald

Abigail Izquierdo Ferreira (Salvador, June 10, 1922), best known as Bibi Ferreira, had the stage in her blood since her birth. Indeed, not only were her parents an actor (Procopio Ferreira) and a dancer (Aida Izquierdo): her stage debut took place when she was only 24 days old, when in the last minute she replaced a missing doll that was indispensable in a scene of a play Ferreira was acting in.

The Ferreiras soon separated and Aida settled in Buenos Aires with little Bibi, so her first language was Spanish. She learned Portuguese from her father years later. She eventually returned to her homeland, where, in time, she became Rio de Janeiro’s most celebrated singing actress, starring in both plays and musicals such as Man of La Mancha and My Fair Lady as well as shows with famous entertainers. She also formed her own company, which she directed and hosted a radio show to which she invited the most important performers. In 1983 she did the life of Edith Piaf with resounding success. La Mome’s songs will be part of the programs she will perform at the Margarita Xirgu theatre next Friday.

I must confess I had no idea who Bibi was, so I was astounded when I listened to two of her records, part of the contents of which she will sing here. I have always been a fan of Edith Piaf and, although other singers such as Mireille Mathieu, Marikena Monti and, more recently, Elena Roger have brilliantly recreated her songs, I was wary of what Bibi canta Piaf would have in store. Well, she is stunning. The voice sounds amazingly similar and, what is more important, her involvement with each song is total. And she has perfect French diction. She gives hair raising, profoundly moving versions of such hits as La Foule, Padam, Milord, The Hymn to Love and several others. Even so, in La vie en rose she is less than totally convincing. For the record, she sings parts of some songs in Portuguese – after all, this disc is the result of a live performance.

Ferreira is also an accomplished tango singer, beginning by her husky voice, ideal for the songs she chose for her CD Tango. It’s the first time that I hear a tango singer accompanied only by a pianist, and it works. Miguel Proença is an very good musician and he deserves the solo track in which he plays Fuimos. Ferreira is simply outstanding in the rest of this very well chosen collection. Her delivery of Yo soy el tango (I Am Tango) is really a definition of her art. FYI, she also sings Mi tango triste (My Sad Tango), Mano a mano (We Are Even), Cuesta abajo (Downhill) and Caminito (Little Road), among others. You may catch some of these live as well as other songs from her large and eclectic repertoire tonight.

where &
when

Today and Friday 16, 9pm at Margarita Xirgu theatre (Chacabuco 875, 5236-3000).