Mikey, Fanny (1931–)

Argentinean-born actress. Born Dec 26, 1931, in Argentina; dau. of José Mikeaj (name changed to Mikey by immigration official); m. Gastón Dijan (div.); m. Pedro I. Martinez (Colombian actor).

Acclaimed actor, director, theatrical manager, producer and promoter, was discovered at 15 while performing at a Jewish club and invited to act in a William Saroyan play; began taking acting classes at Argentine Hebrew Society and performed under director Reynaldo D'Amore and others; left theater for 2 years at behest of new husband Gastón Dijan, but ultimately left husband to return to stage; began performing title role in García Lorca's Yerma while working by day in factory; moved to Colombia to marry director Pedro I. Martinez; began acting and coordinating cultural activities in Cali, Colombia (1960s) with TEC (Cali Experimental Theater); helped build one of the 1st professional theatrical groups in Colombia, the Bogotá Popular Theater (TPB, 1970s), now one of Colombia's most important groups; founded La Gata Caliente (Hot Cat), the 1st Colombian "café concert" variety show; mounted political play Mamá Colombia as well as solo act Oiganme (Listen to Me); went on to participate as actress, producer, director, juror and special guest in such festivals as World Festival in Paris, International Festival of Drama in Caracas, Grand Mexico City Festival and Avignon Arts Festival; worked as director in France, Spain and Argentina; served as executive director for Bogotá Popular Theater for 7 years; has acted in many movies, including Bolívar Soy Yo (I Am Bolivar, 2002). Played key role in establishing many enduring cultural institutions and events, helping to initiate founding of National Theater (1978), creating ongoing major cultural event Bogotá Latin American Theater Festival (1988), which attracts groups from all over world, and founding with others the film production company Grupo Colombia Ltda (1994).