‘Go!azen’ is now heading into its eleventh season. Did you expect such a warm reception from the audience?

When we’re filming, there’s always the uncertainty of whether it will continue to perform as well as it has so far. Luckily, once again, we’ve felt the surprise and joy of seeing that the audience is still embracing it with great enthusiasm. It’s a huge privilege to confirm that the work we do is so well received, and knowing that the fans are eager for more gives us a massive boost to keep going.

What do you think could be the key to its success?

When we talk about this topic among the actors, I can’t help but look back: I think the ‘Go!azen’ film came out when I was about 8 years old, and I was absolutely thrilled to see them dancing and singing, imagining that if I went to a summer camp the same could happen to me. I laughed a lot with the funny characters and was completely hooked on Irati and Beñat’s romantic storyline. Plus, during that ‘High School Musical’ era, suddenly this project appeared in Basque language, with songs I’d heard a thousand times at home, which made it feel much closer to me. I think it still holds onto all those elements, and it’s a highly entertaining and educational show.

What new things can we expect from this season?

This season introduces six new characters who, thanks to the wonderful work of the actors and actresses (Adriana Sánchez, Ander Murillo, Garazi Urkola, Irati Marín, Julen Taboada, and Sara Cózar), will no doubt bring us plenty of fresh emotions.

Summer's arrival brings the Basakabi camp along, where the characters will continue to experience adventures, mysteries, friendships, romances, and entanglements... And of course, there will be lots of new versions of Basque songs. On the one hand, we have two musicians (Izar and Ioritz) with artistic differences, but both with undeniable talent, plenty of comedy thanks to Bosko, Oihane, Maitane, and Leire. And on the other hand, we’ll also tackle more serious topics, as we’ve always done in ‘Go!azen’.

It’s definitely a season full of surprises, and we’ve worked with all our energy to make sure the audience enjoys it as much as possible.

And what can we expect from Garazi, your character?

Garazi has spent the year working as a counsellor at a youth centre, where she’s met a girl named Alaia, who reminds her of herself at that age: angry at the world and burdened with responsibilities a child shouldn’t have. Garazi decides to take her to Basakabi because it helped her a lot when she was younger, and that’s where the season begins: she brings Alaia to the camp and then leaves on a trip to New York with Luken. But Alaia starts causing too much trouble and Garazi will have to decide whether to prioritise her personal life or help Alaia.

This season, we’ll see Garazi stepping into the adult world, where she’ll need to be responsible and try to connect with Alaia while managing her own characteristic impulsiveness and learning to handle situations differently. Plus, a character will reappear. Someone she never thought she’d see again...

You're now in your fifth season. How was it joining an already well-established series?

I can’t really remember my life before ‘Go!azen’... Honestly, I feel very fortunate that they still want me on board and that Garazi continues to fit into the series. For me, she’s a dream character, giving me so much freedom to explore and bring out parts of myself that I personally find difficult to express. It’s a show filmed in a very short time. I got the news on a Friday and by the following Monday I was already working. So, I feel very lucky to have been given such a clear and well-defined character from the start.

The truth is joining the show was really easy. I came in alongside Ander Lacalle and Aitziber Errazkin, who are wonderful colleagues, and we were welcomed with open arms. At first, we were incredibly nervous, but with the rush to film, the team bonds right from day one. We help each other as much as we can, support one another, and take care of each other. If we don’t work as a team, the show won’t happen. And we have Itziar Gómez as our director, the ‘amatxu’ (mum) of the set. Aside from directing and managing a project like this, there isn’t a single day where she doesn’t ask everyone how they’re doing, give us a hug, or share words of encouragement when we’re all exhausted. She’s the true gem of this project.

A special mention also goes to Ander Lacalle, my storyline partner. Not only is he an incredibly talented artist, but he’s also been a crucial support amidst all the chaos.

What does it mean for you to participate in the upcoming edition of the San Sebastian Festival?

It’s an honour for us and we’re incredibly excited. When you join ‘Go!azen’, you suddenly become part of a project with a lot of momentum and experience things you wouldn’t otherwise. Even after several seasons, we’re still amazed when we perform for such large audiences or when another season is confirmed. Being part of the Zinemaldia and being able to fill the Velodrome is one of those things that happens with ‘Go!azen’. It’s a privilege from head to toe, an enormous stroke of luck.

What can we expect from your presence there? I imagine it will be a lovely experience, right?

It certainly will be. Last year, we experienced it as something that wouldn’t be repeated, and I think we all have very fond memories of that weekend: seeing the first episode surrounded by people who have been part of ‘Go!azen’ throughout its run, the excitement and amazement of seeing the Velodrome full... it was unforgettable! So, having the chance to return this year, I’m sure we’ll enjoy it just as much.

Do you have any other projects on the go? Can you share any details?

Yes, I do! I’m currently filming the series ‘Zeruahoak’ by Txintxua Films, directed by Koldo Almandoz. On the other hand, I’m still touring with the play ‘Solo hasta mañana/Bihar arte soilik’ by Erre Produkzioak, directed by Gorka Minguez, in which I’m performing alongside Lorea Intxausti, Mikele Arizkorreta, and Albar Cirarda. It’s a play where Lorea and I had the opportunity to be involved in the creation process, so we have a special fondness for it.