Patty Bonet, a Valencian actress with albinism, has become a vivid emblem of inclusion in contemporary theatre and film alike. By bringing Bella to life in a touring musical adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, Bonet challenges old stereotypes and demonstrates that albino actors can carry iconic roles that were once thought unattainable. The production travels through various municipalities in Spain, showing audiences that beauty and strength can emerge from every background. Bonet welcomes these diverse projects because they break narrow definitions of who can be a princess or a heroine on stage. As she puts it in her own words, the experience lets young viewers see that there are many Bellas and all of them are valid.
complex difficulty
A TVE host who also performs in a popular lottery program described the challenge as substantial yet solvable. During the premiere, a comment from the audience lingered: a young girl asked whether beauty could be dark. Bonet says that moment prompted her to reflect deeply on whether she belonged on that stage. The purpose of the project, she explains, is to transform such judgments. Even if the first impressions shock viewers, the hope is that perception shifts as the show progresses.
Patty Bonet: “I want to pick characters that my albinism doesn’t identify with”
Shortly after the premiere, the importance of inclusive storytelling became clear to Bonet. She believes that an albino girl in a town square might see Bella as someone who looks like her and who nevertheless has opportunities. On days when criticism stings more than others, she remains committed to not letting insults define the narrative. The message stays simple: diverse representation matters.
leave your characters
Bonet chose the role in part because Beauty and the Beast is a personal favorite. She has explained that casting decisions in films often center on physical attributes, yet she is actively advocating for normalization so that characters with different features of albinism can be chosen for a wider range of roles. The goal is to show that albinism does not determine a character’s core traits or their central conflicts. This is why Bella’s portrayal carries special significance for the actor.
For Bonet, Bella is more than a character to her; it is a symbol of potential and resilience. The choice to take on such a part aligns with her recurrent aim of portraying strong figures who break stereotypes and set new standards for princesses in modern storytelling.
Yet the work does not end with Bella. In the heat of summer, Bonet has additional projects in motion, expanding her influence beyond the stage.
directing a documentary
Taking the next step, four years later Bonet is directing a documentary supported by a European grant and the ALBA association. The film highlights the role of community and shared experiences in promoting inclusion among people with albinism. It features interviews with young albinism beneficiaries who attended a summer camp in Llíria, illustrating how diverse participants—some with albinism and some without—learn from each other. The documentary, slated for release in 2024, aims to capture the positive outcomes of inclusive activities and the value of peer support.
ALBA is an organization based in Valencia that assists people with albinism and sustains connections among affected individuals, their families, and professionals who study this genetic condition. The group’s mission centers on enabling people with albinism to grow, learn, work, and thrive in a society free from prejudice and myths.
Bonet emphasizes that the project seeks recognition within a framework of social inclusion: sharing experiences and overcoming obstacles together.
Filming notes reveal that many youths and relatives confronted questions about albinism during production. Bonet describes how parents with albino children sometimes seek guidance, and she believes it is essential to provide clear, reassuring examples. The practical takeaways, such as using makeup to reduce light entering the eyes, show how everyday choices can improve confidence and comfort for young people who are exploring their identity and abilities.
Patty Bonet: “I want to pick characters that my albinism doesn’t identify with”
Valencia remains open to new possibilities. Bonet says she will continue supporting individuals in similar situations, ensuring they have references that were not always available to her. The overarching message from her work is simple: diverse representation matters, and it matters now more than ever.