Susana Arocha Reimagines Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz on TikTok
The actress brings the 17th-century poet to modern audiences through irreverent social media content.
1Historical Figure Goes Viral
Actress Susana Arocha has successfully transformed the 17th-century poet Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz into a modern social media influencer. Operating under the persona La Pior de Todas, the project has garnered 89,000 followers on TikTok and 25,000 on Instagram, effectively humanizing a figure often restricted to formal academic textbooks.
2Origins in Pandemic Adaptation
The project originally began as a gender violence prevention initiative for the civil association Mexfam, intended for secondary schools. When the pandemic halted in-person activities, Arocha and playwright Aldo Reséndiz pivoted to digital content. What started as a small batch of five recorded reels quickly gained massive traction overnight on social media.
3Bridging Generations Through Humor
Arocha utilizes her background in cabaret theater to inject acid humor and irreverence into the historical character. By moving away from the solemn, untouchable image of the poet, she encourages younger generations to reinterpret verses and recognize that the questions Sor Juana posed centuries ago remain highly relevant in contemporary society.
4Digital Engagement and Performance
Over the past five years, the character has evolved beyond short videos to include live streaming sessions and interactive theater. The play No te sordees con Sor Juana challenges audiences to reflect on persistent social issues through laughter, proving that digital platforms can serve as powerful tools for theatrical and literary dissemination.
5University Commemoration Event
The Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana invited Arocha to host the 375th-anniversary celebration titled Sor Juana… y yo despierta. The event features a full day of activities, including dramatized tours, poetry readings, and academic panels, showcasing the character's transition from a viral internet presence to a central figure in institutional cultural programming.
6Dual Perspectives on Poetry
The anniversary celebration concludes with a special poetry reading featuring renowned actress Ofelia Medina. Arocha expresses deep admiration for this collaboration, noting the contrast between Medina’s traditional interpretation of the poet and her own irreverent, digital-first approach. This meeting of two distinct performance styles highlights the versatility of Sor Juana’s enduring literary legacy.
7Educational Impact and Strategy
The core objective remains to make historical figures accessible rather than distant. By allowing youth to play with texts and reinterpret them, Arocha aims to foster a sense of ownership over classical literature. This approach transforms the educational experience from passive reading into active, creative participation within the digital cultural landscape.
8Cultural Legacy in Modernity
The success of this project demonstrates how historical figures can remain vibrant through creative adaptation. By leveraging the reach of TikTok, Arocha ensures that the intellectual contributions of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz continue to resonate with modern audiences, proving that historical relevance is maintained through constant, innovative cultural dialogue.