White Knight, the movie

I think that there is some kind of line that my performing path is following recently. I have been really enjoying the intimate performances of Mono operas, Operas in small spaces, recitals/cycles/scenes. It adds an ellement of truth and direct acting. as an actor-singer I feel like taking more riskes and definately exposing my inner self much more then on a big stage. It feels , like a life camera is following on close up, not letting you slip.

And suddenly it happened. I was about to play in a film. Not only play, but sing and be 5 different characters/woman. I could not hide the excitement. I felt, that it will be most amazing experience, and a weeks before it happened, I was constantly there in my mind..imagening all the details of how it is going to happen. And it was truely amazing experience!!!

Keith Cheetham-the loveliest director had the most down to earth, relaxed style, which gave me confidence and inner piece. The crew were all lovely people, extreemely helpfull and we had lots of laughs. Even the weather and the smell of leaves were collaborating.

The most difficult thing was to wake up early and go to sleep late. The days were so intensive that by the end of it all, I felt utterly exhousted, but so happy! The 5 am morning fog and midnight starry sky were magical and were caught on the camera.

We stayed in Norfolk, where apparently people do not close doors at night. It was pitch black and slightly scary at night. what an experience.

Iford-Onegin

Iford was the most intimate opera theatre experience I have ever been involved. But the generosity and warmth of everybody was even more amazing. Everyone from the conductor Olliver Gooch, the cast, the production crew, orchestra players, to my lovely hosts Gillie and Bill Whitley were extremely encouraging, supportive and I completely felt at my most natural self in preparation to the role and performing it.

Tatiana was not easy part for me vocally, but emotionally is well suited. Which helped to overcome everything i feared. She allowed me to show the diversity of emotional colours of her character and to follow her maturity from an Innocent girl to a strong woman, who decides to reject Onegin, despite her burning love for him. Great role!

During the preparation process, I spoke a lot with Bernadette Iglich, the director about Tatiana. It was tremendously important for me that Bernadette gave me so much of her insights onto Tatiana's character. I loved working with her. I felt complete trust and passion of a real creator and could relax while exploring the nuances of the acting. As a result of this work together, we became very good friends.

The audience was sitting very close to us and i could hear people breathing. It was like being watched by the camera, constantly on air, in action. i have to admit that I loved every minute of it. It also made me concentrate better for the entire show. I new that if my thought will drift somewhere, people will be able to see it in my eyes. They will not believe me. Therefore, I learnt a great lesson and it was good practice for the big stages and bigger roles.