TBI Tuesday Q&A

Sarah Thomson is one of twelve young actors appearing in The Ensemble Project at Silo Theatre as part of the Auckland Festival, AK07.

The concept of the Project was to create two plays in repertory, which has resulted in Based on Auckland, directed by Oliver Driver, and Tis Pity She's a Wh*re directed by Michael Hurst. The aim was also, according to Sarah, to create "a team of theatrical ninjas".

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

The hours in which I pretend I'm David Byrne. Usually before bed. Usually to "Psycho Killer". And usually sounding terrible.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Fifties volunteer librarian and housewife.

Who, in your creative field, would you most like to work with?

A young Bill Nighy in an early Tom Stoppard play.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Pretending not to be me, with an assortment of quick-witted people.

How do you think your environment affects your work?

Things feed in. Figures of speech, mannerisms - I have greedy eyes and ears.

What's the concept behind The Ensemble Project?

To create two plays in repertory, and a team of theatrical ninjas. However, I am still yet to graduate to my Shuriken.

What are the highs and lows of working with such a large cast?

Twelve minds make inspiring work. But twelve bodies make an interesting smell...

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I'm all about the details. Obsessively so. All the kids call me names.

Describe the ways in which your childhood play has influenced how you work as an adult.

I was raised by The Muppet Show and uber-nerds. Therefore, I am both a Muppet and a nerd. Logical, no?

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

Playing Aeschylus' Electra to an audience that included my father. Both weird and… not weird. Yes.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

The late John Peel's assistant.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

The stretch of coast from Mount Taylor to Bastion Point.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

Any way, any time and for any reason - but I prefer loudly and in a large empty room (for jumping... etc)

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A marionette. A ghost puppet marionette. Definitely.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

"Add a drop of lavender to milk, leave town with an orange and pretend you're laughing at it." - Manny Bianco

What's your favourite word?

Knodel - a German word for some kind of sesame dumpling.

What's great about today?

While running to catch a departing facet of Auckland's lovely [cough] transport system - a lovely, yoga-bound lady stopped and offered me a lift to the next bus stop. Her random kindness floored me. I also bought fake spectacles. T'riffic.

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