EntertainMe chats with actor Julia Croft as she prepares for the upcoming season of Little Histories of the Life Ordinary at The Basement Theatre from 20th- 24th March.

Where did the name of the show originate from?

I actually saw someone reading a book in French on a train and badly translated it and that was the result. I thought it had a nice ring to it, and it was a great provocation to devise around.

How did you get involved in this show?

I instigated the project and invited some actors and theatre makers to join me who I found exciting and who I knew to have wild and crazy imaginations. You want to have fun with and be surprised by the people you are working with. The team are highly talented and a lot of fun.

Describe your character in the play.

Describe your character in the play.

What does a devised theatre piece entail?

Depends on the work. This one is quite clearly a mix of the personalities involved. I think there is a great mix of logic, mystery, magic, visual spectacle and a lot of humour.

What should we expect from the show?

Some mystery, some magic, lots of humour and hopefully something to ponder. We hope the audience enjoy watching it as much as we have enjoyed making it.

What are some of the challenges of an actor in NZ?

Earning enough to keep making theatre. Projects like this don't pay actors, yet take so much time and energy. So balancing the need for creative fulfilment against the need to pay your rent is always a challenge. Creating your own opportunities and work is challenging, but ultimately very satisfying.

Who in the acting world inspires you, and why?

Julie Nolan and Kate Parker of Red Leap Theatre for their beautiful imagery and sense of joy and play in their work. I would have loved to see the Watershed Theatre or Anna Marbrook and Christian Penny's Theatre at Large, but that was before I lived in Auckland. But I am very inspired by what I hear of their work. And the work of Steven Bain too.

Favourite play of all times?

I recently saw James Thieree's Raol which is now at the NZ International Art’s Festival in Wellington, and that is my new favourite. Best thing I have ever seen on stage, ever. I'm not even sure what it was about, it had the logic of a dream and was the most moving thing I have ever seen.

What happens when you eat cheese right before bed?

The most bizarre dreams. Try it...

By Olivia Young

Check more about the play on the Basement Theatre website.