Talia Pura is an aerial dancer, actor, filmmaker, and playwright living in Winnipeg. She teaches drama at the University of Winnipeg and is the current coordinator of a Youth Mentorship Program in the Arts, though ACI (Arts and Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba). She has been an adjudicator in Speech Arts and Drama Festivals throughout Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario for more than two decades.
Cendrine Marrouat: Hello Talia, thank you for answering my questions. I first discovered you in 2010 during Culture Days, where you did a beautiful aerial dance performance. How long have you been involved in aerial dancing?
Talia Pura: I've been involved in aerial dance, on silks, for about eight years.
CM: What kind of training did you receive?
TP: I learned the basics locally, then went on to advanced training in Toronto.
CM: You have been involved in professional theatre for years. You have performed across Canada, as well as in the United States. When it comes to theatre audiences, have you noticed differences between the two countries?
TP: Not really, people in New York tended to laugh at different things than audiences in Winnipeg, in the one show that I performed in both places. I have found audiences to be receptive and supportive everywhere- nothing like performing for a live audience!
CM: You are also a playwright. Does your experience as an actress influence the way you write? And what do you prefer?
TP: I love doing both. Nothing will ever replace acting, but writing is something I can do anytime, anywhere. Last month I was on vacation in Vietnam. By the time I came home, I had another finished play.
I think that being an actress really helps my playwriting, because it makes it easier to imagine how the lines will play on stage. I think that I also have a better feel for characters as a result of my work as an actor.
CM: You recently performed at ShawFest 2012, a festival celebrating George Bernard Shaw. How was the experience?
TP: It was great. I really enjoyed exploring the relationship between Shaw and Mrs. Patrick Campbell.
CM: How do you usually work on a piece? Do you need a specific setting?
TP: There really isn't a 'usual'. Every project is unique. Sometimes I am writing for a specific purpose. For my play in ShawFest, it started with an exploration of whatever was published by or about Shaw. This led me to the collection of his letters, which absolutely screamed at me to get on the stage. Other times, an idea will just pop into my head. Usually, this will begin with character, not setting.
CM: You are a well-rounded artist and educator. How do you achieve a healthy balance between both endeavours?
TP: Everything has a deadline. If it doesn't, I give it one. Then, everything I do has to take turns. So, in turn, every deadline gets met. It does make for a busy life, but an extremely satisfying one. I love everything I do too much to give anything up, and I never say no to a great opportunity, no matter how busy I am.
When people ask how I fit it all in, I remind them that I used to be drama teacher in the public school system, as well as an actor and writer, while raising three busy children on my own. Now that the kids have grown up, and I am in a fabulously supportive relationship, I have time for EVERYTHING.
CM: In your opinion, what role does art play in society?
TP: I think that art plays an extremely important role in society. It's great when this is recognized and supported. Most politicians love to boast about the arts in their area, because it is the arts that add value to a city as a place to live. It's even nicer when those politicians support the arts they boast about.
CM: What is next for you?
TP: In 2010, I was one of ten artists from across Canada chosen to be part of the Canadian Forces Artists Program, for a two year term. Traditionally, war artists have been visual artists. I was their first playwright. As part of this program, I was given an opportunity to visit Afghanistan and interact with our troops in this theatre of war. It was an amazing experience. That, added to many interviews with soldiers and their families in Canada, has resulted in a number of projects for me.
This past fall, I wrote, produced and directed a short film, "Intel." I have also completed a feature length screenplay, "Anywhere But Here." Another project was a short stage play, read at FemFest last fall, called, "Ten O'clock." Another full-length play, "Cry After Midnight," is short listed for a reading at the Women Playwrights International Conference in Stockholm next summer. It will also be read at FemFest next fall.
I need to finish my second Drama teaching textbook before writing any more creative projects, but they are coming. I'm not quite finished with Military themed work, but there are a lot of other things that I want to explore as well.
CM: Where can people find more information on your work?
TP: I have a website. Many of my plays are available through the Canadian Playwrights Guild. My teaching resource, STAGES: Creative Ideas for Teaching Drama, is available at Theatre Books in Toronto, McNally in Winnipeg, and on Amazon.com
CM: Any last words?
TP: Thanks for the opportunity to talk about my work.
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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com. Website: www.cendrinemarrouat.com.
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