Tell us how you got started in theater?
I was really inspired when I went to see the opera Prince Igor with my father. Music inspires me, and I began to dance quite naturally. My mum took me to ballet class, and I loved it so much and it actually led me to acting. I had to find a bridge from dancing to acting, which was singing. So I studied singing and started worked as a comedy singer for the National Theatre. Through that they gave me my first acting job. So it was a wonderful bridge–from dancing to singing to acting.
What has been proudest moment of your career so far?
Right now I have to say my proudest moment is the role I’m current playing. I love playing Titania, I get to visit different countries and it’s the most incredible experience I’ve ever had. Being in A Midsummer Night’s Dream is definitely a career highlight.
How do you think audiences will respond to the Globe Theatre’s rendition of A Midsummer’s Night Dream?
We talked about this a lot. John Eden said at the press conference in Russia that Shakespeare is such a wonderful writer, who is just probably coding up the truth to us so that we can look at it for ourselves. As such, everyone will see the play in different ways. I would be interested to hear what the audiences have to say, and I think that audiences have to decide independently what they feel about the play.
You play two characters (Titania and Hippolyta), how are they different from one another?
Titania is like the spirit of all women and of Mother Nature, she’s so wild, passionate and extreme. On the other hand, Hippolyta is very quiet and closed off. But ultimately, I feel that they come together and it’s really great playing both of them.
Lastly, what alternative career route would you have chosen?
I wanted to be a nurse when I was little. I have learned a technique called reflexology,which is the massaging of the feet, and my next interest would definitely be massage and healing therapies. I’m very interested in how the body works.
Janie Dee performs in A Midsummer Night’s Dream from Nov 13-16. Click here for more details.