AboutFACE Theatre Company have premiered many plays at The Civic over the years. Following a hiatus (of over a decade!!) they are returning to The Civic this August with the world premiere of The Gods of the Ozarks, a fast-moving and highly theatrical black comedy. We had a chat with Helena White about her role in the show. Helena plays the role of Melinda.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and where you grew up?
I’m a wise old 26 year old from Kilkenny but living in beautiful Blackrock in Dublin. I grew up on a farm and the fact that I live in a busy city but can still escape to the countryside on a train (1.5 hour journey) is pretty brilliant. I’ve always loved performing and my real thirst for it came when I was cast in a youth theatre show in 2010 called Dark of the Moon. It was performed in Garter Lane Theatre, Waterford and directed by a great writer/director Jim Nolan. After that I decided to apply to drama schools and acting courses and voila here we are!
What is your background in performing?
I completed a BA in Theatre and Drama Studies in Cork School of Music CIT in 2016, I am part of the inaugural graduate class. Since I finished drama school I’ve worked in a wide array of theatre productions and a number of screen projects. I’ve also trained with Louis Lovett and Corn Exchange Theatre Company.
What’s been your career highlight to date?
Getting the opportunity to work with a very talented group of actors and creatives in AboutFACE Theatre Company on such a kick ass piece of writing like this play is definitely my highlight thus far.
Tell us about the role you have in The Gods of The Ozarks?
I play Melinda, she is the daughter of Jonah and Sally Hahn. She is a young teenager who has a lot of feelings and thoughts about the world especially religion and creating new conclusions out of the words from the bible. I find Melinda very genuine and much wiser than when I was a teenager!
What can audiences expect from the show?
They can expect a sincere but hilarious story about an ensemble of funny, honest and beautiful characters and their own path in life. It may be set hundreds of years ago but the story will still resonate with modern audiences today.
Can you tell us a random fact about yourself?
I can drive a tractor.
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