Going on stage is ‘almost a kind of violence’ for Monica
It may be hard to believe, but Monica Bellucci, who has spent four decades in the limelight as a model and actress, admitted that she suffers from stage fright.
Bellucci, who incarnates opera singer Maria Callas in a month-long stage show titled Maria Callas: Lettres et Memoirs, in Paris, said, “It’s not that I was afraid of theatre, I am still afraid of theatre. I tremble. Going on stage is almost a kind of violence that I put myself through.”
Film acting, on the other hand, is less intimidating for the actor. “When one makes a film, it is as if one is protected from the outside world. With theatre, one breathes in the public and the public breathes you in. There is direct contact. It is also less taxing.”
Bellucci opined that with theatre, one’s concentration must last for the duration of the show. “With film, scenes are shot one by one, with rests in between.”
In spite of her fear, Bellucci said she was captivated by Tom Volf’s project on Callas, known for her tragic love affair with Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis. The biographical show draws heavily on letters and writings by Callas, collected by Volf, who has also made a movie titled Maria by Callas.
“The letters are so beautiful... it was impossible not to see into the soul of this wonderful artist,” she added.
For Volf, a sort of “chemistry” occurred between Bellucci and Callas on stage, as the actor “interpreted with accuracy the strength and vulnerability of the diva.”
The Spectre (2015) actor even wears one of Callas’ dresses in the play. “What is incredible is that there was no need to make a single adjustment, it was as if it was made to measure,” said Volf.
Callas lived with details of her personal life splashed on the world’s front pages — from her legendary success to her alleged capriciousness and the heart-breaking affair with Onassis, who ended up marrying Jackie Kennedy, widow of assassinated US President John F. Kennedy.
“She showed this smiling public image, and behind it was hidden a woman experiencing something quite different,” said the 55-year-old, adding, “When one is exposed, one is at great risk. Me, I try to protect myself... It is truly important to keep your feet on the ground and to keep a distance from your (public) image.”