Questions & Answer
ALI HARPER
Songs for Nobodies
You do 10 different characters in the show. How difficult is that?
Joanna MurraySmith has written such a fantastic script that the five nobodies and five somebodies I play are second nature to me now. Of course playing such famous women as Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas meant that I spent time watching footage on YouTube as well as reading biographies about each of them. Rather than impersonating them I create their flavour, their style and their passionate storytelling through their music.
What techniques do you use to change between personas?
Breath.
Do you ever forget which character you are doing?
No, never. The detailed rehearsal process that I went through at The Court Theatre with my director, Ross Gumbley, allowed us to explore and really nut out who these women are. I do lots of different accents so that helps differentiate each person and the women are all so different in the way they move their bodies, where they hold themselves. I have one character who is very uptight, tense and holds a lot of tension in her left shoulder. I find the characters now take on an organic life of their own, which I love.
What is the best thing about doing a onewoman show?
This is my fourth onewoman show so I am quite comfortable performing solo. I love the challenge, the storytelling aspect of bringing the audience in with me and taking us to places that are wonderful, nostalgic, moving and surprising. Ninety minutes solo is not for the fainthearted but it flies by. I really enjoy talking with people in the foyer after the show and discussing who their favourite nobodies and somebodies are.
What is the hardest part of performing a onewoman show?
Stamina. I am currently in the middle of a huge New Zealand tour as well as New York next week. All up, I will have gone to 22 venues, which will be around 100 performances. I have to be very disciplined so I find eating well, yoga and sleep is really important.
How did you get involved with this production?
The Court Theatre in Christchurch programmed Songs for Nobodies. The playwright
Joanna MurraySmith gave them the rights with the proviso that only I did the show. I have toured another of Joanna’s shows,
Bombshells, in recent years so she knew my work. Lucky me!
Why should people come and see this show?
I have been doing what I do for 25 years and a handful of special shows have come my way. Songs for Nobodies is one of those special shows. It beautifully reminds us of the magical influence that chance encounters can play in our lives, along with the struggle at the heart of the human condition and the occasional moments of true happiness.
What do you enjoy most about the show?
It is such a huge honour to pay homage to five incredible artists who should never be forgotten. To sing such diverse styles and escape into their worlds is such pure and joyful escapism.