B. Odgerel: I have no right to despise any role

The following is an interview with talented actress B.Odgerel, who is challenging her skills and range by choosing to play dynamic and interesting characters in various plays and films...

The following is an interview with talented actress B.Odgerel, who is challenging her skills and range by choosing to play dynamic and interesting characters in various plays and films.

There is a difference between someone loving art and dedicating their whole life to the arts. What made you choose a career as an actor?

When I was young, I tried many things, such as painting, poetry, and I even competed in design competitions. My grandmother is a very religious woman. When I was in high school, she made me see a fortune teller, saying, “This person is really good. I will let him tell your fortune.” He said that I will become an artist in the future. From that time, I started to wonder if I can be an actress. Even though I enrolled in an arts school without even realizing the essence of my chosen profession, I managed to get a grasp during my student years. I’m so grateful for my grandmother. She is 90 years old.

What was your debut role?

My first role was a supporting role in “Police Oath”. I received the Best Actress Award as well as a lot of praise from senior actors in my third year at university. I even received job offers at the time. After I graduated, I participated in “To Be or Not To Be” TV show. Then I played in State Prized Actor D.Sosorburam’s play “Perfect” and “Swansong” film directed by late R.Altansukh.

You rarely make appearances in films and TV series. How often do you receive offers from directors? What was your last film?

I played in “Zerleg Agiin Uner Dunduur” film by Black Box Theater’s director S.Myagmar. I couldn’t play in films often since I was busy working at the National Academic Drama Theater though directors ask me to work with them. Honestly, I can’t make excuses from my regular work to play in films. I'm kind of a conservative person who tries to be focused on one thing to succeed. Now, I'm passionate about acting in films while I enjoy myself on the stage. I’m ready to be a part of films with a good script and positive team.

What kind of roles do you want to take on next?

I have no right to despise any role. I think actors should be able to be mysterious and avoid being monotonous as much as possible. I myself am kind of a soft-hearted person. However, directors tend to offer me a harsh woman’s role, who tend to be a little bit older than I am. I actually like funny and sassy roles. I don’t agree with people who think it’s easy to play in comedy films and plays. Not everyone who wants to can make people laugh, and not all actors have a good sense of humor.

What genre do like least? For example, would you do an erotic film?

I can work in any genre if the screenplay is good. If I really feel good about my character and the script fits my standards, the erotic genre isn’t a problem. But I guess I will ask for some agreements.

I assume you try to learn from other artists by watching films and plays. What kind of books and films do you like?

I learn from those close to me, not just actors. Everyone has some quality and excellence that attracts others. I used to love books and films with adventure and drama when I was a student. Then I got into the classics and fell in love with Tolstoy and Chekhov. As for now, I’m really into Jean Paul Sartre and Eugene Ionesco’s philosophical works. I realized that I'm becoming obsessed with simplicity and simple things lately. I like simple but creatively directed films, not the flashy ones.

You are a student of actress S.Bolormaa, right? I heard that you played in “Zerleg Agiin Uner Dunduur” with your teacher. Tell us about the film.

I graduated from the Institute of Film Arts under S.Bolormaa’s supervision. I lost my mother when I was a teenager. My teacher was very close to me when I lacked mother’s love and custody. I was blessed with a chance to play as a sister to my teacher’s role in “Zerleg Agiin Uner Dunduur”. The shooting took place in Dundgovi Province. The film is acclaimed by film critics and researchers.

Did you gain anything from succeeding in “To Be or Not To Be” TV show?

Of course, I did. I improved my skills and made a lot of friends. I think that participating in the show gave me a chance to be part of the National Academic Drama Theater.

You worked for several years at the National Academic Drama Theater. How did the “Red House” change you as an artist?

I worked at the theater for seven years. I think I developed my mind, inner power, opinion and my essence. Reality and appearance are different things. I always try to not sell my true self for falsity. Happiness is felt by people differently. When I was accepted by the National Academic Drama Theater, I was the happiest person in the world. I was happy even when I left it, because I was passionate about developing and challenging my talent. The most priceless feeling is to feel gratification from my work.

You always participate in the Parade of Winners International Monodrama Festival. I assume you are fond of monodramas.

I was named as the national winner as I was triumphant in the first edition of the Parade of Winners International Monodrama Festival. Monodrama gives actors a chance to prove, challenge, explore and improve themselves. I love to perform as well as watch monodramas.

Aside from plays of the National Academic Drama Theater, you played in “No Exit” at Blackbox Theater, “Sisters” by L.Tavanbayar and “Faust” at Alpha Theater. What did you gain from playing in different types of plays?

Performing on different stages is interesting, indeed. The work methods are different as well. For example, at the National Academic Drama Theater, actors play for the audience in front of them. On the other hand, Blackbox Theater demands actors to play in four directions since the stage is surrounded by the audience seats. “Sisters” was played in a coffee shop. This showed that actors can demonstrate their talent anywhere. The feeling the actor gets from the audience is stronger when they are surrounded by observers. Alpha Theater is a new theater that is dedicated to making plays in the postdrama genre. I feel lucky to work with high-class actors and talented director M.Batbold. I want to play in a lot of different places to learn more. For me, it’s better to be criticized by professionals than not being yelled at by anyone. It helps young actors develop.

What kind of a play do you want to perfrom next?

I dream of playing in musicals. I received an offer from a new theater, but I think it’s too early to talk about that. I’m planning to work on

“Love, Love, Love” by Mike Bartlett with Alpha Theater.

Even though plays and films are built with teamwork, personal responsibility and preparedness is the most important thing. How do you prepare yourself mentally after you receive a job offer?

I prepare myself mentally and physically, even gaining or losing weight. I research and imagine my role. Sometimes I catch myself drawing my character to visualize. I strive to do my job at a high quality.

I assume there are no actors who didn’t blunder on stage at one point. Do you have some funny memories?

There are awkward times for me that I can’t tell if it’s funny or sad. I had a part where I get shot by Modun and fall from high a footing in “Tengeriin Khuu” play. There was a stiff mattress on the floor to let me fall on that. In the play, I fell on the floor right next to the mattress. Though it hurt so much, I had to tolerate the pain since the play was in progress. I crawled to the backstage.

Older actors say, “To become a good actor, one should become a good person first.” In your opinion, what qualities should actors have?

First of all, actors should be able to feel other people’s joy and sorrow from their heart. Honored Cultural Figure, director B.Baatar said, “The one who suffered becomes an incomparable artist. Because they felt the suffering themselves.” Those words are still in my mind to date.