Artist of the Month-September-Jacqueline Gourlay Grant
We are happy to host Ms. Grant as our September AoM. She's a hometown staple and one of our favorite leading ladies. She's currently nominated as Best Actress for The Hecklers for her role in Glorious! Jacqueline is currently working on ACT's You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. You can check it out this fall.
1. Name, Birthplace, Age
Jacqueline Gourlay Grant, Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland, Timeless
2. How does where you were raised affect your work?
As soon as I was accepted into the Royal Academy I was on my boyfriend's motorbike out of town. I returned to my roots when I was rehearsing for Iron. Audience members commented on my fantastic North East Aberdeenshire accent but I cannot take credit for an accent which is my own!
3. Where did you train?
The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and transferred to the Royal Academy of Music in London for Voice, Piano and Cello.
4. What is your favorite Opera ? Why?
Ariadne Auf Naxos by Richard Strauss. I played Zerbinetta the coloratura harlequin in the Opera Studio at RAM. Strauss' music is orgasmic both orally and aurally!
5. What was the best show you EVER saw?
End of the Rainbow by Patrick Quinlan. I saw it in London with my daughter. It was a matinee so we weren't expecting the greatest performances of our lives. But we left the theatre weeping. It was beautiful. Tracie Bennett's performance was captivating.
6. What was the best show in HK you EVER saw?
One Man, Two Guvnors in the Lyric Theatre HK Arts Festival. It is so difficult to do comedy well far less in such a huge theatre like the Lyric. But the lead managed to fill the stage on his own.
7.What piece of work are you the most proud of?
Iron by Rona Munro. I think sometimes we are most natural when you are playing real people. Although she was fictional I could find truth that I could identify with. Nevertheless I have never been convicted as a murderer so found this role particularly challenging. (Many hours of extra rehearsals with the director!)
8. What is your process like?
Renée Fleming is a particular role model of mine as she has perfect vocal technique achieved through16 years of rigorous training from European masters. I take inspiration from the dedication she has to her art. I try to fully immerse myself in my characters both vocally and dramatically.
9. What is your dream project?
I am living my dream project currently. Being a Grandmother to the beautiful Lily Aria and devoted fiancée to Candice.
10. If you could change one thing about the art scene in HK, what would it be?
I would love to see a Proffesional Theatre dedicated to English language plays thriving in Hong Kong.
Comments
P G Conlin
Well Jacqueline you have done well and come a long way .keep up the good work. The boat boy peter lol.
30 November 2014