Delia Hannah is one of New Zealand's finest musical theatre performers boasting roles that include Fantine in Les Miserables, Eva Peron in Evita, Florence Vassey in Chess and Grizabella in Cats.

Delia returns to the musical stage, after a six-year absence raising her daughter Grace, to join 27 actors and musicians hand picked by director Michael Hurst for The Threepenny Opera. Delia says she has profoundly missed the stage and musical theatre.

"It's bold it's beautiful - rich and epic. People sing their thoughts; characters open up and express themselves through musical lyric. So emotions are made so much more vividly focused and powerful and universal. Audiences are moved by singers and have a profound experience."Delia Hannah is one of New Zealand's finest musical theatre performers boasting roles that include Fantine in Les Miserables, Eva Peron in Evita, Florence Vassey in Chess and Grizabella in Cats.

Delia returns to the musical stage, after a six-year absence raising her daughter Grace, to join 27 actors and musicians hand picked by director Michael Hurst for The Threepenny Opera. Delia says she has profoundly missed the stage and musical theatre.

"It's bold it's beautiful - rich and epic. People sing their thoughts; characters open up and express themselves through musical lyric. So emotions are made so much more vividly focused and powerful and universal. Audiences are moved by singers and have a profound experience."During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Not so much "a time of the day" but a circumstance of the day". When I find myself home alone. I enjoy my own company. I get a sense of peace and inner reflection! The rest of the time I am inspired by my daughter's creative urges which are constant and wonderfully fruitful.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
They would probably say casual with an eye for designer clothes and accessories. A touch of glamour if given any occasion. Oh yes did I mention shoes and handbags! I window shop for these items.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
The aspect of creative process which I find the most thrilling - would be the feeling of coming close to a performance of a role and having it appreciated by my peers and of course my audience.

How does your environment affect your work?
It really affects my work. I need time - space and a supportive and positive environment where those around me trust my integrity and eventually "see the light!"

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
The big picture is extremely helpful! You need to have some kind of image or vision of the end or the 'whole'. But details intrigue me. They make up the faithful mosaic of the finished product. I need to be confident everyone involved in the collaborative creative process of theatre care about the details as much as I do so I can just get on with doing my job/part.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
I am not so great with the business end of the 'The Business" If I was, I would say to take advantage of every opportunity so that you can be a multi disciplined and skilled actor. So that you can work in as many areas ie TV including commercials, Theatre, Film and Cabaret. Take advantage of publicity opportunities, photo opportunities and any other media to get your face recognised by the public.Making your own work is advisable especially in NZ where work is scare especially for music performers.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
It is almost impossible to say which one of my projects has given me the most satisfaction. Every one of the shows or projects I've been engaged in has consumed me/challenged me in many ways and satisfied, me. Some roles you know you were born to play, others you struggle to imagine yourself in, so when you find a way in - it is especially satisfying. Playing Mrs Johnston in Blood Brothers was one such role and Mrs Peachum which I am playing now in ThreePenny Opera is also challenging. Although I can relate to her I am not actually like her - you'll be relieved to hear! She is a ghastly woman and an awful mother.

What drew you to ThreePenny Opera?
Very little musical theatre is produced professionally in NZ. So I'm attracted to any solid opportunity to work in this genre. The ThreePenny Opera is a classic piece of Musical Theatre and I relish the opportunity to stretch myself and play what is essentially an iconic character role. This is aside from the prime attraction of working with a superb crop of actors and producers and creative's - Silo Theatre and Large Productions. Specifically Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward Lealand for whom I have enormous affection and respect.

What do you like about musical theatre?
Its bold it's beautiful - rich and epic. People sing their thoughts; characters open up and express themselves through musical lyric. So emotions are made so much more vividly focused and powerful and universal. Audiences are moved by singers and have a profound experience. At best audiences get a 'bang for their buck' going to see a musical.

You have had a six-year absence from the stage. Did you miss the stage and why are you returning now?
Yes I have had a 6 year absence and I have missed it profoundly. When you ponder the idea of returning to the stage you know that you would be insane to pass up an opportunity to work! Because this is a very short season compared to what I am used to. I have worked 6 months to 2 years on shows in Australia for the past 18 years or so. So for ThreePenny I was able to say yes; even though my husband is currently overseas working as a director on the big Queen musical 'We Will Rock You". Luckily he has family in Auckland who can look after our daughter while I'm at the Theatre! I have had to turn down all work since I have been a mother because long touring engagements for me have not been an option!

What do you think are the strengths and challenges for the theatre industry in New Zealand?
NZ'ers love their musicals. They will always support it in whatever form it manages to manifest itself. Unfortunately it's very difficult possibly impossible to get the funding to mount the lavish extravagant production that people have become accustomed to seeing overseas. The strength of ThreePenny is it can be just as exciting without a flying helicopter or glitzy costumes because it is actor/character driven. Its true value relies on brilliant performances. There are other shows that could be done very simply and I hope they are picked up by production companies in the future. Perhaps then I could continue to work in this genre - after all this is what I am specialized in. I should probably take my own advice and form a production company with that vision and goal in mind! That is to create classy 'chamber' musicals.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward Lealand and their ability to make their own productions.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Three things spring to mind - I would like to be a designer or an architect or an animator. I get really annoyed by bad design; bad living work spaces and I adore animated movies. When I went to art school I looked in to the idea of animated art production but there was nothing at the time.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
I cherish my 13 years or so living at Bondi Beach in Sydney. When I think of a special place it is absolutely Bondi.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
I try to listen to music when I am alone these days. It is like meditation, very therapeutic.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A puppet or a marionette.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
A Shower, lovely food, sleep and a cuddle. Not advice I have been given - but advice I give myself!

What's great about today?
I could sleep in (as I am home alone as my daughter is staying with her cuzzies) that is if I was physically able to. I can't sleep in as my brain won't let me - it's a lovely fantasy requiring dedication and practice. And today is also great as I have a show which I will be performing in - I cant believe it.

What's your big idea for 2008?
More theatre and or concert work with a big band or orchestra. All offers considered - - - ..

More information

Silo Theatre combines with The Large Group to present The Threepenny Opera

Maidment Theatre, May 30 - June 21, Show starts 7pm Monday and Tuesday, 8pm Wed through Sat

Low-Priced Preview: Thursday May 29th at 8pm, Matinee: Saturday June 21st at 2pm

Tickets: $20-50
Bookings through MAIDMENT THEATRE on 09 308 2383

Read more TBI Tuesday Q&A interviews

06/06/08