The talented RNZB ballet dancer Gillian Murphy gave an exclusive conversation to Thread.co.nz about her inspiration and performance in Giselle the film, showing at NZ International Film Festival 2013…
The talented RNZB ballet dancer Gillian Murphy gave an exclusive conversation to Thread.co.nz about her inspiration and performance in Giselle the film, showing at NZ International Film Festival 2013.
When did you decide to become a dancer and why?
From an early age I was always dancing around the house and loved expressing myself to music through dance. Once I realized that I could pursue dance professionally, there was no question in my mind, and by the age of nine I took my training very seriously.
Do you identify with Giselle, the character, in any way, when you dance? The reason I ask is that you often read about method actors who emotionally ‘become’ their characters and I was wondering if dancers do the same.
Dancers, like actors (without verbal dialogue, but with a very expansive body language!) aim to embody their characters, and I do immerse myself in Giselle’s emotional journey when I portray her. I try to tap into my own experiences and also to find the best within myself so that I can fully identify with Giselle’s innocence, optimism, sensitivity, and undying love.
Giselle mixes footage of the ballet’s live performance in Auckland with additional footage shot in Wellington, New York and Shanghai. Can you us tell a bit about the process involved behind creating Giselle the film?
Aside from a few days of extra shots as a pedestrian in New York and one scene shot dancing in the RNZB studios, my process was really about bringing my character to life over the course of rehearsals and live performances throughout New Zealand. The live performance footage in Auckland captures a very real and raw culminating moment in that process.
What was it like to work with Toa Fraser?
I enjoyed working with Toa very much. I was impressed by his movie, Dean Spanley, and was intrigued to see how he would interpret Ethan Stiefel (my fiance) and Johan Kobborg’s brand-new production of Giselle. Toa was very calm and low-key when he directed my extra scenes, so it was an inspiring experience.
Qi Huan dances the part of Albrecht in Giselle. What do you think he has, so to speak, that makes him such an exceptional dancer?
Qi is an exceptional dancer for several reasons. First of all, he is physically strong, with an amazing jump and great technical ability. Secondly, he is a wonderful partner with a lot of experience in portraying leading roles in the ballet repertoire. Ultimately though, Qi is most exceptional for his genuine humility and passion that he brings to the stage.
Given the fact that Giselle will have its world premiere as part of this year’ New Zealand International Film Festival, we have to ask ‘Do you have any favourite dance films?’
I’ve always particularly loved ‘The Red Shoes’, but I also love the dance scenes from ‘Center Stage’.
Giselle is a collaborative film project between the New Zealand Film Commission and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. For times and more info see www.nziff.co.nz
By Anders Falstie-Jensen, 22 July 2013
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