SOPHIE HENDERSON. A name that you probably haven’t yet heard. But one that you WILL hear whispered enthusiastically, amongst circles of theatre-goers in the weeks to come. Henderson is set to star in Silo Theatre's upcoming show, 'The Scene'. She plays Clea, a blonde bombshell with an explosive temperament, whose sights are set on the Manhattan elite, leaving in her wake a trail of destruction. Comparisons are made to 'Sex and the City' and 'Gossip Girl' – think Miranda and Blair rolled into one. Sounds scandalous, no? Yes.
At only 23, Henderson has achieved a lot in a short space of time. Since graduating from Rangitoto College, the recipient of the school drama award, she has completed a Bachelor in Performing and Screen Arts, and is now the “new darling” of Silo Theatre. Having been involved in numerous short films, television and theatre productions, including 'The Ensemble Project' in 2007, her role as Clea places her centre-stage and ready to take off.
Henderson answered our questions, alluding to her past influences, future ambition and giving us insight into the theatre community at large.
COUP DE MAIN: When did you when you get your first taste of acting? How did it taste?
SOPHIE HENDERSON: When I was small I would make my cousins dress up with me and put on shows at Grandma’s. It tasted like orange fruju. That was a special treat at Grandmas. I think I was more creative after orange fruju brain freeze.
CDM: Did your family influence your decision to pursue acting? Did you inherit the acting/creative gene?
SH: Yes, they didn’t stop me from pursuing this mad career. They’ve always encouraged me and continue to be my biggest fans. My Nanna used to be an extra and a hat model. My mum is a writer. So yeah, maybe it’s in my genes.
CDM: To date, what has your favourite acting role been?
SH: Last year I devised and performed in a play called ‘Milk’, which was about the real and imagined history of the kiwi dairy farming industry. I played a jersey cow called ‘Betsy Kettle’ who had an eating disorder and could fit inside a suitcase. She was one angry cow - not to be messed with.
CDM: How would you describe your character, Clea, in 'The Scene'? Vicious vixen, sophisticated siren, clueless candy, or toxic tart? Why?
SH: Nice question. I’m gonna go, clueless candy. She’s ruining people’s lives but she justifies it to herself. Clea’s quite dim and doesn’t realise how appalling her behaviour is. The audience will either love or hate her. She’s a good time though. She does have a touch of Vicious Vixen too. It’s fun to play a villain of sorts, there’s nothing boring about this girl.
CDM: You were cast in the role without auditioning, and have been described as “the new darling of Silo Theatre”. Do you feel like you have crossed a milestone in the acting profession?
SH: When I was at drama-school, I discovered Silo theatre. They were making shows that were fresh and visceral and exciting. I hadn’t seen theatre like that. I remember deciding that all I wanted, was to be in a Silo play. I watched every show they produced from then on. Working for them is my best! And being given this part is pretty special.
CDM: Do you think acting is something you will do for the rest of your life?
SH: Yes, for LIFE!
CDM: Auckland appears to have a tight-knit, somewhat exclusive theatre community. Do you think this is the case? How did you break into it?
SH: Maybe at one stage it was, but I don’t think that’s the case anymore. ‘The Basement’ is a space where anyone can put on a piece of theatre, it’s a great place to showcase new work and new talent. I know Silo is always looking for newbies.
CDM: Do you intend to pursue acting overseas? If so, where, and why? Or why not?
SH: Not just yet. I think New Zealand film and theatre is just about to really take off. I want to be here when that happens. I’d much rather be a part of telling New Zealnd stories. I don’t really fancy starting from the bottom again in another country. The thought of Hollywood makes me a bit sick. I’d only go there if they were calling!
CDM: Is a film or tv career on the cards?
SH: People always ask me ‘Why don’t you just do film and tv?’, as if it’s a choice. I’m trying. Don’t worry. I think you have to be able to do both screen and theatre in New Zealand, the industry is too small to specialise.
CDM: If you could play any leading lady character, who would it be and why?
SH: Beatrice in Shakespeare’s 'Much Ado About Nothing'. She’s witty, she’s a tough cookie, she’s good with words... she cracks me up. Beatrice has always been one of my favourites.
CDM: If you could be an actress in any time period, when would it be and why?
SH: Circa 2500. In the future, the Arts will be given a ton of money and everyone will go to theatre. New Zealand will be big time at movie-making. Some actors might be robots. I imagine the costumes would be pretty sweet.
CDM: In a recent article, it said that you were working on two of your own projects. Could you elaborate? What role(s) are you taking on?
SH: I have written a play called ‘Fantail’ which is about a girl’s love for her brother and the ultimate price she pays for being a hero. I have been given a grant to develop this play, so am working on it at the moment. I play Tania who is a tough petrol station attendant who thinks she’s Maori.
The other project is called ‘I Heart Camping’, which is an unromantic comedy I’m devising with three other actors. Torrential rain. Nosy campers. No ablution block. Stolen baked beans. Third degree burns. No sex. It’s in tents. Whether you love it or hate it, most of us have experienced a camping trip and have our own stories to tell. ‘I Heart Camping’ is on next February at the Basement as part of the STAMP season. I play a born-again Christian who is also a compulsive liar.
CDM: You recently graced the cover of Canvas magazine. Your hair looked really nice. What shampoo and conditioner do you use?
SH: I had to go check. At the moment it’s Dove shampoo and Herbal Essences conditioner... I mix it up.
