Who is Isabella Ferrer?
I’m a 24 year old, part-time pharmacy assistant, living with two of her best friends in a sun-filled, little apartment close to the beach and the city. I’m the eldest of four (with two of them in primary school, and one finishing up his graphic design degree) raised by three parents; dad, mum, and Andrew, always discovering things that seem obvious to everyone else, plays songs on loop – usually Julia Michaels – constantly trying to go off coffee then going back on it, and someone who loves watching movie trailers as a pastime, and The Off-Camera show with Sam Jones.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer as a young girl – and up until recently when I started preparing for the LSATs – but acting always finds its way back to me! I’d also love to travel more and not feel so guilty leaving life behind!
Who inspires you and why?
Not so much a person but recently I’ve been stuck on the National Theatre’s filmed production of Romeo & Juliet – i’ve never seen theatre so beautifully done on screen. Also Helen McCrory. Her work is incredibly visceral and her performance of Medea completely floored me. Willem Dafoe in The Florida Project, Claire Foy’s work in The Crown, and Daisy Edgar-Jones in Normal People (I could go on and on!) Most recently though, seeing Karis Oka play Edna in Fangirls was an absolute treat!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think being an honest person is really the only way to make any difference, big or small. Change happens when you believe yourself, and not shy away from telling the truth! I’m also an advocate for authentic, complex representation on stage and screen.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere with my family! There was this hidden German restaurant we found years ago on a road trip tucked away in the mountains and I remember feeling so far away from normal life (and being so full of food!) – I’ve never felt such bliss!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would probably take them through my ideal sunday- which would be coffee and breakfast, a pilates class if they’re down for it, lunch at a Japanese restaurant, then drinks somewhere out in the sun.
What are you currently reading?
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.
What are you currently listening to?
Julia Michaels, and any podcast I can find about King Lear.
Happiness is?
My friends, and music!
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully more Shakespeare, and more theatre!
Isabella stars as Cordelia in Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear at fortyfivedownstairs: 26 May – 6 June 2021. For more information, visit: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com or www.melbourneshakespeare.com for details.
Image: Isabella Ferrer (supplied)