Who is Izabella Yena?
I’m a Melbourne based actor who is really a wind-up-bobble-head toy disguised as an independent adult.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Water my plants more regularly so they don’t die. Also read more, more, more!
Who inspires you and why?
I’m constantly in awe of all the incredible people I get to work with everyday. I find inspiration in how they work and conduct themselves and also how silly we all are. There’s something remarkable about a group of people all working together to create and breathe life into a story. The final result is always satisfying because beautifully, it contains the workings, blood and sweat of us all.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Sometimes I wish I could click my fingers and there would be respect and equality for all people regardless of age, gender or race. But unfortunately that’s not the world we live in. There’s lots of little ways in which we can bridge this gap in our everyday lives, whether that be adapting our language, acknowledging hierarchy or sharing stories that connect people to each other. We can make a huge difference by listening and learning.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My parents house – free food! But if they are unavailable, I’d happily go back to New Zealand any day and explore.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Down to the back beaches and rock pools of the east coast, to swim and snorkel. Nothing soothes the soul quite like the beach. That and a ginormous ice-cream (I’m talking three flavour level on a waffle cone)
What are you currently reading?
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo. Late to the party I know, but it’s been very highly recommended! I also just finished reading My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russel in preparation for Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. It’s an unflinching story about power, wrought love and misplaced guilt and makes you want to vomit and keep reading all at once.
What are you currently listening to?
I religiously listen to The Guilty Feminist podcast by Deborah Frances-White. Essential listening for everyone.
Happiness is?
Being surrounded by friends and family and enjoying each others company. And dogs. Lots of dogs.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully the chance to create and show wonderful stories with old friends and new alike.
Izabella stars as Annie in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Australian premiere season of Hannah Moscovitch’s Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes at the Southbank Theatre, The Sumner until 1 April 2021. For more information, visit: www.mtc.com.au for details.
Image: Izabella Yena (supplied)