Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Spotlight On...Rachel Dunham

Name: Rachel Dunham

Hometown: Melbourne

Education: High School

Favorite Credits: Supported Ray Charles 1997

Why theater?: I've always been on the stage. It's my chosen profession, my calling so to speak. Much like someone knows they want to be a nurse or a teacher. I've been on many stages whether they be small jazz gigs or a large production on the "main stage".

Tell us about OPRAHFICATION: It is a one woman show celebrating all things Oprah. It's written as a "one-off" retrospective episode of her talk show. She has come back to television for an "Anniversary Special" to celebrate and present the "Ultimate Interview".

What inspired you to write OPRAHFICATION?: I am a fairly "niche" performer. Definitely not the "girl next door". I couldn't see myself sitting around waiting for that niche role to be created for me, I had to create it. It wasn't so much a conscious decision but I can now see that it was a good decision. My musical director and friend, Shanon Whitelock asked me what character I would like to play if I wrote my own one women show and things evolved pretty quickly from there.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love story telling. Tell me a great story in a clever and creative way  I won't care what the subject matter is. If I can loose myself in the world you create and I can think and be moved I'm in. Make me laugh make me cry but move me.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: There are too many I am yet to work with and many many more I am unaware of. I am always excited to work with new people. There is always so much to discover from other artists.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: I most recently recommended a show here in Melbourne called Billy. An Audience with Billy Holiday. Starring a brilliant young performer Benny Dimas aka: Mama Alto. An incredible countertenor. SUBLIME.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I think it would actually be a documentary titled "Who Will Buy?"

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?:
Simply CHOCOLATE! and HBO TV series.

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Stevie Wonder is my "go to".

If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: On a farm working with animals.

What’s up next?: Writing another show. Watch this space....or running away to the family farm ( depends what day you ask me).