Carolyn Veensalu seeks risk and impact in theatre

Estonian actress Carolyn Veensalu, a graduate of the 32nd class of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s drama school, says she is looking for risk and impact in theatre. In an interview with ERR’s Culture Portal, Veensalu discusses her influences, ambitions and understanding of the stage.

Veensalu is from the Õismäe district of Tallinn. Asked where she is going next, she replies: “I am moving forward.”

She does not remember her first major theatre experience, but saw a great deal of dance theatre when she was young. One performance that stayed with her was “Monaka” by Japanese dancer and choreographer Un Yamada, which she says “made the picture completely clear for a moment.”

If she had not been accepted to the drama school, Veensalu says she might have become a dancer or a florist.

Her favourite Estonian actor is Marika Vaarik because “she acts from such an honest place.” From abroad, she names Johnny Depp, who has remained in her heart since childhood because of his ability to transform and play boldly.

Veensalu says she misses risk in Estonian theatre. She has no specific dream role, but would like to play as many distinctly different types of characters as possible. She wants the subjects to be genuinely affecting and for much to be at stake.

“Theatre is a concentration of life. Play. Contact. The search for this living and real moment,” she says.

What does she seek most from theatre? “Impact.”

Veensalu says life without theatre is of course possible.

Her recommendations are Greg Kwedar’s film “Sing Sing,” Jonathan Littell’s book “The Eumenides” and Johhan Rosenberg’s production “Öömaaeg,” which she describes as “quite a cool trip.”

In a final quick-fire round, Veensalu says she cannot choose between film and theatre. She prefers the front row, a mixture of spoken theatre and contemporary performance art, a large hall and Shakespeare over Beckett.