Interview with Yolanda Mpele at The White Bear in THE CABINET OF DOCTOR CALIGARI
Biography
Born and raised in Lyon, France, Yolanda studied film before coming to London where she attended performing arts at Hammersmith and West London college. Alongside her degree, she continued to act in Paris at Blanche Salant & Paul Weaver acting school. Now based in London, she will be making her theatre debut at the White Bear theatre with new company Discombobulated and Me in ‘The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari’.
What first attracted you to the theatre?
I remember the first play I acted in was for the end of the year show at school. I wrote a play and convinced some friends to put it on with me. It was so much fun. Ever since then I wanted to perform.
If you could pick any one person or theatre company to work with on your next project, who/which would it be?
I’d love to work with Punch Drunk, their work is supposed to be very dynamic and surprising or Irina Brook who is the daughter of Peter Brook and also a stage director. She works mainly in France. I remember her production of The Good Person of Szechuan. I really loved it She puts a rock n roll touch on her productions
What is your opinion of Off West End theatre, in general?
In London, the choice of plays every night is incredible. There’s always something exciting on.
What was the most inspiring performance you have ever seen? Why?
I remember crying and laughing in a play I saw in Liverpool The Kindness of Strangers by Toni Green. The subject was quite political about asylum seekers, it was tragic and comic with Beatles songs at times. I love being surprised in a theatre when it’s not all on the same tone.
What piece of work are you the most proud of?
I put my heart into everything I do
What things in your personal life do you draw from when you perform?
I’m really observant of people’s body language and I like crazy characters you meet in the streets. There seems to be a lot of them where I live in Ladbroke Grove.
Who is the best actor/actress performing on Off West End today?
I really like the bunch of actors I’m working with at the moment.
Musical, comedy or drama- what’s your preference to watch?
Everything! But if I have to choose I’d say musicals I just love anything with music, dance and drama in it.
Can you tell our readers about what you’re doing now/next?
I am rehearsing for The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari which will be playing at the White Bear theatre 22nd April-11th May.
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