|
|
Filmmaker,
writer and actress. Tijuana Layne has an impressive acting portfolio
that has lasted over 18 years strong in the United States, with
major roles on stages in LA, Philadelphia, New York etc. Her
past film roles include The X-files, All American girl, and Made
in Brazil to name a few. Now that she resides in Toronto, Canada,
She has worked with some of
Canada's leading artists of colour. I had the chance to chat with
her during the holidays.
Let's talk about how your career began?
The stage show was called " The lady in Yellow" with
the group theatre production of " For colored girls who have
considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf." a choreo poem
by Ntozaka Shange.
Can you explain the main premise of this narrative?
Its about being of colour and female in North American Society.
This piece was directed by Tony award original
cast member Trazana Beverly.
That experience must-have been exciting. How many stage performances
have you been apart of?
Over 50 major Productions across the U.S from the classics to Original
American work that includes Seattle Washington's Alice B Theatre's
Circle Awarded production of "Governing Bodies", Garcia
Lora's House of Benada Alba in Spanish etc..
Let's talk about what is Three Eagle Production?
It is a Company i founded in 2003. One of my current projects under
my company is a film called "NEED".
How did the script for " Need" occur?
Actually, A year ago on my way to Montreal, i actually procrastinated
for months. This project was very unenjoyable, mostly based on
getting this story finished and the personal obstacles i went though
that made me wiser.
When this work was finally complete how did you feel?
I felt happy that i did it, and that i am giving a voice to the
voice-less.
What can audiences expect from your film?
A powerful story about the importance of the human spirit. The
plight of a bi-racial woman's struggles for love and compassion.
How she gets by doing dead end jobs and hiding her emotions in
community centre poetry readings.
Are you involved in any community organizations?
I am a speaker with New Beginnings an organization for battered
women and their children and local access, a theatre troupe which
toured with a program on domestic violence and child abuse.
What does the project " Grey Stone" mean to you?
Its a true story documentary film about institutionalized women
used for prostitution during the 1950's.
I hear you received some recognition for this piece?
Yes. The film recieved an an educational Emmy. I was an actress
in the film.
Lets talk about your 2 projects that you produced and acted
in that are under distribution?
The distributor is V-tape and the projects are " In the name
of love", an erotic story of a women's sexual journey though
S&M and intimacy and " Love me" involving three Women
of colour dealing with identity and sexual morality.
You have a Interesting array of training that includes improvisation
at Second city, and classical ballet, why so varied?
I am just expressing me.
What does using "symbols" in your work achieve for
you?
I see "symbols" as an art that free's the soul and strengthens
the spirit of the characters.
Any last words or phrase to the artists and filmmakers coming
up?
No Compromise.
Thanks Tijuana
To keep updated on her films go to.....
www.tijuanalayne.com
|
|
