Company Interviews: Kiana Woo as Philario
We asked Kiana Woo, who plays Philario, First Lord, Cornelius, and more in our production of Cymbeline, a few questions about herself, her characters, and her drink preferences...
Kiana Woo as Philario. Photo by Kyle Purcell.
Shakespeare BASH'd sets its productions in bars. What is the weirdest place you've performed?
I once preformed on the side of Saskatchewan Drive in Edmonton. It's like this patch of park along the river valley right next to a busy one way road. I was doing a cowboy water-gun showdown for a found spaces festival, honestly it was a riot. We got so many weird looks from strangers.
What might people be interested to know about your take on your characters?
Honestly, I play so many different people sometimes in rapid succession, it's even hard for me to keep track sometimes. Though I do think I've learned a lot about how important it is to make bold and strong choices, especially when you have to distinguish 5 different people. It's been a whirlwind for sure!
What's your favourite fairy tale?
I think my favourite is Peter Pan. Partially because I had a HUGE crush on Peter Pan growing up, but also because it's a beautiful story about growing up and how it can be difficult and scary, but also empowering. Which I think is so relatable, particularly as someone who has never really wanted to grow up.
What is your history with Shakespeare BASH'd?
This is my first time working with Shakespeare BASH'd and it's been a blast. I think what's been really wonderful and unique about working on this show is being in a room filled to the brim with such kind and passionate people. It's a pleasure to share the room with each and everyone of them.
Cymbeline is often classified as a romance. Are you a romantic?
I never used to think I was a romantic but I certainly am. One of the biggest romantic gestures I've ever done was when one of my ex-boyfriends was moving away, I wrote him 27 (I think?) different sealed letters with various directions on when he should open them. I tied them all up with a little ribbon and handed him this STACK of letters 2 days before he left. It was pretty extra honestly, but I also think it was a pretty cute and creative idea and I like to think it made him pretty happy at the time!
What’s the best line in the play?
The best line is obviously: "Mount, eagle, to my palace crystalline."
If your character were at Junction City Music Hall, what drink would they order?
I have quite a variety of characters so I'll just tell you about two of them. Philario would probably go for a sweet white wine, and I think the First Lord would need a nice STRONG scotch.
What is your post-show drink of choice?
Gin and ginger-ale or a nice sour beer. I'm a big sucker for sours.
I once preformed on the side of Saskatchewan Drive in Edmonton. It's like this patch of park along the river valley right next to a busy one way road. I was doing a cowboy water-gun showdown for a found spaces festival, honestly it was a riot. We got so many weird looks from strangers.
What might people be interested to know about your take on your characters?
Honestly, I play so many different people sometimes in rapid succession, it's even hard for me to keep track sometimes. Though I do think I've learned a lot about how important it is to make bold and strong choices, especially when you have to distinguish 5 different people. It's been a whirlwind for sure!
What's your favourite fairy tale?
I think my favourite is Peter Pan. Partially because I had a HUGE crush on Peter Pan growing up, but also because it's a beautiful story about growing up and how it can be difficult and scary, but also empowering. Which I think is so relatable, particularly as someone who has never really wanted to grow up.
What is your history with Shakespeare BASH'd?
This is my first time working with Shakespeare BASH'd and it's been a blast. I think what's been really wonderful and unique about working on this show is being in a room filled to the brim with such kind and passionate people. It's a pleasure to share the room with each and everyone of them.
Cymbeline is often classified as a romance. Are you a romantic?
I never used to think I was a romantic but I certainly am. One of the biggest romantic gestures I've ever done was when one of my ex-boyfriends was moving away, I wrote him 27 (I think?) different sealed letters with various directions on when he should open them. I tied them all up with a little ribbon and handed him this STACK of letters 2 days before he left. It was pretty extra honestly, but I also think it was a pretty cute and creative idea and I like to think it made him pretty happy at the time!
What’s the best line in the play?
The best line is obviously: "Mount, eagle, to my palace crystalline."
If your character were at Junction City Music Hall, what drink would they order?
I have quite a variety of characters so I'll just tell you about two of them. Philario would probably go for a sweet white wine, and I think the First Lord would need a nice STRONG scotch.
What is your post-show drink of choice?
Gin and ginger-ale or a nice sour beer. I'm a big sucker for sours.