The Actress Fiona Shaw Discusses Her Professional Journey: From Star Wars to Wizarding World

In a recent interview, acclaimed performer Fiona Shaw shared insights about her varied professional experiences spanning multiple decades and iconic roles.

The Impactful Andor Monologue

When discussing her memorable funeral speech in the Disney+ show Andor, Shaw revealed that the initial version included more explicit wording. "I did say a different word in my speech," she explained, "and the writer hoped that Disney would accept it."

The performer detailed the unusual shooting circumstances for this specific moment. "When I performed that speech, I was filmed by about 200 cameras to create a hologram. I was completely alone in a massive studio, with no director or production team there with me."

Jane Austen Adaptations

Speaking about the forthcoming screen version of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Shaw shared enthusiasm about the completed filming. "We recently completed shooting it," she mentioned, "and what an actor rarely witness is the final film."

The actress commended director Georgia Oakley as "truly wonderful and very assured." The production took place in stunning houses throughout Britain, including sites within Dorset, Knebworth, and Devonshire.

The actress also recalled on her earlier performance in the nineties version of Austen's Persuasion, portraying Mrs. Croft. "The director had specific requirements: without hairpieces and just candle illumination," she remembered. "He genuinely wanted to capture the experience of nineteenth-century existence."

Wizarding World Reflections

In response to questions regarding her time in the Harry Potter franchise, Shaw spoke fondly about collaborating with her departed co-star. "Richard was the most refined, artistic and talented man," she revealed. "He had the most mellifluous handwriting and on one occasion mailed me a note inviting me to lunch in ornate gothic script."

She described Griffiths as continuously talking and telling interesting stories with herself and the child performers on set. "He possessed remarkable worldly understanding so we would sit enthralled by his tales."

Stage Performances

Talking about her Broadway performance in Medea, Shaw recalled how psychologically challenging the production was. "I encountered one of the ensemble actors several years after, who said: 'I'm not over it yet,'" she disclosed.

This theatrical work continued for years, beginning in Ireland, then traveling to England, followed by the American capital, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and ultimately Manhattan. "We became quite bonded as a company," she added.

Approach to Acting

When questioned about her ability to transition between comedy and drama, Shaw explained that "humor unites people as it's about breaking conventions." Nevertheless, she admitted that "prior to a comedy, I always sleep poorly, because you have to catch the wave on the day."

Regarding her method for approaching various roles, Shaw stated: "I find them all difficult. But even if the person you're playing is rather different from you, there is often something about them that you identify with."

Recent Work

Discussing her recent performance in the production Hot Milk, Shaw described her character Rose as "a terrible woman though you cannot perform anything from that perspective." The actress elaborated that Rose experiences a functional neurological disorder that makes walking difficult.

"The character doesn't realize of the effect she creates on her daughter," Shaw noted. "All she knows is that she wants to improve. She's well-intentioned yet unaware. Maybe this represents what most of us are."

Personal Reflections

Upon hearing that audiences perceive her ideal as gang boss roles, Shaw responded with amusement: "Oh dear! I'm so not scary. But maybe when infused with purpose, my features might seem formidable."

The actress continued: "In reality sometimes quite scatty so perhaps it's therapeutic for me to play highly intellectual, organized characters. I try to depict fascinating individuals so I avoid criticizing them. Please don't fear – come and say hello!"

Love for Language

Discussing her renowned performance of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land, Shaw expressed her deep connection with language and poetry. "My heart is always in the language," she declared, "because the clues to everything are contained within the selection of vocabulary."

The actress thinks that "poetry represents the polished form of language, or the moment that has been captured." As individuals reduce to what they truly want to say, it's frequently lyrical."

Audiobook Work

Regarding her acclaimed audiobook performances, specifically Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Shaw revealed that "I loved reading Alice in Wonderland because I incorporated all my acquaintances into it – my friends and fellow performers."

She described how she voiced the caterpillar as inspired by Alan Rickman, and portrayed the Red Queen as reminiscent of Geraldine McEwan. "It consistently feels a honor to record and perform literature," she concluded, "despite needing extended periods of work."

Collaborating with the Director

Recalling her experience working with celebrated filmmaker Terrence Malick on his film Tree of Life, Shaw described him as distinctive. "All that the director expresses and undertakes is different," she observed.

The actress recounted a specific recollection of their initial encounter: "He placed a message on my answering machine which said, 'I wonder, would you assist me with my film?' We went out for breakfast. He said, 'Well, what are you going to have?' I said, 'I'm going to have scrambled eggs.' He said, 'I think I'll have scrambled eggs too,' like it was the most exotic choice in the world."

The actress also described Malick's distinctive method of asking actors "Do you want to do this scene inside or outside?" – inquiries seldom made by different directors. "He exclusively used natural light," she added, "meaning actors could perform inside by a window or outside on the street."

Concerning the lengthy post-production, Shaw revealed that "He takes approximately three years to complete the movie. I had heard from the producer following twenty-four months that I was likely among the main characters, but by the time the film was released, I was mostly removed."

The actress finished by describing Malick's distinctive approach: "He constructs this massive framework, and he removes most elements. He fundamentally dismantles films."