Francesca Bolam chats about her life in New York, her work and debut play Hoyt St, set to see the light of day on 14 June!
Getting To Know You
Name:
Francesca Bolam.
Job Title:
Actress/ Writer and wearer of many creative hats.
Where is home?
Brooklyn, NYC but I’m from Darlington UK.
Three reasons you love where you live?
Brooklyn is magic, there’s opportunity and art everywhere. It’s a diverse melting pot.
The Day Job
What do you do for a living?
I’m an actress/writer/ and I sing too.
A day in the life of you?
It never looks the same. Right now I’m preparing for the debut of my new play so things are a bit hectic. I get up, try and chant/meditate (I’m a Nichiren Buddhist) rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and maybe swing by my best friends coffee shop for much needed caffeine.
Any recent, ongoing or upcoming projects or achievements we should know about?
Yes! The play that I wrote and am starring in is making it’s debut at Theatre Row, which is a big deal to me. I’ve been working on this play for a few years on and off and it’s coming together.
It’s a heartbreakingly beautiful piece which explores the story of Melissa, a struggling writer, who after given an opportunity to have her work produced, she finds her voice through the unravelling of her romantic relationship with Jay.
I’m working alongside a terrific cast, for that I am truly grateful. Some of the cast include Derick Ansah (No Hard Feelings, Sony Pictures), Natasha Jain (The Butcher, Andrew Bliss) Chris Hahn (The Tempest, Proof, Goldberg’s Kaddish) and it is being directed by award winning Director, Joseph Fusco (Finish Line OTB, Chloe, A to Z.).
What does downtime mean to you?
It means hanging with friends at the beach or cooking dinner together.
Lessons In Life
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An actress or a doctor!
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Sometimes relationships are only meant to be for a moment and not a lifetime. But in each one we are given the opportunity to challenge and grow and to flourish. Relationships are crucial foundations for the pieces I write. I think their complexities are the backdrop for a lot of the ways we navigate through life.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Daisaku Ikeda. He is a shining example of being an extraordinary human being. One that never gives up despite many challenges.
Living Luxe
What is top of your bucket list?
To have a family.
What is your most treasured possession?
A folder of handwritten cards from friends.
What does the weekend mean to you?
Theatre, brunch, spending time with my friends.
Best dress?
My wardrobe is full of floral midi dresses but you’ll catch me in leather pants 90% of the time.
The last place you ate?
Trad Room which is a romantic Asian Fusion Restaurant in Brooklyn.
The last book you read?
Happiness Becomes You by the legend Tina Turner.
The last thing you listened to?
Anna Pancaldi- Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left.
Your three luxe things in life?
My friends and family, a great pair of shades and the opportunity to be on stage.
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