10 Questions with professional actress, Tatiana Evonuk

Professional actress Tatiana Evonuk answers ten questions for I Love Limerick

Tatiana Evonuk, a professional actress based in Limerick answers 10 questions about her childhood, film acting course, and her plans for the future

Tatiana Evonuk is a professional actress with 19 years of experience working in Film and Theatre. Throughout her career, Tatiana has worked on multiple international Film productions alongside stars like Morgan Freeman, Clive Owen, Cliff Curtis, Oscar-winning Director Jiri Menzel, and many others.

Tatiana’s first breakthrough on Czech Television came with the character ‘Irina’ in the most successful Czech TV series “Wonderful Times”. Her role as ‘Natasha’ in the Vietnamese TV series “Hai Phia Chan Troi” brought her recognition in Vietnam. International success came with the Film “Last Knights”.

Tatiana established the first Film Acting course in Limerick, which she has been successfully teaching for the last five years at Limerick College of Further Education and in February 2024 she launched a Film Acting and Voice Training Educational Platform under the name of Film Acting Course.

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What was your childhood like and where did you grow up?

I was born in Siberia, in the city of Omsk, But my early years were shaped by my upbringing between two cities, Suzdal and Moscow. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the arts, both of my parents are artists; my mother excels as a painter and a designer for theatre stages and costumes. Surrounded by creativity from a young age, I was immersed in an environment where art was a way of life. A significant part of my childhood was spent traversing Europe alongside my mother, who showcased her paintings through exhibitions in countries like Germany, Poland, and Czechia. Eventually, we established a new home in Prague, where we found a sense of belonging and rooted ourselves in the vibrant artistic community there.

When did you start getting into acting?

My journey into acting commenced at the age of 15 when I discovered my true passion for the craft. A pivotal moment in my development was gaining admission to the Theatre Academy of Prague, where I was fortunate to participate in an acting course centered around the unique method known as “Acting with Inner Partner,” developed a well-established Czech Theatre Director, Actor and Acting educationalist Ivan Vyskocil.

This course was a rigorous and transformative experience, requiring me to regularly perform in front of my peers and improvise by attuning to my body and mind. The emphasis was on complete relaxation, authentic expression, and a ban on any semblance of artificiality. While initially daunting, this training instilled in me invaluable skills as an actor, teaching me how to be at ease with myself, attuned to my physicality, and maintain presence in high-pressure situations when you are performing in front of the audience or on the film set.

Subsequently, I pursued further training through various courses and private classes. At the age of 18, I landed a significant role in the Ukrainian film “On the Cross Roads,” marking a pivotal moment in my career. Since then, I have been unwavering in my pursuit of acting, continuously honing my craft and embracing new opportunities in the industry.

Who are your greatest inspirations?

My most profound influences have consistently been the works of underground cinema directors such as Tony Gatlif, Emir Kusturica, Pedro Almodóvar, Wong Kar-Wai, Andrea Arnold, Shane Meadows, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and numerous others. I have always been drawn to the distinctive narratives of their protagonists and the innovative, unconventional methods through which these stories are conveyed in the language of film.

What has been your favourite performance so far?

One of my favorite performances and the most memorable experiences in my career was working on the film “Last Knights,” where I had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed actors such as Morgan Freeman, Clive Owen, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and Cliff Curtis. In this film, I portrayed a multifaceted character who embodied the roles of a servant, a prostitute, and a spy all at once.

What have been some struggles you’ve faced getting to where you are now?

As an actor, one of the greatest challenges lies in the downtime between projects. The acting profession is inherently unpredictable, with periods of intense activity followed by prolonged gaps where roles may be scarce. This fluctuation can be particularly taxing, leading to self-doubt and introspection. However, I’ve learned that during these challenging times, rather than succumbing to doubt and the onset of depression, it is crucial to stay proactive. Engaging in continuous skill-building, collaborating with fellow actors for rehearsals, and initiating personal projects are essential strategies to navigate through these tough phases. By maintaining a proactive approach and nurturing your craft during the lean times, you can safeguard your spirit and resilience, knowing that this phase is temporary and that new opportunities will eventually come your way.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

My most significant accomplishment to date has been delving into scriptwriting, crafting stories and characters that resonate with me and eventually seeing them come to life on screen. As an Eastern European actress, I’ve often found myself pigeonholed into stereotypical roles like prostitutes or immigrants. Determined to break free from these limiting molds, I took matters into my own hands by creating diverse and complex characters that I aspire to portray. My mission is to contribute to a shift in the film industry, challenging the prevalent practice of typecasting based on factors like ethnicity, body type, appearance, sexual orientation etc.

I firmly believe that an actor’s worth should be measured solely by their talent and skills, rather than being confined to predefined categories that restrict their opportunities to showcase their abilities. It pains me to see immensely talented professionals abandon their acting careers due to the industry’s superficial standards, where looks often overshadow talent. In today’s film industry, the emphasis on appearance can make it exceedingly difficult for actors who don’t conform to conventional standards of beauty to even secure auditions for leading roles. I am committed to advocating for a more inclusive and merit-based approach that celebrates the diversity and talent of actors, irrespective of their outward appearance.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I envision myself deeply integrated into Ireland’s growing creative filmmaking community, which is currently teeming with exceptionally talented and committed filmmakers and actors. By steadfastly collaborating and remaining true to our artistic visions, I am confident that we can pioneer a new era of Irish cinema that diverges from conventional commercial standards, offering audiences authentic and distinctive narratives.

Additionally, I aim to expand the reach of the “Film Acting Course,” a Screen and Voice Acting Educational Platform that I established five years ago in Limerick.

Teaching screen acting is a profound source of inspiration for me, as I relish the opportunity to impart my knowledge, share experiences, and mentor aspiring actors. Witnessing the growth and blossoming of my students’ acting abilities throughout the course reaffirms my belief that acting is a craft that can be honed through dedicated practice and guidance. I am committed to nurturing talent and fostering a new generation of skilled actors who can bring their unique voices to the screen.

What advice do you have for any aspiring actors?

If you’re considering a career as an actor, choose this path not for fame or fortune, but because it is an intrinsic part of who you are and brings you genuine joy. Acting is a deeply fulfilling yet challenging profession, often characterized by uncertainty as you move from one project to the next. Rejections are inevitable in this field, and learning to accept and move past them is crucial.

Consistent practice and honing of your acting skills are paramount. Engage with local filmmakers, collaborate on projects, and create opportunities to showcase your talent. Building a strong showreel that will show the range of your acting skills is essential, as it will help you to present yourself as a professional actor to acting agents and casting directors.

Celebrate the successes of fellow actors rather than harboring jealousy, and refrain from comparing yourself to others. Instead, focus on your personal growth and progress over time. Each individual’s journey is unique, and comparisons serve little purpose in a profession as diverse and subjective as acting.

Tell us about your coming Voice and Acting course

My Voice-Over and Screen Acting Education platform, “Film Acting Course,” has recently launched an innovative online Voice-Over Acting course led by the esteemed American Voice-Over, Theatre, and Screen Actor, Marc Cram, boasting over 25 years of industry experience. Tailored for aspiring individuals keen on mastering fundamental Voice-Over Acting skills, this 8-week course delves into four distinct techniques: Advertisement, Audiobook narration, Announcements, and Radio Presentation. Throughout the course, students engage in hands-on practice sessions, followed by personalized feedback from the instructor, fostering a dynamic learning environment. The primary objective is to empower each student to not only hone their Voice-Over skills but also develop the critical ability to self-assess their recordings, identifying areas for improvement independently. By equipping students with specific techniques and instilling the practice of self-evaluation, this course aims to cultivate a strong foundation in Voice-Acting proficiency, enabling individuals to refine their craft autonomously and elevate their performance capabilities.

Currently, we are diligently developing a series of Voice-Over and Screen Acting courses set to debut in September. Our Screen Acting Courses will cater to both beginners and advanced learners, focusing on essential skills such as Screen Acting Techniques, improvisation fundamentals, script analysis, character development, self-tape recording techniques, and strategies for establishing a strong presence as an actor. Additionally, participants can look forward to an exclusive master class featuring a prominent European Casting Director who will provide invaluable insights into auditioning techniques and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the casting process.

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