Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Part II of a two-part series (part 1 in InDfilm)

Marie Solimena – after soul-searching, chose a path of storytelling that will heal as well as entertain; enlighten as well as engage.

“I usually start with analyzing the role deeply and doing research about the culture, time period, etc.. of the script,” a technique found in professional speech makers and politicians; “once I understand where my character comes from, I go around the city and observe people that might remind me of the character I’ve just learned about.”

Marie’s look at character creation should be required for all of us to do – in life. See who is out there; learn who our neighbor is; feel what they feel.

How many wars would NOT start if we just knew that much.

“Once I have an idea of what my character should look and sound like, including every specific detail, from gestures, to expressions etc… I sit down and learn my lines, I go over the basic needs/wants for each scene and I assign an action to every line. When I start rehearsing with my scene partners I love to use the Meisner technique to get the stakes to the right place, and if I can’t work with my scene partner prior to set day, I usually use the Chekhov technique in order to get my self ready for the stakes of the scene.”

The goal of the Meisner approach is for the actor to not focus on themselves and instead concentrate on the other actors in the immediate environment. Marie seems to live this technique. Chekhov’s technique is a completely imaginative approach to experiencing the truth of the moment. According to Chekhov, the work of the actor is to create an inner event which is an actual experience occurring in real time within the actor.

This energizing approach makes every day a special day for Marie and every role a special one.

Working in the United States seems a perfect for this technique and for Marie. “I think here in the U.S. there’s a lot more work and people are actually willing to do the work. I love my home country don’t get me wrong, but I feel, there, people are just waiting around for the right opportunity to come. Here people are more “go-getters.” And that’s what I am, I don’t sit around and wait, everyday I wake up and do something to keep my career going because that’s what I want … and need.“

Marie’s outlook and technique fits this country like a glove and she has been welcomed in quantity and quality for it. She starred in the Martin Basile film, BLAME, which uses an inspired technique to show the simple act of forgiveness. She starred in the uproarious parable of masks, Boris Schaarschmidt’s film BLUNT, and currently she started shooting a feature called BELIEVE that will air on amazon prime; and a TV series called I, ANGEL whose main theme is violence against women.

Film and stage work should inspire and enlighten; it should change the life of the spectator. The fact that Marie Solimena has made that her mission is a refreshing change.