Stage and Screen Actress Janis Dardaris Discusses The New Electric Ballroom, at Hedgerow Theatre Through March 9th

-Brenda Hillegas
photo by James Kern Photography

The New Electric Ballroom is a haunting fable set in a remote Irish fishing village and highlights three sisters who were once filled with much hope and excitement. See what unfolds when a moment of betrayal causes their worlds to collapse, having only each other. Stage and screen actress Janis Dardaris talks about her role as one of the sisters, Breda, and what audiences can expect from this mysterious story.

Q: Who is Breda? Why is this character important to the story?
A: Breda is an essential part of this story, just as Ada and Clara are.  These are three people caught together in circumstances beyond their control as they try to cope with painful recollections of the past. The friction between Clara and Breda makes for some stark and lively theatre. Their fears, and how they have influenced their younger sister, Ada, has created a life which makes it virtually impossible for Ada to live outside the confines of their shared home.  

Q: What were your initial thoughts when you first read The New Electric Ballroom? Why did you want to be a part of this show?
A: My initial thoughts were, “what is this play about?!'” The emotional undercurrents, the longing, the disappointed hopes the loss of ever having had a chance to be loved. The play is surreal in many ways and that threw me initially. Wasn’t sure what Enda Walsh had created or what he was saying here. I understand now. A longing to be cared for, to have love reflected back to you is a great deficit if you haven’t ever had it. Something about the Irish character, life there, and their use of language was very compelling for me. I’ve had a lifelong fascination with the Irish. I also love being back at Hedgerow. It’s been over 50 years since my first experience there and it changed my life.

Q: Why is the Hedgerow Theatre a good fit for this production? 
A: Hedgerow is nestled in a little valley – feels sort of like the Irish countryside.  It’s small. There’s an intimacy to it. It’s perfect.

Q: Is there anything you do routinely each time to work on a new play or movie? What are some of the ways you get to know your characters?
A: I learn the lines because that’s where the play lives. The music of the play is something I can hear. The playwright gives you everything. You have to try to understand what motivates his people, what their history is and why he/she wrote it. You learn as you enter the world of the play through action; what is said about your character from the other characters in the play (it gives clues about behavior) and exploring what makes sense dramatically, what serves the writing and what doesn’t.   

Q: What do you hope audiences take away from this show? 
A: I hope audiences leave feeling that they got their money’s worth and want to talk about it!