Mara Haasnoot - Costume Design
Next up for the cast and crew of Venus in Fur, we have Mara Haasnoot, providing the show’s absolutely amazing costumes (seriously, you’re going to want to see these). We already know that Mara is fantastic, but if you want more proof for yourself, read on!
How long have you been involved in theatre?
I've been involved in theatre since I was about a decade old, when I enrolled in an after-school theatre program in Stratford. My first role was Sir Lancelot- due, no doubt, to my extremely macho demeanour. My next role was Time in The Winter's Tale, with a sparkly silver tunic- much more my style! I didn't start in wardrobe until late high school, when I took my first Fashion course and learned to sew.
Other: As many petticoats as possible.
What's the worst audition (or interview) you've had?
When preparing for a recent audition, I was unable to decide between two monologues that suited the play. After rehearsing one more heavily, I decided at the last minute to switch to the other. This was not a good plan, and of course I "went blank" halfway through. I felt like it went horribly, and didn't get the role, but much later I received some positive feedback from a stranger who was present at the audition, and remembered me.
What's your dream role or theatre production?
I would love to design costumes for, or perform in, Dracula. The book is genuinely frightening, it's set in a beautiful period, and the women's roles are fantastic. Some stage adaptations of the story don't do the characters justice, but there are a few really good ones out there- my favourite is written by Liz Lochhead.
What's your favourite line or moment in Venus in Fur?
I don't want to spoil too much, because there are so many truly hilarious lines in the show. But I do love that Vanda is continually pulling strange items from her bag- like a naughty Mary Poppins.
