How would you describe the plot and underlying themes of Marion Bridge?

The plot and themes of Marion Bridge are to me about relationships, sisters and mothers and daughters. There is a lot of sadness in this movie and a bit of unresolved conflict but I believe what pushes it along is hope. Each of these three women has hope and they in there own way try to hope for a better life. They face there demons all in there own way. Agnes tries to push the past on them, and as much as they fight her she wins in the end, and in return so do they.

How would you describe your character, Louise? What role does she play in the family dynamics?

My character Louise is a quiet person, she would much rather not think, that's why she occupies her time with TV, and food. With the death of her mother she chooses to change something about her life, she also has the support of her sister and can give herself a chance to heal with issues of the past.

Louise is clearly struggling with a number of issues (her sexuality, her relationship with her sisters, her mother’s illness, etc.) but she doesn’t verbalize much; did you find it challenging to have to communicate so much in so few words?

I didn't find it challenging because I had less words, I liked it. The whole hair thing is funny because as bad as it looks, she is constantly fixing it, she doesn't do much to it, yet is so vain in her attempts to fix it.

Louise reminds me of a lot of young women I know who are just on the verge of coming out; how did you prepare for playing this kind of character?

In preparation for this role I read about sexual abuse, and the effects it has on people. And I never really thought about her as a lesbian, because I think if you start thinking that then as an actor I may try to play that, and I didn't want her to be a stereotype. She is a person like anyone dealing with her own issues. I think if there was a Marion Bridge 2, then it might be something to think about.

How does Louise compare to the other roles you’ve played in the past? Do you have anything in common with Louise yourself?

Louise was a very different character for me, because she was so quiet, I myself am a very vocal person, so it was interesting. I hadn't really played a character like her before, but I have so much love for all those characters, and their struggle to keep everything in there lives a secret.

How have audiences responded to the film in general and to Louise in particular? Anything in this response that surprised you?

I think audiences like the movie, and I love the fact that they get the whole misunderstanding [with my character at the end].

How did you like working with Molly Parker, Rebecca Jenkins, and the director, Wiebke von Carolsfeld?

Rebecca and Molly were so wonderful to work with that I think we formed a bond that works; on screen, we didn't have to say much because we grew to really trust each other and to listen and work well with each other.

I made new fiends, those women are all fantastic, I think I gave Wiebke a hard time sometimes but that's just because I am stubborn. Ha, ha. I am very proud of the film and loved working with everyone.

What projects are you currently working on?

The biggest project I am working on right now is Motherhood, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Hannah on Halloween. I was just pregnant while I was filming the movie. I have gone back to work, a bit, but my days are pretty full with her right now.

Can you tell us about your background (where you grew up, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?

I grew up in Ottawa, and then moved to Nova Scotia, where I live now in Halifax. I went to Theatre school, and worked all over Canada in the theatre. I started working on film and TV about 5 years ago. I love living on the east coast, I have been lucky here and I am continually working on new projects. I belong to a Improv troupe, and I love doing theatre.

My partner Nigel is an actor, and it is a juggle between jobs and baby. But we love it, and to keep doing it, you have to love it, like anything, because some projects are wonderful and others…well, let’s just say, I am not sure if I want Hannah to become an actor.

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