FEATURE - WATCH THESE FACES

WATCH THESE FACES

More lists! More faces! More exciting potential! Every year for the past eight years, the Casting Guild of Australia has identified a group of up to 10 actors it believes has the potential to break out on the world stage, deeming them ‘Rising Stars’. Here, we profile 2022’s cohort.

CHRISTOPHER BUNTON

Credits include: Down Under; Nude Tuesday; Relic; Kairos; Doctor, Doctor; The Other Guy; Love and Monsters; Lone Wolf; Wolf Like Me; It’s Fine, I’m Fine

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

I’ve always loved watching films and TV shows, including all the behindthe-scenes footage, and this really made me want to be involved in the industry. Acting was a dream, but I think it became a realistic goal when I first saw other actors with Down Syndrome on TV. I then knew that having Down Syndrome was not a barrier to achieving my goal.

WHERE DID YOU STUDY OR LEARN YOUR CRAFT?

I first started at NIDA in a drama course for people with intellectual disabilities. It was my introduction to the industry, and it helped me to overcome my stage fright! From there I joined the Ruckus Ensemble which was a group of people with Down Syndrome who developed and performed a yearly stage production with help from industry professionals. I am still studying, and currently attend Bus Stop Films classes.

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

I have loved all of the projects I have worked on, but my favourite role so far is Evan in Down Under. It was my first feature film, and I played an authentic representation of someone living with Down Syndrome. I was treated as an equal to everyone on set and overall, it was such an amazing experience.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH IN THE FUTURE?

My dream role is to work alongside Chris Hemsworth as a fellow Avenger. As a gymnast I think I have the physique to pull it off. I would hope to be the first Avenger with an intellectual disability.

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

I would hate to be typecast as someone who is dumb. This is another reason I loved my first role, in Down Under, as the reviewers labelled me the most intelligent person in the whole film. My aim is to continue authentic storytelling and representation on screen in the roles I play.

•••

HATTIE HOOK

Credits include: Ten Pound Poms, Savage River, Of An Age

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

I never had a big “aha!” moment. For as long as I can remember, it’s all I’ve wanted to do. I think the Harry Potter films had something to do with it. I was unhealthily obsessed with them growing up and was constantly acting out all the scenes. Apologies to my family, I think I was extremely annoying to be around.

WHERE DID YOU STUDY OR LEARN YOUR CRAFT?

A lot of my learning has come from working on set, watching films and reading about acting. I haven’t studied formally so most of my trial and error has been immortalised on camera, which is slightly mortifying!

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

Ebony in Of An Age. She’s an absolute mess and I had way too much fun playing her. Not only was it a great role, but the entire experience of making that film was completely life changing for me.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH IN THE FUTURE?

I hope I’m not jinxing myself, but if I ever got to work with Yorgos Lanthimos I think I’d evaporate on the spot. I love everything he does.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D GOTTEN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT.

Calm the f*** down! In my experience, you do your best work when you’re having fun. Two of my biggest talents are catastrophising and panicking, so I still have to remind myself to take that advice.

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

To be super vague, I’d hate to be typecast as anything. I think it’s inevitable sometimes, especially at the beginning of your career, but long term I hope to be growing and doing something different with every project.

•••

SHAKA COOK

Credits include: Cleverman, The Leftovers, Black Comedy, Operation Buffalo, Top End Wedding, The Flood, Hamilton (theatre), Kid Snow

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

To make change, inspire hope in people and to leave behind a legacy.

WHERE DID YOU STUDY OR LEARN YOUR CRAFT?

Studied at WAAPA in the Aboriginal Theatre course for a year, then went to NIDA for three years.

Waru from The Flood. Horse riding, gun-slinging heroic emotional roller coaster –that’s why.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH IN THE FUTURE?

Taika Waititi, Rob Collins, Deborah Mailman, Hugh Jackman, Hugo Weaving, Denzel Washington, Cuba Gooding Jr, Tom Hardy, Matthew McConaughey – the list goes on.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D GOTTEN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT.

Don’t ever doubt or give up on yourself.

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

I would hate to be typecast and pigeonholed as JUST an Aboriginal actor.

LAST FILM OR TV SHOW YOU REALLY LOVED?

Top Gun: Maverick.

•••

JAMES MAJOOS

Credits include: Heartbreak High, Fangirls (theatre), Vivid White (theatre)

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

It’s hard for me to pinpoint but I’d say since I was a child, I would be swept up in films. They created these worlds I wanted to be a part of that left an imprint on me from such a young age, that I guess I subconsciously pursued a career in it before I even noticed. Oh, I also loved to “lie”.

WHERE DID YOU STUDY OR LEARN YOUR CRAFT?

Again, risking sounding pretentious… but I think I started, subconsciously, as a little boy. Not only from being glued to the television set, but I remember having this curiosity about the people around me and had a fascination with them. See pretentious, I told you. I went to a heavily driven sports and academic school that didn’t have the greatest drama classes! But I was lucky to have supportive parents who put me into extra-curricular theatre classes outside of school. Once I graduated from secondary school I was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts.

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

Darren Rivers. The short “why” answer would be the people. I could write an essay about playing Darren, but the most rewarding experience has really been the people I got to share the role with, on and off set. Heartbreak High is the show that it is because of the people that made it. Not to mention a CGA Rising Star accolade and an AACTA nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama, honours I didn’t see happening for my debut. It’s a privilege.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D GOTTEN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT.

Keep failing. Bask in each one, you’ll be better off – also you’re enough.

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

Acting is a gift; it would be limiting to play the same experience all the time. I’d hate to be pigeonholed as anything.

•••

MABEL LI

Credits include: The Tailings, New Gold Mountain, Safe Home, Never Closer (theatre), Miss Peony (theatre)

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

I think there was a clear distinction and a good amount of time between discovering I enjoyed acting and performing and deciding I wanted to act. I knew I loved doing it in high school, it was something that completely alleviated and melted away the social anxiety I had in year 8 and I kept doing it because it felt so freeing. I think I only decided I wanted to act or gave myself the permission to dream about becoming an actor after I graduated from high school when I auditioned for drama school and got the call that I was offered a place.

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

It’s really hard for me to pick my favourite role, because they’ve all been special to me in different ways! But one of the most impactful roles is Cheung Lei from New Gold Mountain. First of all, to be a part of a show that depicted the history of Chinese people in Australia was mind blowing and incredibly meaningful. Playing Lei was so much fun. What’s wonderful about her is that she does these extreme and flawed things, but you somehow love her and feel for her. She is this young woman who is so cunning, playful and independent but also in an incredibly precarious situation where her freedom can be taken away at any time. The tension between her exterior and interior was very satisfying to explore.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH IN THE FUTURE?

There are so many people! Sophie Hyde; I just watched Good Luck to you Leo Grande and enjoyed the heck out of it. Shareena Clanton is someone I’ve been thinking about and admire a lot. Will Sharpe, Lulu Wang, Tony Leung.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D GOTTEN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT.

You deserve to take up space. And bring a container to set so you can take some dinner/dessert home!

MAGGIE (MAX) McKENNA

•••

Credits include: Open Slather, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical (theatre), Dear Evan Hansen (theatre), Fun Home (theatre), Jagged Little Pill (theatre)

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

I have always been drawn to creativity and all aspects of performing as early as I was cognisant. I don’t remember a time where I did not want to be on stage or in front of camera. I think of course, I was influenced by family and the upbringing that came with that, but I still think wanting to immerse myself in the arts was just innately in me. I do remember, at around the age of 15, consciously deciding that this was the only career path I wanted/could do. It has always been the only thing that has given me purpose and a place where I feel I belong. I am very grateful and privileged that I have been able to get to where I am now.

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

The most lifechanging roles for me have been playing Muriel Heslop and Alison Bechdel, therefore they are both my favourite for different reasons. Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical, was my first leading role in an original musical and it was such an exhilarating and fulfilling project to be a part of. That role gave me so much confidence and taught me about my own strength and I will always be grateful for that opportunity. Alison Bechdel from Fun Home on the other hand, was the first queer role I had ever played and as a queer person myself, it was such a healing and powerful process for me. Both roles will always live within me in some way, as they have shaped the person I have become.

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

Until I came out as non-binary, I could feel myself start being pigeonholed as a sweet, young girl. It felt very suffocating, on top of my already compounding dysphoria around my gender. Thankfully, I felt safe enough to come out when I did because I felt it released me from being type cast as something I never connected to anyway. So, I guess I would have hated to be stuck in that phase of my life again.

LAST FILM OR TV SHOW YOU REALLY LOVED?

I have been obsessed with Mae Martin’s Feel Good. I think it’s such a beautiful, heartbreaking and hilarious series and I am very inspired by it, as a queer, non-binary writer and performer.

•••

TUULI NARKLE

Credits include: All My Friends Are Racist, Bad Behaviour, Mystery Road: Origin

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

I don’t think there was ever a defining moment in my life where I made the decision ‘I want to act’. I think throughout my childhood and adolescence performing across multiple mediums was the thing that kept bringing me joy, so I was chasing that, and as I continued to grow, acting became more of a focus because it’s what challenged me the most.

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

Mary, from Mystery Road. I love drama as a genre, the grittier the better. And Mary is such a complex and nuanced character. Her experiences in life mirror aspects of my own in such a way that it was extremely cathartic and exciting to be able to draw on that in bringing my version of her to life. I was also afforded the incredible opportunity of working closely with Tasma Walton (who plays Mary in the older Mystery Road timeline), and she was so caring and generous in working with me to shape younger Mary.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D GOTTEN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT.

You deserve to take up space! You deserve to be in the room! I think once I let go of that fear and self-doubt and was able to relax and focus on WHY I was there, the industry really opened up for me. And I really hope young people, particularly young people of colour, are starting to see and hear this more!

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

I think the biggest fear as an artist is being limited to one aspect or facet of yourself. The concept of typecasting is so bizarre to me because human beings are so complex and multifaceted. When did we decide that doesn’t extended to their artistry? This is not, however, to say every actor can play every character, because accurate representation in film and TV is where it’s at.

•••

SANA’A SHAIK

Credits include: Jack Irish, Fam Time, Reckoning, 2067, Nomad, Dive Club, It Only Takes a Night, Class of ‘07, Summer Love

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

I don’t ever remember making a conscious choice. When I was younger, I actually wanted to be a ballerina, but then my family immigrated to Australia, and I slowly started to pivot into acting. I remember being at university laying on the floor doing breathing exercises and thinking, “Wow, literally no one else on campus is doing this right now.” I think that’s where I started to think I could make a career out of this. Ever since then I’ve had this little voice in my head telling me to pursue a life in film... Still not sure if that’s a little Devil or an Angel though.

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

I have two. First would be Nellie in Nomad. I got to travel around the world twice filming, plus it was beyond the most amazing experience! Second would be Stevie from Dive Club. I learned how to scuba dive and sail which are skills I’ll hopefully carry with me for a while. Plus, she was just the most fun to play, I had the freedom to try anything because she was such a loose cannon.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH IN THE FUTURE?

Firstly, my boo, Adam Driver. Have loved everything he’s been in since Girls. I think he’s an incredible actor, even if I got to sit on the sidelines and watch him play that would be enough for me. I’d also love to work on anything with Phoebe Waller Bridge and Michaela Coel. Such powerhouse women that I ADMIRE. Lastly, it would be a dream to be in literally ANY A24 film.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D GOTTEN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT.

Run your own race! Have more fun, take more risks, don’t do what you think ‘THEY’ want.

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

I couldn’t put my finger on one thing, but to be typecast or pigeonholed in general would suck. But if I had to say one thing; it would be the sweet, understanding, non-confrontational best friend.

•••

STEPH TISDELL

Credits include: Total Control, Class of ‘07

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

I’d love to say, “it just kinda happened,” because it did. But I’d actually dreamed of it as a kid. I just didn’t think you could look like me and be allowed on screen!

WHERE DID YOU STUDY OR LEARN YOUR CRAFT?

I didn’t study and I learned on the job! But, as a comedian, you have to observe the world closely and it requires a level of empathy; empathy and self-awareness are important when giving a character a deep reason “why”.

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

I loved playing Joely on Total Control. She was so different to me in that she seethed with anger, but she was so similar to me because she was driven by justice and used cheekiness to cut tension. I loved her.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH IN THE FUTURE?

Anybody who’ll have me, honestly. I want every experience – I want challenging characters that make me grapple with myself.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D GOTTEN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT.

You’re in the driving seat of your character – if you need something to help you characterise, be honest, clear and open to communication. I learned this working with Nikki Gooley on Total Control as we had very in-depth conversations about the type of character Joely was and how she’d like the world to receive her. I also needed to feel/ look different to “Steph” so I could really get into character.

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

A tough bitch/hard ass. I’m really afraid of that and fear it could happen because of my style of humour, size and appearance. I’m such a soft person in real life I’d hate for people to see me as something I’m not. But, if I look at in a positive way, it’s cool to inhabit characters that aren’t exactly like me.

•••

MICHELLE LIM DAVIDSON

Credits include: After the Verdict, The Newsreader, The Secret She Keeps, Harrow, Black Comedy, Nursery Rhyme News Time, Get Krack!n, Top of the Lake: China Girl, Utopia, Doctor Doctor, Live from Planet Earth, Big Ted’s Big Adventure, Jay’s Jungle, Play School, Goldstone

WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO ACT?

I’m aware of how bizarre this sounds but it was at my audition for drama school. I had been auditioning to study musical theatre and thought I may as well try out for the acting course while I was there. I remember finishing my monologue and thinking, “Wow. Maybe this is what I’m meant to be doing.” Never in a million years did I think I would become an actor.

FAVOURITE ROLE SO FAR AND WHY?

I’ve been privileged to play a wide variety of wonderful roles both on stage and on screen. Playing Noelene in The Newsreader is special to me. It’s the first time I’ve played a Korean Australian woman on television and I try and bring my whole heart to the role.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH IN THE FUTURE?

I admire Sandra Oh and have so much respect for her as an actor and producer. I’m in awe of how she articulates her principles and generosity as a performer. I would love to work with Youn Yuhjung, her energy and spirt is enigmatic. I adore Ben Wishaw, his range is endless and character work precisely detailed. He also has incredible technical ability and moves effortlessly between theatre and screen.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D GOTTEN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT.

You don’t have to be an actor all the time. It doesn’t have to be your identity. Keep exploring things outside of acting or the stuff you think you’re interested in. Be open to different experiences and continue to challenge your perspective. If you prioritise growing as a person you will have more to draw on for your work. Stay curious, generous and compassionate.

WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE TYPECAST OR PIGEONHOLED AS?

I’m not interested in playing hypersexualised Asian (not culturally specific) women. Especially when their only purpose in the story is to save male characters from themselves.

LAST FILM OR TV SHOW YOU REALLY LOVED?

Pachinko. The book by Min Jin Lee is one of my favourite novels. It was so beautifully and respectfully translated to television. I cried with joy and sorrow every episode.