The Actress Fiona Shaw Discusses Her Professional Journey: From Star Wars to Wizarding World

During a recent conversation, esteemed actress Fiona Shaw shared insights about her diverse career covering many years and memorable characters.

Andor's Powerful Speech

When discussing her memorable funeral speech in the Disney+ show Andor, Shaw revealed that the original script included more explicit wording. "I actually spoke a distinct term in my speech," she explained, "while the screenwriter hoped that Disney would approve it."

The actress described the unique filming conditions for that particular scene. "While I delivered that speech, I was filmed by about 200 cameras to create a hologram. I was entirely by myself in a huge soundstage, with neither director nor crew members present in the room."

Classic Literature Projects

Speaking about the forthcoming screen version of Jane Austen's classic novel, Shaw expressed excitement about the completed filming. "We recently completed shooting it," she mentioned, "though performers rarely witness is the completed movie."

She praised director Georgia Oakley as "really lovely and very assured." The filming took place in beautiful estates throughout Britain, including locations in Dorset, Knebworth, and Devonshire.

The actress also recalled on her earlier performance in the 1995 adaptation of Persuasion, playing Mrs. Croft. "Our filmmaker had specific requirements: without hairpieces and just candle illumination," she remembered. "He truly aimed to capture the experience of nineteenth-century existence."

Wizarding World Reflections

When asked about her experience with the Harry Potter franchise, Shaw talked warmly about collaborating with her departed co-star. "He represented the most refined, creative and talented man," she revealed. "He had the most beautiful penmanship and once sent me a note asking to lunch in elaborate gothic lettering."

She described Griffiths as constantly speaking and sharing fascinating anecdotes with both her and the child performers on set. "He possessed remarkable worldly understanding so we would sit enthralled to his stories."

Stage Performances

Discussing her New York stage role in the tragedy Medea, Shaw remembered how psychologically challenging the show was. "I encountered one of the ensemble actors three years later, who said: 'I'm not over it yet,'" she shared.

The production had an extensive run, starting in Dublin, then traveling to England, followed by the American capital, the New York venue, and ultimately Manhattan. "We grew very close as a company," she added.

Performance Philosophy

When questioned about her ability to transition between humor and seriousness, Shaw explained that "humor unites people as it's about rupturing the norm." However, she admitted that "the night before a comedy, I always rest badly, because you have to catch the wave on the day."

Concerning her method for approaching different characters, Shaw stated: "I find them all difficult. But even if the person you're playing is rather different from you, there is frequently some aspect about them that you identify with."

Recent Work

Discussing her latest role in the production Hot Milk, Shaw described her character Rose as "a difficult person but you can't play anything from that perspective." She explained that Rose suffers from a functional neurological disorder that causes mobility issues.

"She is unaware of the impact she has on her daughter," Shaw noted. "Her only concern is that she desires to get better. She's well-intentioned yet unaware. Perhaps that's what most of us are."

Personal Reflections

Upon hearing that viewers consider her ideal as authority figure characters, Shaw responded with humor: "Oh dear! I'm so not scary. But perhaps when filled with intention, my features can appear formidable."

She added: "I am in life sometimes quite scatty so perhaps it's therapeutic for me to play very intelligent, organized characters. I try to portray interesting people so I never judge them. Please don't fear – approach and greet me!"

Passion for Words

Talking about her renowned performance of the poetic work The Waste Land, Shaw conveyed her profound relationship with words and verse. "My heart is always in the language," she declared, "since the indicators to everything are contained within the choice of words."

She believes that "poetry represents the polished form of language, or the moment that has been captured." As individuals boil down to what they truly want to say, it's often poetic."

Audiobook Work

Regarding her acclaimed audiobook performances, specifically Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Shaw shared that "I loved reading Alice in Wonderland because I incorporated everybody I knew into it – my friends and fellow performers."

She described how she voiced the caterpillar as channeling Alan Rickman, and characterized the Red Queen evoking Geraldine McEwan. "It consistently feels a honor to sit and speak literature," she finished, "despite needing extended periods of work."

Collaborating with the Director

Recalling her experience working with celebrated filmmaker Terrence Malick on Tree of Life, Shaw portrayed him as distinctive. "All that the director says and does is unique," she observed.

She shared a specific recollection of their initial encounter: "He left a message on my voicemail which said, 'I wonder, would you assist me with my film?' We went out for breakfast. He said, 'Well, what are you going to have?' I said, 'I'm going to have scrambled eggs.' He said, 'I think I'll have scrambled eggs too,' like it was the most exotic choice in the world."

The actress also described Malick's distinctive method of asking actors "Would you prefer to do this scene indoors or outdoors?" – questions rarely posed by different directors. "He exclusively used natural light," she continued, "meaning actors could perform inside by a window or outside on the street."

Concerning the lengthy post-production, Shaw disclosed that "The director requires about three years to complete the movie. I had heard from the producer after two years that I was probably one of the main characters, but when the film was released, I was mostly removed."

She concluded by characterizing Malick's unique process: "He builds this enormous structure, and he removes most elements. He fundamentally dismantles films."