Barbaro's stage debut: oscar winner grapples with imposter syndrome
Monica Barbaro, fresh off an Oscar nomination for her transformative turn as Joan Baez, is confronting a familiar foe: self-doubt. As she prepares to make her stage debut in London’s National Theatre’s revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the actress admits to grappling with impostor syndrome, a feeling that lingers even after achieving critical acclaim.
A new landscape: from dylan's shadow to dangerous games
Barbaro’s portrayal of Baez in James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown demanded months of meticulous preparation, studying the singer’s voice, music, and even donning prosthetic teeth to capture her distinctive look. The intensity of the role left a lasting mark, requiring time to “land afterwards and feel more like myself again.” Now, she steps into the shoes of Madame de Tourvel, a character renowned for her complexity and challenged by a lineage of formidable actresses, including Juliet Stevenson and Michelle Pfeiffer.
“Speaking aloud in a theatre for this big of an audience is new for me,” Barbaro confessed, acknowledging the shift from the controlled environment of film. While she initially experimented with an English accent during rehearsals, she ultimately decided to rely on her natural voice, a decision driven by a desire for authenticity. This commitment to her own artistry reflects a broader theme of self-discovery that has permeated her career – a journey amplified by the scrutiny of the public eye and the weight of expectations.
The echoes of baez: identity, influence, and a lasting connection
The experience of embodying Baez resonated deeply with Barbaro, not only for the historical significance of the figure but also for the shared experience of navigating a mixed identity. Barbaro, who is a quarter Mexican, found a kinship with Baez’s exploration of dual identities in her memoir, a sentiment that felt “so personal.” The two women eventually met in San Francisco, an encounter Barbaro describes as “so trippy,” a moment of profound awe and connection with the icon she had so diligently portrayed.
Beyond the Awards: A Return to Fundamentals The Oscar nomination, while a validation of her talent, hasn't quelled the nagging self-doubt. Barbaro emphasizes the importance of confronting the desire for recognition and the need to continually prove her worth. “I had to constantly encourage myself to believe I could take up space,” she said, a reminder of the ongoing battle against internal critics.
Power, manipulation, and a timeless warning
Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a notorious 1782 novel, provides a stark backdrop for Barbaro’s exploration of these themes. Christopher Hampton’s adaptation, revisited by director Marianne Elliott, focuses on the manipulative games of the aristocracy in pre-revolutionary Paris, where sex and power intertwine. Barbaro, drawn to the play’s “darkness,” views it as a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of control and abuse. “Ultimately, you see patterns of abuse repeat themselves,” she observes, drawing parallels to contemporary issues like the recent release of the Epstein files.
The play’s enduring relevance, Barbaro argues, lies in its unflinching portrayal of human vulnerability and the seductive nature of manipulation. “As a modern woman with autonomy and independence, the thing I fear most in the world is dying of heartbreak,” she states, highlighting the emotional core of Tourvel’s tragic fate.
Barbaro’s journey, from a childhood steeped in ballet to a critically acclaimed film career and now a foray into the demanding world of theatre, is a testament to her dedication and evolving artistry. As she navigates the complexities of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Barbaro isn't just conquering a new stage—she's confronting the enduring challenges of self-belief and the timeless allure of power.