Marie-Astrid Mence

Tell me about your role… 

I am the lead dancer and soloist in the production. I do a 13-minute solo at the opening of Act II – the dream sequence. I think a lot of people in the dream ballet are confused because it is a dream. For some, it might seem like it doesn’t make sense: a dancer in pyjamas arrives, who you have not seen in Act I. However, audience members have to allow themselves to be open to the story. If you are willing to open your artistry with me at that moment, you will understand, and you can make your own story as well. There is no one set narrative in the dream ballet. 

How is Daniel Fish’s Oklahoma! different to traditional productions of the musical?

I think the old Oklahoma! was very much: ‘There is a bad guy and a good guy, and the bad guy gets killed, and everyone ends up happy and married.’ I feel this revival is very modern: it explores the sense of community and someone not belonging, it explores women’s rights and sexuality. It has a lot to offer an audience.

What was the audition process like?

This is the first musical I have ever done. I gave birth just two months before I auditioned for the show. Something in my body made me feel like I needed to audition. I had a very painful birth experience, and I had not healed properly, but I thought if I wanted to do a musical, now was the time. I did a couple of self-tapes and was then invited to audition. It was a really different experience for me coming from a classical world, but the routine was contemporary, and the choreographer said to just be present and honest with ourselves. That was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. After the audition, they cast me – I could not believe it! My life has just changed forever. It has been a pleasing and surprising experience, especially to be cast in a musical when only three or four months before I had just  given birth.

Having lived and danced in New York, Paris and London, what is it you love about London?

I live in north London, and I love it because it is loud and tends to have an unsafe vibe – it’s not, but I love that energy. I don’t have much time for myself with my young child, but what I love about this city is that you can reinvent yourself anytime. I think it is a city where you can start from scratch, and you know it is difficult, but you can do it. That is why I love this city so much – that and the food. 

CV

Training: Paris, Conservatoire de Paris (2004-11); The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York (2012)
First professional job: Ballet Black (2013)
Agent: Mass Talent

Oklahoma! is at Wyndham’s Theatre until September 2. Further details can be found at www.oklahomawestend.com