What did you find the most challenging aspect of portraying this character?

Janice has a particularly traumatic past and exploring that darker side of her psychology was a challenge. However, I often find that the most challenging aspects to this job are also the most rewarding. I love unpeeling the layers of a character and discovering who they are and what makes them tick. The human psyche is a mystery that I love trying to solve. 

What kind of roles and stories excite and challenge you the most as a creative?

I never quite know how to answer this question because for me, it always comes down to the writing. Part of what I love about this job is that it allows you to traverse a myriad of genres and characters, and as long as the writing is strong, I am open to all sorts of stories. It is an exciting time for female actors as some of the best scripts are now centred around women and female driven stories. I am drawn to characters who aren't afraid to be unlikable, who challenge the status quo and confront us as an audience. 

Having said all that, I have long wanted to play a detective in a crime thriller, something along the lines of ‘Mare of Easttown’. Kate Winslet is flawless in that and the storytelling keeps you on the hook the whole time. 

Has acting always been something you wanted to pursue or how did your passion for it begin?

I remember my dad taking me to see an amatuer production of a musical when I was about five. I was swept away by it and kept telling people about the characters afterwards, not understanding that they hadn't seen it and didn't know what I was talking about. I had this impression that what I had seen was a universal experience that everyone I met had shared. I was too young to be able to articulate that I wanted to be an actor, but it definitely planted a seed that never went away. I went to Narrabundah College in Canberra, and the drama program was extraordinary and lay the best foundation for me to go on to be a working actor. 

Who would you describe as your biggest inspirations and influences in the industry?

I love the work of filmmakers like Andrea Arnold, Lynne Ramsey and the Dardenne brothers. One of my favourite films is ‘A Separation’ by Asghar Farhadi, I remember coming out of that screening brimming with inspiration and excitement. ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ is the last film that blew me away. Sandra Huller is sublime in it, they all are, and the direction is superb. 

I would have to say Gena Rowlands in ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ endures for me as one of the all time great performances. I am also inspired by some of the Australian female directors coming up in the industry now.  Noora Niassari, who directed ‘Shayda’ last year is doing amazing things, as is Annalise Hickey and Miranda Nation. In terms of developing projects myself, my husband, Nick Barkla who also acts in ‘Hotel Cocaine’, and I are working on something together. He has directed several beautiful documentaries and I am excited to collaborate with him on a narrative story.

How exciting is it stepping out of Australia to the global acting scene?

It's great. I will never stop wanting to work at home and tell Australian stories, but the chance to work internationally has been enormously satisfying and thrilling. Filming in the Dominican Republic was a special experience, as was getting to work with such an extraordinarily international cast and crew. We had people from Mexico, the USA, Spain, Canada, Columbia, Venezuela and the UK. It was so much fun having so many cultures come together. We grew super close, all staying at the same hotel. It was like the summer camp I never had as a teenager.  

What are your favorite hobbies in your free time?

My favourite thing to do in every new city is to walk and walk and walk. I spent a few months in New York earlier this year and it is the best way to see the city. At home in Melbourne, I don't have a car, so I walk everywhere and I love it. It is a great time to think and come up with ideas. I also have a three year old daughter, so right now you could say playgrounds are a hobby, like it or not. I love going on adventures and exploring each city that we take her to from a kid’s point of view. Playgrounds, parks, museums, fun activities that work for kids and adults. 

What can you tell us about your other upcoming projects?

As I mentioned, I am developing a film with my husband. We have been traveling for the last six months and just returned to Melbourne. I can't talk about anything else specificallly, but for now it is good to be home.