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The Hibernian Heroine

An interview with Klara Mc Donnell

By James Murphy

Klara McDonnell is an Irish actress, musician and writer. We met first in 2009, while I was planning to profile her for ‘In Chelsea’ magazine. Alas, publications were changing and we  lacked an appropriate format for the article.

But I stayed in touch with Klara and we became friends, frequently meeting for tea/ dinner /cocktails, as I am a frequent visitor to Dublin (my family are there, including my Grandfather, the historian, Col. John P. Duggan).

And so, Klara sat down again with me recently and we chatted about life, work and everything, just in time for Christmas. If you are not Irish, then you might not have encountered Klara’s work, as she remains loyal to the Emerald isle, and has not (yet) moved to Hollywood.

But it can only be a matter of time before fame catches up with Klara. She has a dedicated fan-base on Twitter and MySpace and possesses an undeniable energy (she had a work out between interview questions and that is not a joke).

Picture a youngJulianne Moore, with the musical manner of Eva Cassidy and theatrical camp of Lady Gaga, fused with truly earnest passion for her craft and you get a snapshot of the lovely Klara. Now read her wise words.

JM: What’s better: singing, acting or writing?

KMD: I am lucky that in the last few years I have been involved in a few projects involving all three disciplines. Bizarrely, I got into acting as a child because I wanted to sing on stage, but I suffered from massive stage fright. I still suffer occasionally, when performing a new song.

JM: What’s your latest project?

KMD: Sean Cray (of ‘HiFi Junkies’) and I have been writing new material, under the band-name ‘Hypno Puppet’. We have a brilliant bassist that we have been jamming with, too. We are on the lookout for a hardworking and artistic drummer. Next year, we hope to record an album and gig everywhere. In regards to acting, always I have a few short films and features in the pipeline. I am also working on a few screenplays myself.

JM: Does pain make great art?

KMD: I don’t know if it makes great art but I have certainly written a lot more when I have felt heartbroken or depressed than when I am content. I like writing about the beginning or end of a relationship, when everything is surrounded by confusion. I find the 'un-knowing' inspiring.

JM: Yes, I know that feeling! So, who inspired you to begin performing? And who inspires you today?

KMD: I remember seeing ‘Wizard of Oz’ when I was about 7, wanting to be like Judy Garland, singing and acting and wearing fabulous sparkly shoes. I have also really been inspired by Tom Waits, as an actor, songwriter, musician and performer.

JM: Redhead, blonde or brunette? Which is best?

KMD: I don’t think I have a favourite. I find that people treat me differently depending on the present hair colour. I get more auditions as a red head as obviously there are less red heads but blonde suits my personality more as I can blame my ditsy mistakes on 'blonde moments'.

JM: How hard is it to be a Vegan in today’s world?

KMD: It’s easier than nine years ago when I made the change! Food and cosmetics are marked more clearly and there is a better selection of vegan products.

JM: ‘Favourite hang-outs in Dublin?

KMD: There’s George’s Street Arcade piercings stall (where where I got all my piercings) and fab boutiques. I like the IFI (Irish Film Institute) - for catching a movie or a bite to eat. Cornucopia Restaurant always serves delicious vegetarian food and they have vegan cakes to die for. I like Sweeney’s Bar as a pub/ venue to check out new up and coming bands. And there’s Lillie’s Bordello - Ireland’s most prestigious nightclub. I love the chilled out library bar.

JM: What was it like doing a stint in the soap opera, ‘Fair City’? Does every actor have to do time on a soap opera?

KMD: I don’t think every actor has to do a stint on a soap opera but I enjoyed the experience immensely. Everything moves so fast on soap. I was used to doing more takes on film and found myself having to adjust, which is a good thing.

JM: Well, merry Christmas. See you for drinks in Dublin in 2012!

http://klaramcdonnell.wordpress.com/

All pictures are copyrighted:  Roger Hale 2011; Paul Woods, 2011; Eamonn Smyth,2010