AMBER JANEA TALKS BABY RUBY

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

While using classic genre-tropes to lure in it's audience, what this film really is, is quite different from anything else?

When I received the script for 'Baby Ruby', I was expecting a piece that painted motherhood with the same warm hues that we see in mass media. I was immediately gripped by the stark contrast of what the script really was versus my initial thought. I had never seen motherhood portrayed as such a chaotic, frightening experience. It forced me to confront my personal view of motherhood by allowing me to see it from a different, arguably much darker, angle. Even on paper, the script was so alive in my being that I can recall moments where the suspense wouldn't let me go and made my heart quicken. That is a lot of power and energy coming from a black and white sheet of paper, and that speaks to the genius mind of Bess Wohl and her ability to bring such a story to life through these characters. All of that to say I absolutely loved the rollercoaster of the 'Baby Ruby' script.

How did you interpret and connect with Farah?

Farah reminds me much of the woman I could have seen myself becoming had I never left Texas to pursue acting. I saw her as a woman married to the system of her "day to day life" that must have all the parts moving at a certain pace to operate effectively and it is her life's work to keep it all together. To explore this, I looked no further than my own mother. A single mother of five, who worked tirelessly to raise us all while remaining present at a job, present in the church and present with herself. Seeing as no one can do this alone, there were many times when I had to step in as older sister which often felt like "little mother" at the time. In that experience, I became aware of the cost of a child and not in a monetary sense, to be honest I did not enjoy it! (Laughs) Because of that, with Farah, I was able to show the grace that my mother had with raising children all while holding onto my little secret that despises what it takes to be considered a "good mother". Farah like I imagine most women operates from a place of protecting what would be less favorable to make known publicly. I also see that above all holding herself to such a high standard has become a sense of fulfillment to her and I would assume the other moms as well.

Bess Wohl is renowned for her work as a playwright, once even nominated for a Tony. But this is her first film. How would you say she fared in her first time directing a film?

Bess was absolutely incredible to work with. Because she wrote and directed this piece, she was very involved in the process. I actually do not recall ever seeing Bess sitting down, even as we were rolling. She was right there for everyone every step of the way. In a way, it was like watching her care for her "baby". For her first time directing a film, I think Bess had an astounding debut. A piece like this can only be handled with hands gentle enough, and eyes that have seen enough to get us to feel with, and for, these characters. I remember when we were filming the bar scene, Bess was alongside the director of photography and watched us move our bodies and gently guiding us as we filmed. It was as if she were "the voice of God" calling the waves to ebb and flow. It was my favorite memory of filming.

Did you ever act on the theatre-stage before making your acting debut in film?

Yes! I was actually a student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts where I had a few opportunities to perform on the theatre stage. There I played Elizabeth in Sarah Ruhl's 'In The Next Room', Rose in Annie Baker's 'The Flick', and Penny in Sarah Treem's 'When We Were Young and Unafraid'.

This is not your first film, is it?

Prior to 'Baby Ruby' I had worked on 'Law and Order Special Victims Unit' and a Lifetime film titled 'A Predator Returns'. So I guess you could say I've been around!

You have also danced for a bit?

So, when I was in high school, I was actually in a dance class that taught basic ballet techniques but I focused mainly on jazz. That followed me into college in our dance and movement class. Even with all that training, I would not say I'm the best freestyle dancer, but I love to perform a choreographed piece for sure!

For an actor, the time between roles can be vast, but acting can occupy every minute of every day even when not on set. Can you enjoy time off without worrying about work?

I am actively finding this balance. I recently had my amazing coach, Tracey Moore, tell me that the reason the business is so lucrative is because "money buys time." Meaning that you are given such a sum on some occasions because you are meant to have days of rest, days of research, days of inspiration, days of fun all for the wellness of your being and instrument. I recently took a leap and left my "survival job" to depend solely on acting and it comes with more downtime than I know to do with sometimes. I spend a lot of that time reading, writing, in the gym, or simply on my couch watching reality tv. A huge part in finding this balance has been finding ways to always position myself as a student. Getting into an acting–classes, buying and reading books that are about acting as well as spirituality, picking up a new instrument, and so on. All of that has helped me surround myself with things that bring me closer to the craft and also myself. Luckily, I model as well commercially and that is another one of those things that allows me to take time outside of a typical survival job life and gives me the room to live the life that is in front of me. 

What kinda roles are you leaning toward now?

Right now, I am leaning towards more roles that surround the lives of young creatives, so to think Issa Rae's 'Rap Shit' on HBO, or Amazon's 'Harlem'. I love those shows that follow the quirky, unlucky in love and life characters.

Any dream role?

As far as a dream role, I would love to play Storm from 'X-Men'. She is such a powerful character and I've always admired that about her, as well as her super dope hair and eyes. Hopefully I get the chance to play her one day, but in the meantime, I'm just waiting on a series regular!