Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of Ailíse Beales, the sensational New Zealand/British actress who has taken the Big Apple by storm. Now a proud New Yorker, this dazzling actress has captivated hearts with her magnetic charm and elegance. This week, NYAL magazine has the incredible honor of featuring an exclusive interview with Ailíse, and trust me, it’s nothing short of thrilling!
From her unforgettable performance as ‘Belle’ in the heartwarming New Zealand feature film ‘Two Idiots and a Tin Whistle,’ Ailíse has shown the world what it means to be a multifaceted performer. Her role wasn’t just acting – oh no – it was a symphony of drama, comedy, and music as she showcased her jaw-dropping talents as an actress and a musician. It’s no wonder her portrayal received such phenomenal critical acclaim. Audiences were left in awe, critics raved, and the acting community took notice. But hold your applause because there’s more! Ailíse has been showered with accolades that scream nothing but talent. She clinched the Best Actress award, leaving us with no doubt that she’s a force to be reckoned with. She proved her mettle and her chemistry with Zara DuCrôs in their roles, snagged them the Best Acting Duo recognition.
And if that wasn’t impressive enough, Ailíse won the Best Web Series award. This series is a testament to Ailíse’s versatility and commitment to her craft. Ailíse Beales is an actress who brings more than talent to the silver screen and theater; she brings a spark that ignites inspiration far and wide. We’re all eager to follow her journey, and this interview in NYAL magazine is set to be as captivating as her performances. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and utterly star-struck by the one and only Ailíse Beales!
New York art life: You debuted in the film industry with the feature film “Two Idiots and a Tin Whistle,” which garnered great success. The film was screened at numerous festivals in New Zealand, Australia, and Italy, receiving positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. In this captivating feature film, produced by Tin Whistle Productions and masterfully directed and written by Jason Ellis and Eli Hill, the spotlight is on you, who masterfully plays the protagonist, Belle. As the protagonist, you embody the hopes and dreams of countless artists worldwide. Your journey is personal and represents the collective pursuit of artistic fulfillment. Through your experiences, the film sheds light on the challenges artists face in their quest for recognition and validation. Not only did you showcase your extraordinary acting skills in “Two Idiots and a Tin Whistle,” but you were also discovered to be a very talented musician. Your musical abilities added depth to your character and brought an additional layer of authenticity to the film. This revelation only further solidifies your reputation as a versatile artist.
Ailíse Beales: This film weaves together the stories of various artists on a quest to establish themselves in the art world. Through a documentary style, it chronicles the search for musician talent in rural New Zealand as they compete for a coveted place in a studio at a prestigious London school. Through a combination of humor and heartfelt moments, Ellis and Hill create a thought-provoking narrative that explores the dreams and aspirations of these aspiring musicians. The film takes viewers on an emotional journey as it explores these aspiring musicians’ dreams, struggles, and triumphs. Through their auditions, performances, and personal stories, we witness the dedication and passion that fuels their pursuit of artistic excellence. The film captures the essence of their journey, showcasing their talent and determination amidst a backdrop of fierce competition and high stakes. The positive feedback and accolades started pouring in as the film entered the festival circuit. Audiences resonated with the quirky characters and heartfelt story, further fueling my excitement and passion for filmmaking. It validated all the hard work, dedication, and countless hours spent bringing this project to life.
New York art life: Throughout your long career, you have had the privilege of being a part of numerous successful performances. Under the direction of Catriona Rubenis-Stevens, you portrayed the protagonist Erica in the play “Suburbia.” This role allowed you to showcase your versatility and talent as an actress, and you received acclaim for your portrayal. Another remarkable performance was as Laura in “Walking and Talking,” directed by Kristjan Thor. And again, many other successes
Ailíse Beales: With Laura, I had the opportunity to revive this beloved character. It was a true honor, and I dedicated myself to delivering a challenging performance. Furthermore, I played Sylvia in “The Godfather,” directed by M.G. Gong. This iconic role challenged me as an actress and pushed me to explore new depths in my art. Finally, I enjoyed playing Aster in the “Teach Me to Fly” production, masterfully directed by April Lampre. This performance allowed me to showcase my growth as an actress and further solidify my reputation as a compelling performer.
New York art life: These are just a few examples of the many successful performances you have taken part in over your long career. “The Driver”, produced by Fairlie Average Productions and directed by Cameron Cook, comes to mind again.
Ailíse Beales: Each role has provided me with valuable experience and has allowed me to connect with audiences on a profound level. I am grateful for these opportunities and look forward to continuing to bring memorable characters to life on stage and screen.
New York art life: I am thrilled to discuss your recent multi-award-winning web series, “Happy Even After”, which has garnered recognition in drama and comedy categories. Created, written, and directed by you with the talented actress Zara DuCrôs. This series delves into the various stages of grief, exploring its impact on individuals and highlighting the strength of enduring friendships.
Ailíse Beales: Exploring grief resonates with many people, as everyone experiences it at some point in their lives. “Happy Even After” aims to shed light on the complex emotions accompanying grief, offering a realistic portrayal of the challenges and struggles those grieving face. We created this web series in honor of my beautiful, talented cousin Bethany-Maria Beales. I miss her every day, and I only hope that this series helps others navigate the complexities of grief and life after a great loss. One of the critical themes that “Happy Even After” explores is the power of friendship in overcoming adversity. The series showcases the enduring bond between the main characters, highlighting how their friendship helps them navigate their grief and find little moments of joy amidst their pain.
Receiving accolades for our work on “Happy Even After” at the New York International Film Awards was an honor. Being awarded Best Actress and Best Acting Duo alongside Zara DuCrôs is a testament to the dedication and passion we poured into this project. Additionally, winning Best Web Series is a validation of our storytelling and its impact on viewers. These awards remind us that our efforts to bring comfort and inspiration to those who have experienced loss have not gone unnoticed.
New York art life: We want to remind our readers of a significant moment in your career as it marks your New York debut at the prestigious New York Theater Festival. This was followed by the successful run of the musical “From A Dream” at the Producers Club.
Ailíse Beales: Due to its immense popularity, we are reviving the musical later this month, allowing more audiences to experience its captivating storyline. The musical tells the story of Melody, a young girl who discovers that her dreams can come true, even nightmares. As she transitions from childhood to young adulthood, these haunting dreams continue to trouble her, disrupting her home and school life. The return of “From A Dream” by popular demand showcases the impact it has had on audiences. Its ability to resonate with people’s experiences of navigating through hardships and finding strength within themselves makes it such a compelling production. The musical’s ability to blend fantasy and reality allows viewers to delve into Melody’s world and empathize with her journey.
New York art life: What advice would you give to young artists?
Ailíse Beales: Since I was a young child, I have always felt a strong calling towards acting. It’s as if it was ingrained in my DNA. My passion for the performing arts has been supported by my parents, especially my Dad, who was an actor himself. He has imparted three invaluable pieces of advice that I carry with me every day. Firstly, he taught me to prepare for rejection but never to take it personally, understanding that rejection does not reflect my worth. Secondly, my father emphasized believing in myself more than anyone else. As an actress, countless individuals will doubt your abilities or try to bring you down. However, having unwavering self-belief is crucial in overcoming these obstacles and staying true to my passion.
Lastly, my father instilled in me the value of perseverance and never giving up. Acting is a competitive field that requires dedication and hard work. A single rejection or setback does not define failure; it is only when we stop trying that we indeed fail. With each audition and performance, I am reminded of the importance of these lessons and continue to strive towards success in the acting industry.
New York art life: Wise and practical advice that we will make our own.
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