Welcome to Getting to Know S[You]! In this wonderful space, I’ll be spending my time talking to, learning about, and hanging out with artists that attend Seattle University. This week highlights Bella Rivera. A lot of you may know, Seattle University’s theatre department is putting on The Tempest by William Shakespeare. What you might not know is that there are only two first years acting in the show. Let’s get to know one of them, okay? Okay.
CP: Hi Bella! Tell me about yourself!
Bella: Well, I’m a freshman here from San Diego, CA. I’m a psychology major, but I’m thinking about adding theatre as a double major.
CP: What is your role in The Tempest?
Bella: I play a sprite. Not a spirit, a SPRITE. I know, I know.
CP: And you’re one of two first years in the cast; what is that like?
Bella: It’s a lot of learning. For example, I was late the first two weeks for almost every rehearsal because I didn’t know about the unspoken rule that if you’re 15 minutes early, you’re on time, and if you’re on time, you’re late. I was getting there five minutes early and everyone was still staring at me. It was really confusing overall.
CP: What is it like being surrounded by upperclassmen that you know have experience in the theatre department here?
Bella: I personally like it because you can ask them plenty of questions about how things work—not just in the department, but also about acting and theatre in general. They offer a lot of knowledge and information to people that have just arrived. Because of the welcoming nature of the department at SU, it’s less intimidating and more exciting. They’re here to help us, not scare us.
CP: So tell me a little bit about The Tempest.
Bella: It takes place on a magical island, where a woman and his daughter have been abandoned, or I guess banished, and there are a lot of magical creatures on the island. It’s an exciting story of revenge and redemption, and there’s also some romantic elements. And romance! And intrigue! And also really sexual dancing, so if you’re into that…
CP: How does college theatre differ from high school theatre?
Bella: The vibe is a lot more of a professional one mainly because the people are doing it to pursue it professionally, rather than just as a hobby. There are a lot of different artists involved outside of Seattle University, like professional set designers and costume designers.
CP: Lastly, Bella, what makes you an artist?
Bella: I have a passion to create things, and I love to collaborate with other people, and I feel like theatre is an unbelievable art form that allows me to do that. It’s sort of like a team sport in that way, except not at all.
https://youtu.be/pz_boiQKsiU
In case you’re wondering, “How on earth can I see The Tempest?!” it opens on November 10th runs from until the 13th, and then again from November 16th to the 20th. It takes place at the Lee Center for the Arts, and tickets can be bought here or at the box office.
I’ll probably be there more than twice, so I hope to see you there!
CAMERON PAYNE | KXSU Arts Reporter