The unforgettable series Catelyn Stark, i.e. Michelle Fairley, is the star of the second edition of BNP Paribas Warsaw SerialCon. An actress known from such productions as the cult “Game of Thrones” and “The White Princess”, “Gangs of London” and “The Serpent Queen” received the Cutting Edge award on Wednesday, November 26.
Just before the evening Opening Gala, the Interia editorial team had the opportunity to talk to the TV series and theater starwhere she talked a bit about her work and what it means to her to receive the Cutting Edge Award, of which she is only the second winner!
Patrycja Otfinowska, Interia: What does the Cutting Ede award mean to you?
Michelle Fairley: I’m just completely shocked that anyone even knows who I am here in Poland, and I’m very grateful, a little surprised that… I don’t know if I believe it, but I’m very happy that I’m here to pick her up. Thank you. I’m actually a bit embarrassed.
Do you prefer theater, films or television productions?
– Oh my, that’s very general. It totally depends on the script, the amount of time and who is involved. (Depends on) the pedigree of the production, because I’ve done all three, and I’ve been lucky enough to do all three, and I like all three. But for me, I started in theater, so if anything, I probably lean more towards theater, but I also like and love working in TV and film.
Do you have any favorite authors?
– In a Shakespeare sense, or, you know, Brian Friel, or… I’ve also had the opportunity to act in many new plays over the years. Frank McGuinness is another great playwright. I tried Ibsen, I played a lot of Chekhov, you know, a lot of classics, a lot of contemporary (authors). I know someone is always left out and forgotten, but I can only try to remember the productions I was involved in.
Do you have one role that you are most proud of, or two or three?
– NO. I wouldn’t say I’m… I wouldn’t use the word proud. Rather, you know, in terms of the joy of performing it and its development, the process, whether it’s on TV, or in film, or in the theater, it’s always… The more emotional the character is for me, the greater the pleasure for me in playing. And it’s always like that you have to push the boundaries, so it has to be based on the truth and that’s the element that makes it work, I think and that’s… I don’t know if it works, I can only trust, I have to trust the feeling that I have inside me and those who work, who direct.
Most Polish fans of “Game of Thrones” loved your portrayal of Catelyn Stark. Would you like to return to Game of Thrones? Maybe as Lady Stoneheart, like in the books?
– Well, they didn’t do it in the series, so I think if they were to come back, you know, you can’t go back to what it was, you have to create something new. My time on the show, I loved it, but it was its own time and the writers and producers didn’t want to go that route, so it didn’t happen. I accept it.
What are your future career plans? Maybe more “Bridgertons”, you were in “Queen Charlotte”.
– You know, I don’t know if “The Bridgertons”. I think it was a one-off. “Queen Charlotte” was definitely a one-off and that was great fun too. Something other than “Game of Thrones”. Yes, completely different time, different energy, different style, but I mean, I think every actor just wants to work and do good work and constantly challenge themselves. That’s it, you know. For me, it’s not important to, you know, be famous. For me it is important to be proud of what you do.
The Cutting Edge Award is given to creators who blur the boundaries between the world of TV series and film. They are constantly looking for new and original ways of telling episodic stories and breaking genre conventions. They follow paths that require commitment, effectiveness and consistency. The award aims to distinguish personalities who tackle bold and significant topics, promote diversity and break stereotypes through their actions.