Interview with Ginette Mohr

Ginette Mohr is thrilled to be part of such an exciting festival. She has been writing and performing professionally for over ten years. Her newest piece, Fish Face, garnered critical acclaim and won the Cultch Theatre Award at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. This winter Ginette will continue to develop Fish Face, while co-creating The Belle of Winnipeg (Keystone Theatre) and The Children's Museum (The Quickening).

Who is one of your favourite storytellers?

My grandfather. He can spin an everyday event into an adventure. I love that faraway look he gets when he talks about his days as a switchman on the CN Rail.

What will you be telling at FOOL?

Fish Face. It's the story of a young woman’s struggle to be free from the past and uncover her heart’s desire. To gain the freedom to reveal her wish, Rose, an orphaned fisherman’s daughter, must journey into a fantastical underwater universe to battle a giant squid and confront her deepest fears. The characters she encounters unravel the secrets of her past and call on her to save their world from tyranny and darkness.

Tell us about some of your influences.

Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Charlie Chaplin, John Stewart, Tim Freeman and my mother make me laugh. Steven King's 'On Writing' left a big impression on me - I love what he says - "Life isn't a support-system for art. It's the other way around."

Why do we need oral traditions when we have television, radio, internet?

Oral traditions are a great way to bond, open up conversations, and enhance language and memory skills. Stories delight, thrill and touch a community. They’re often a you-had-to-be-there experience.

What is your favourite book?

Usually the last thing I’ve read. I'm currently researching Edgar Allan Poe for a gig on Halloween. "The Tell-Tale Heart" is genius. I didn't sleep much last night.

What inspires you?

Music, chocolate, fresh air, the mountains, children, festivals, visual art, theatre and film.

Advice for aspiring teller of tales, word artists, and web weavers?

Seek out artists who share your passion.

Website:

www.fishface-ginette.blogspot.com