REVIEWS:
Claudia Motea- Living The American Dream
November 16, 2009, 2:31 PM
LA Musical Theater Examiner
Bonnie Priever
A true theatrical genius of the arts will "write what one knows," and bring it to life on stage, and Claudia Motea is the epitome of such technique and artistry.
Who is Claudia Motea? Claudia is a multi-faceted, vivacious young woman of abundant
character and talent. She is a Romanian-Canadian award winning actress and playwright. Her winning persona, attitude, and charm, combined with immense talent and ambition has served her well.
Her professional acting career includes performances at the Lincoln Center Theatre Festival in New York, and a Canadian debut in 2003 of her own original play, "Loving Me is not the Worst," performed with great acclaim at the London Fringe Theatre Festival.
"Never Another Girl Like Me" is Claudia's inspirational and winning one woman show,
garnering accolades for both her writing and acting, and she is currently preparing a world tour to Romania, London, Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York.
Claudia Motea has a large fan base, and blossoming career in LA, NY, Canada, and Europe.
Her play, told with a mixture of humor and poignancy, tells the story of the immigrant experience as it has never been related before. A true "American Tale" meets "Westside Story," it's about Stella's love at first sight with New York City and the American boyfriend whom she believes to be her lifelong love and soulmate.
Forever an optimist, believing in reaching for the stars, and achieving the American dream, Claudia feels "at home" in the theater world, and has 'all the right stuff' - a shining aura, confidence, inner and outer beauty, and magnificent stage presence to make all dreams a reality.
At her Los Angeles staged reading, Claudia said, "I consider my play a Dream and Homage to every immigrant artist that has come to the American shores and who finds it within themselves to keep their artistry alive... I am under the direction of the awe inspiring Marjo-Riikka Makela, a recently L.A based Finnish director, and include the music of the internationally acclaimed AG Weinberger."
As a skilled translator, Claudia Motea hopes to couple her talents, and create an artistic bridge between her home, Romania, and new home, North America. Claudia enjoys translating some of her most beloved North American plays, soon to be published in a Romanian dramatic anthology. The play Tongues of Love, by Romanian playwright Mihai Ignat, was mounted on the Canadian stage in 2008, where Claudia adapted and produced the show, and was featured as the leading role.
As the lyrics in The Jazz Singer's "Coming to America" succinctly state:
Far, Traveling Far... without a home, but not without a star..
Got a Dream to take her there,
Got a Dream she'd like to share..."
Through hard work, motivation, and passion, Claudia Motea is living the dream, ever striving to captivate her audiences worldwide.
Los Angeles, Claudia Motea’s new version of Never Another Girl Like Me, 2009
Told with a mixture of humor and poignancy, "Never Another Girl Like Me" tells the story of the immigration experience as it has never been related before. Set amid the sites and sounds of New York City, wide-eyed new comer Stella arrives in this special "blessed land" as a performer in a big international touring theatre production at Lincoln Center. She immediately falls in love with this exciting place and almost as quickly with her "American Man."
Stella becomes committed to making a life in her newly adopted home but is quickly thrust into a backwards trajectory as her show closes and she is forced to seek some type of work including soup server for a pizza parlor, housemaid for a rich Brooklyn family and babysitter. Embarking on one adventure after another, Stella trys to stay afloat while hoping her true love will marry her and complete her American dream.
Also in the mix is the dubious advice from Stella's good friend "G" who had immigrated to the U..S. and married years earlier, and the thoughts and recollections (interspersed with some current hilarious discussions) with Stella's family back in Romania who she needs to help support. Struggling between hopes and dreams and the daily realities of survival, Stella's faith and determination keep her going as she faces and overcomes one setback after another. This is an inspiring story of a brave girl and how she balances all this to prove there is "Never Another Girl Like Me."
Warning: you will fall in love with the magical world of Stella as portrayed by the luminous Romanian actress/playwright, Claudia Motea.
Los Angeles Production, MinionArts, Larry Minion-Producer-Nov. 2009
THE BIG MAGIC IF
An enchanting evening of magic, mysticism and comedy was enjoyed at the intimate Sidewalk Studio Theatre in Toluca Lake. On view was the amazing magic of Brandon Scott alias “Draculitza-the Wizard of Noho,” and the comedy of “Romanella NostraDama” as portrayed by the effervescent Claudia Motea. In a tribute to Houdini Miss Motea appears from nowhere amongst the ropes that had previously bound Mr. Scott. Miss Motea then proceeds to spoof being a hostess from a fictional Eastern European country that is attempting its first “simulcast” ever. We the audience are included as participants in this experience with hilarious results. Miss Motea and Mr. Scott then dance and sing and frolic about for the next hour—interspersed with unique close-up magic and illusions. All in all the mixture of the talented and world renowned magician Brandon Scott and the versatile and beautiful Claudia Motea lead to a special and unique evening.
Carmen Foster, Burbank Times, September 15, 2009
NEVER ANOTHER GIRL LIKE ME
Motea play brings home the bread
Making good on its boastful title, Never Another Girl Like Me was a big winner at the 2006 London One Act Festival (LOAF).
Claudia Motea's entry garnered four accolades -- including the best play and best production prizes -- at Sunday's awards ceremony in the Grand Theatre's McManus Studio.
In addition, Motea was named the top lead actor in a female role for her portrayal of a young East European immigrant who finds herself lost and alone in New York City.
Never Another Girl also took the LOAFIE, the "people's choice" award, in voting by audiences who attended the week-long festival, which showcased original works by 11 London playwrights.
"Claudia's play evoked such emotions in people," LOAF co-founder Maridon Duncanson said. "Her presence on stage was quite moving and the honesty of her performance was so heartfelt."
Noel Gallagher, London Free Press, 2006
(*****)Romanian Immigrant Claudia Motea peripatetically acts out & tells a bio recap of coming to NYC.
She sings, dances and cleans house with contagious animated enthusiasm. Claudia hopes to find a “sweetyheart”, but has little use for her boss who is a “wholeass” (punch 3704558 into your calculator & turn it over!). For pure pathos-watch her go through her personal valuables kept safe in a suitcase!HALTON ARTS REVIEW, DANNY GAISIN, 2006
Never Another Girl Like Me
Addressing contemporary immigrant experience, this engaging
one–woman show from London has a deft balance of
humour and humanity. This performance by a talented
and self aware woman has irony in the title; there are many
women in North America not unlike the cleaning lady she
portrays. Bravo!View Magazine Hamilton, 2006
“Never Another Girl Like Me”, written by Claudia Motea, introduces us to a woman who has immigrated to New York, leaving family and all that is familiar behind. She lives in a wealthy man’s basement, cleaning his house while he is vacationing with his family. As we become better acquainted with her, we learn of her dreams for the future.
Claudia Motea stars in her own play. She is vibrant and enchanting. Her accent is bewitchingly accurate and lasts throughout the entire performance. The audience is captivated by her words and movement. We are at her feet. Ms. Motea is witty and playful and as a result, the play is perfect.
Different from the previous performance are the sets, for they are much more detailed. They consist of two door frames, a couch, a table and two chairs. The combination creates the simple paradise that is Ms. Motea’s home. Props include a suitcase, a flower pot, a glass of water, a mop and pail, Febreeze, and multiple articles of clothing including presents for loved ones and lingerie. Music plays at the opening and closing of the performance, as Ms. Motea enters and exits dancing. The lighting never altered, but if it had it would have appeared sloppy and overdone. Therefore it was a nice choice by director Terry Todd and stage manager Deb Chantler. Costumes were simple and accurate; they complemented Ms. Motea well.
The piece, in short, was delightful. Its humor tinged with honesty makes it a worthwhile experience for everyone and anyone.
A Look Back at In Good Company … An Evening of Theatre by London Women Playwrights
Reviewed by Rebecca Davies Wilson, 2008
Claudia Motea is an actress I would love to work with but never have.
theatreinlondon.ca/2006/05/25-questions-with-john-e-turner
DANAIDS
“Prayer and lament in Les Danaides, Silviu Purcarete’s reconstruction of Aeschylus’ work at Licoln Center Festival”.
The New York TimesLINGERIE …
BEST OF SUMMER: Fringe favorites
Kathy Rumleski
Sun Media
A farce comedy featuring award-winning actor Claudia Motea and Drew Skitt, set in a depression-era boarding house in Halifax. The original script is by Londoner Paul Kinsella.
“Claudia Motea brings a refreshingly strong and natural sense of emotion to the piece.”
London Theatre Festival 2007
Loving Me Is Not The Worst,
a romantic-comedy by Claudia Motea…Sincere and heart-felt effort for the first time playwright Claudia Motea offers audiences a refreshing innocence and unflinching faith in the redemptive powers of love; from Adam and Eve to the Machbets…Loving Me is not the Worst scores highly for good theatre…
Chris Doty, London Fringe, Reviews 2003
TONGUES OF LOVE
“The actors in this production are strongly committed to their roles and their journey on the stage. They are courageous in their performances and they deserve a great audience. If you are interested in well written productions that deal with real life relationships then Tongues of Love is worth a visit.”
“Claudia Motea holds up her part with charm and sincerity that raises her performance above many other romantic roles I have ever seen.”
Kenneth Chisholm, London Festival 2008
“Claudia Motea! A great success on the stage of Canada!”
Evenimentul Zilei, the Romanian National newspaper“Claudia Motea with her tremendous talent, brings the Romanian Dramatic Arts on Canadian stage”
Faptu’ Divers, the first Romanian newspaper in Canada
Romanian succeses on stages in Canada
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Shortly after graduating from the Academy of Theater and Film in Bucharest, Claudia Motea participated in a theater project that changed her life. After playing on stages in Austria, Holland, France, Germany, Ireland and USA, Claudia decided to try a new adventure, the emigration to Canada in the city of London. Recently started as a playwright, she succeeded with one of her pieces to win "the prize for best actress," prize for best production, the popularity prize, the prize for the best play written and "Award for dramaturgy.
Event day: How did you get to Canada and why did you choose this country?
Claudia Motea: I think it took chance and destiny. After completing university I was employed by the Foundation of theater and film “Tofan" to perform in the play Danaidele, a Romanian-French co-production, directed by Silviu Purcărete. This project participated at many theater festivals in Europe and its final destination was in New York at the Lincoln Center Theater Summer Festival. America for me was "love at first sight."
From the first days after arrival in New York I decided to emigrate, receiving support from my good friend Ramona Dumitrescu, lawyer of emigration. I made this decision quickly, giving up the opportunity to go to France to study Ancient Greek at the Sorbonne IV, for which I received acceptance during the American tour. My arrival in Canada is linked by a sentimental reason. Here I met Michael, my husband.
You played on the theater scene in different countries. What public did you feel the closest with?
I have lived unforgettable moments, and everywhere I have felt the magic on the public. The play "Danaidele" had a deep echo in the hearts of viewers everywhere, from the Austrian public in Vienna, where it had its European debut to the New York public, in front of which it played its last shows.
I had an especially great experience attending the Avignon Theater Festival. The stage was an open amphitheatre, specially arranged for our production. People came and waited at least two to three hours before the show started, knowing they couldn’t smoke, or have the same comfort as in a traditional theater auditorium.
One night it rained and we had to stop play. People refused to leave and hoped that the rain would stop and they would be able to see the play until the end.
Not just once I felt the warmth of the Canadian public. I remember the frenzy that included the entire theatre when I played "Never Another Girl Like Me", my play that received a unanimous vote for the popularity prize.
Romanians go to the theater in Canada?
Unfortunately, the interest of Romanians in Canada to go to the theater is not so great. Even when a few Romanian plays came on a North American tour the response was not as well as expected. I heard that a show with Olga Tudorache had only a few people. Even though it is painful to say, I cannot count on the Romanian-Canadian community. When producing theatre pieces although I promote in our community, I realize that there may not be too many spectators of Romanian origin in the theatre.
How difficult was it to start a life as an artist in Canada?
It was not easy. All I did was listening to my heart; I was so eager to play and to express myself artistically in a new country. When I decided to emigrate while I was in New York, playing on Broadway in the play with Radu Beligan and Victor Rebengiuc the euphoria I experienced coul not be better. This wonderful dream finally came to an end when the play ended and the troupe returned to Romania. Now passing the Palace Theater, a theater close to my house, I promise myself that one day I will play on its stage. I know it will take time, trust, work and perseverance.
Do you regret the decision to leave Romania?
My belief in Zen philosophy helps me to not have regrets for the past and look to the future. I think that is a legacy that my father has given me. Dad was a great boxing coach and used to tell his students: "In the ring you are alone. Assume responsibility for your decisions and your fight! So you can be victorious" Perhaps there are moments when I wonder what would have been if I had remained in Romania or France, but I have no regrets.
What is your last theatrical project?
During August 1-10, in the London Fringe Festival 2008 I produced and starred in the play "Tongues of Love" (Limbile Iubirii). It is a Canadian adaptation of the Romanian play "Crisis or Another Love Story", written by Mihai Ignat, 2008 Uniter prize winner in the category "Best Romanian play of 2007. The play enjoyed much success and the positive reviews have justified my commitment to my art.
What is your favorite role?
I love all roles from drama through comedy. It is the work and detail with any role that I use to "love the knowledge that is deep and stable”. It creates a link that connects my heart with nature. Some examples of my favorite roles include : Angel in "Loving Me Is Not The Worst", Olga Katrina in "You Can’t Take It With You," Puck in "Midsummer Night’s Dream”
How different is the world of theater in Canada compared with that of Romania?
I still harbor a weakness for traditional European theater. I love the culture that the Romanian people have regarding the theater tradition. In Canada, musicals have the top place, grandiose pieces that impress primarily through technical effects. I had the chance to see many theatrical performances, both in Canada and in New York, but nothing could remove the love and respect I have for Romanian theater.
Is it easier for an actor to make it in Canada?
If you live in Canada you are tempted to think that it would be easier for you as an actor elsewhere. As an immigrant, you feel disconnected from many, primarily because of the language, this will follow you forever. However I think it is difficult everywhere. Even if you are talented you must have a bit of luck and work as hard as a slave. Wherever you practice, this job is not easy. I never had any connections or relations in show business, either in Romania or in Canada. I can say that through my personality I created "a chain of weaknesses" Caragialesc, which helped me to promote my creative work and to give the Canadian public a taste of the Romanian community.
What led you to become a playwright?
In the first two years of my immigration I did not perform on the Canadian stage. I lived and breathed theater, viewing as many plays as I could. I participated in workshops and theatrical training, I practiced English and I put an emphasis on writing in English.
As an exercise, I wrote my first play in English: "Loving Me Is Not The Worst. My writing matured and the Canadian debut of my next play, Never Another Girl Like Me in which I also starred has enjoyed much success and gave me confidence.
From autobiographical material about my emigration to New York and weaving the story with elements of romance and humor, I was able to create a piece that has received many awards: Award for Best Actress, "Prize for the Best Production" ,"Popularity Award", "Award for the Best Original Script. "Prize for theater" was a testimony giving me confidence in my power to create and receive acceptance as an artist in a new country, whose language I did not know when I first arrived.
Why did you create your own production company?
Coming to Canada, I understood that to survive I must adapt to life here. And because theater is the light of my life, I tried to get involved in all the aspects of the Canadian theatrical world. I was a publicist, a technical director, production assistant, and playwright. Later I gave birth to my company "Motea Renaissance Productions”. It is small but with lofty dreams. Our aims are to produce projects of high artistic quality. The awards I gained encouraged me to pursue the production of new projects.
Can you talk about travelling abroad for the young Romanian actor?
It is said that the artist must be free to explore the world alone. I encourage all players to go abroad and study other methods of acting. The exchange of experience and different types of workshops will have a beneficial role in the pursuit of the artistic creation and it will help open new horizons in perception and approach to a role.
How often do you return to Romania?
Last time was four years ago. I feel rooted in Romania, but I had to lay down roots in order to attain my Canadian citizenship. As a plastic image, I am like a tree with roots in Romania, but branches in the Canadian industry. Everything I create here is an ornament on this tree. Buds, leaves, flowers, birds and butterflies bring poetry and life and give the tree its rustle, laden with dreams and hopes.
When will your next visit take place?
I will return to the country in December. I will visit my mother's grave, I will spend some time with Dad and the rest of the family, I will play with my granddaughter, Adriana, whom I’ve only seen in photos. I intend to achieve several theatrical projects, to publish a collection of pieces of American theater in translation and to see my former colleagues and teachers.
And I will attend many theatrical events!
What is your dream?
May I answer with this Haiku: "I have told anyone / first dream of the new year / But I just have smiled!
When I dream, happiness overwhelms me. My life is a whirl of many dreams and one of them is to create an artistic bridge between Romania and Canada. I have already started this when I produced "Tongues of Love", my first Romanian play in English in Canada.
