INTERVIEW: Austrian actress Janine Hickl on life, inspirations, and Hedy Lamarr - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture

Al-Ahram Weekly

19-02-2025

Ahram Online spoke to the Austrian actress, singer, and dancer Janine Hickl about her background, life between Vienna and London, many inspirations, and creative choices.
Hickl presented monodrama in the musical play Nothing in Between – The Simple Complicated Life of Hedy Lamarr. She gave two performances in Egypt: at the stage of the Jesuit Cultural Centre in Alexandria on 4 February, followed by a performance at the Cairo Opera House's small hall on 5 February.
The play, written and directed by Hickl, tells the story of Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000), an Austrian-born American actress and inventor. The show is a collection of well-known Viennese and French chansons and swing classics, woven with Mark Brown's prose and accompanied by Bernd Leichtfried on the piano and Oliver Mohacsi on the cello.
Ahram Online: Can you tell us about your childhood and how you found yourself in the artistic field?
Janine Hickl: Although my family had no artists, creativity found me early on. I spent countless hours listening to songs, studying their lyrics, and performing solo shows for anyone willing to watch.
As a passionate, driven, and occasionally stubborn child, I naturally gravitated towards a career in the arts. Before I could read, I had already memorized numerous songs; I was dancing before I could walk properly. This passion has always been a fundamental part of who I am.
Over time, my love for storytelling only grew stronger, leading me to perform in more formal settings. Each stage of my life reinforced my calling to connect with audiences and share meaningful stories.
AO: So, in a way, you combined all your passions, right?
JH: Yes! Given my intense fascination for singing, dancing, and performing, I decided to study musical theatre. I wanted to learn the craft of singing, acting, and mastering various dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, and tap dance.
My passion for storytelling eventually drew me deeper into acting, prompting me to pursue advanced classes in this field.
AO: Your education and creative practice place you between Austria and the UK, with the latter being your adoptive home. How do you find yourself between both countries?
JH: The creative scene in Vienna is relatively limited, so I chose London as my second home. I have always loved its charm, the diversity and openness of its people, and its vibrant arts scene.
Since I specialize in music from the 1920s to the 1970s and have a background in swing dancing, London offered more opportunities to pursue my creative passions.
Living in Vienna and London allows me to enjoy the best of both worlds: Vienna as a place to recharge and reorganize and London as a hub for creative inspiration.
AO: You act in both film and theatre. Do you prefer one over the other?
JH: I wouldn't say I prefer one over the other. My roots are in stage performance because of my background in performing arts, so I've spent more time in theatre.
Ultimately, my goal is to tell stories and use every artistic tool available – whether as an actress, singer, dancer, or voice actress – to express myself and connect with audiences, whether on stage or screen. I look forward to every opportunity in both mediums.
AO: You performed on many stages and in films. Then, you chose to portray Hedy Lamarr. Tell us more about it.
JH: Hedy Lamarr's life is full of contradictions and inspiring stories. I highlighted just a few aspects of her rich, remarkable journey.
She was one of the few Austrian female artists to achieve international success. I was captivated by her relentless pursuit of happiness, willingness to take risks, and unwavering belief in herself. I was also fascinated by her courage—both in her career and personal life—and determination to escape situations that didn't serve her happiness.
As an actress, I felt compelled to bring her story back to the stage because many of the themes she struggled with are still relevant today, especially for women in the arts.
Of course, the solo show involved challenges, yet whenever I encountered one, I kept reminding myself that if Hedy was strong enough to pursue her dreams, I'm strong enough to do it — and so is every woman.
AO: Since the role includes many skills besides acting, such as singing and dancing, how did you prepare for it?
JH: Preparing for this role was an intensive and rewarding process.
I extensively researched Lamarr's life and career, exploring her public persona and personal struggles.
As a singer specializing in music from the 1920s to the 1970s and performing in multiple languages, I wanted to use music to highlight key milestones in her journey.
I selected a repertoire of German and French chansons alongside American jazz standards to reflect the events central to her life. This approach gave Lamarr another layer of expression, making her story more vivid and accessible to an international audience.
AO: Would you agree that portraying Hedy Lamarr marked a new stage in your artistic career?
JH: Absolutely, Lamarr introduced me to a new phase in my career. She continues to inspire me as a driven, strong, independent woman, actress, and inventor who never gave up, even in the face of adversity.
Sharing her story has made me reflect on different aspects of life, connect with audiences worldwide, and perhaps spread a little magic.
AO: Nothing in Between is pretty experimental. Throughout your career, you seem to have tended towards experimentation; an evident example was the Hysterical Sisters movie. Tell us more about your creative choices.
JH: I find great value in projects that push creative boundaries, even though I'm a big fan of "classical" storytelling. I like art that combines a reduced approach, clear aesthetics, and honest storytelling. Isn't it a very old-fashioned approach?
AO: This is your first time to perform in Egypt. What are your impressions?
JH: From an artistic perspective, I'm fascinated by the young audience and their appreciation for the arts. The detailed and thoughtful feedback I received for my work was truly heartwarming.
I'm leaving Egypt with wonderful impressions. There, I found warmth, hospitality, and kind people. It is also a country of rich history and incredible cuisine.
AO: What are your plans for the near future?
JH: I aim to organize more tours to share Hedy Lamarr's story with wider audiences worldwide. I also plan to perform more in Egypt, so I hope to return soon.
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