Latest news with #Shauna
Irish Independent
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Yeats poem was inspiration behind Sligo student's work at unique medieval exhibition in Dublin
The exhibition explores early medieval Ireland's cultural impact on Europe and includes the largest-ever loan of manuscripts from the Abbey Library of St. Gall in Switzerland—many of them contemporaries of the Book of Kells. As part of its legacy element, students from Ireland and Switzerland took part in a collaborative schools project, working with calligrapher Tim O'Neill and museum staff to create manuscripts using traditional techniques such as insular script and handmade dyes. An important legacy of the exhibition is an international school project led by the National Museum of Ireland and the Abbey of St. Gall involving second-level students from Irish schools (Eureka Secondary School, Kells, Co. Meath, Coláiste Muire, Ballymote, Co. Sligo and St Gallen/Gallen Community School, Offaly) as well as the Catholic Cantonal Secondary School 'flade' in St. Gallen. Students produced their own manuscripts inspired by the world today, using the techniques of the past through a process of creating dyes, materials, and insular script and art. They were all instructed by attended workshops online, in their classrooms and at the museum, with calligraphy expert, Tim O'Neill, and museum staff, and their work will feature in the exhibition. Shauna said: 'W.B. Yeats' 'The Wild Swans at Coole' was the inspiration for my piece. I was captivated by the symbolism of partnership evident in Yeats' portrayal of the swans and their sultry vitality as they remain free-spirited amidst the constant hustle and bustle of life.' The exhibition was launched by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter and Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD. Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe focuses on early medieval Ireland and its profound impact on ideas in Europe. At the exhibition's heart are 17 manuscripts on loan from the Abbey Library of St. Gall in Switzerland, a seventh-century library - in a city named after the Irish monk, St. Gall - that is home to one of the world's most significant collections of early medieval manuscripts. This exhibition is a world-first, marking the largest-ever loan of these manuscripts. New research commissioned by the National Museum of Ireland for the exhibition, using advanced scientific techniques, has provided evidence for the first time that the four most decorated manuscripts on loan from the Abbey Library of St. Gall were made using the hides of Irish cattle. While the role of Irish monks in writing the manuscripts was already known, this research reveals that that the books travelled from Ireland to St. Gallen with them, on their journey over a thousand years ago. Employing techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and multispectral imaging in both ultraviolet and infrared spectrums, researchers working with University College Cork's Inks and Skins project were able to identify elemental components of the inks, pigments, and parchment—many of which are not visible to the naked eye. The analysis revealed that the manuscripts were written with iron gall ink made from the nests of wasps in oak trees, a distinctive and well-documented feature of Irish manuscript production during the early medieval period. Furthermore, the method by which the animal skins were prepared, along with the presence of specific chemical elements such as sulphur and potassium, closely aligns with known Irish techniques of parchment manufacture. The Inks and ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Skins project team also collected surface DNA samples from the manuscripts to identify the genomes in the skins of the cattle used in their production. These priceless, handmade manuscripts reflect the journeys of Irish monks like St. Gall and St. Columbanus, who travelled to Europe seeking exile, refuge, and learning. Their journeys involved not only the movement of people but also ideas and artistic traditions, connecting the small island of Ireland to a much larger continent. It mirrors a 1,400-year-old connection between Switzerland and Ireland that started with the arrival of St. Gall in St. Gallen in 612. Scientific analysis of this DNA conducted by the School of Genetics in Trinity College Dublin, indicates that the cattle were of Irish origin. Using a technique pioneered by the team in 2017— a non-invasive genetic analysis of the parchment on which the manuscripts are written in which DNA is gently extracted from the surface of manuscripts using a rubber eraser—the team successfully recovered genetic material from the animal skins used in manuscript production. The results, interpreted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), demonstrates that the cattle, from whose skin the parchment was made, were of Irish origin.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How ‘The Studio,' ‘Yellowjackets,' ‘Monsters' and ‘White Lotus' Make Bad Behavior Appealing
If you analyze the list of reprehensible acts committed by Shauna on 'Yellowjackets' – from everyday betrayals of those closest to her (e.g., sleeping with her best friend's boyfriend in the series' first episode) to serious crimes – you can safely say that she is an objectively horrible person who should be serving a long stretch in prison. But not if you're Melanie Lynskey, the actor who's played the character on the Showtime series for the past three seasons. More from Variety Emmy Voters Don't Forget: The Powerful Women of 'The Righteous Gemstones' 'Handmaid's Tale' and 'Day of the Jackal' Producers on Rewriting Literary Worlds With TV Adaptations 'The White Lotus': How Editing and Sound Helped Make Thailand a Character in the Story 'I feel so the opposite of that,' says Lynskey when confronted with the idea that Shauna is a horrible person. 'It's so easy for me to find the humanity in her.' Finding the humanity in a character, no matter how morally objectionable, is a core task of an actor's job. And since Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) bada-binged his way on to TV screens in 'The Sopranos' in 1999, that task has become increasingly more daunting for both actors and audiences as they've been confronted by a growing horde of emotionally toxic and downright dangerous anti-heroes, from Walter White in 'Breaking Bad' to virtually every character in 'Succession.'In comedy, that's the case too. It's not easy to craft a character who both causes audiences to yell at the screen and root for at the same time. Yet 'The Studio' does just that with Seth Rogen's Matt Remick, who after getting a major promotion seems to make every wrong decision he can. Still, it's impossible not to hope he finds a way to succeed. Often, actors can't help but feel protective of their characters. Lynskey says she's been bewildered by the fans who've directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna's husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci). It's suggested to Lynskey that the difference is that Misty's brand is cuckoo, while Shauna is effectively the eyes and the ears of the viewer. 'Yeah, I guess there is a difference,' concedes Lynskey, who plays the character as an adult, while Sophie Nélisse plays her as a teen. 'I think that that the reason why people feel so upset and betrayed is because [Shauna] is like the audience surrogate who we all relate to. She seems like moms that I know. She seems like my mom. She thinks like me and then she's actually somebody who's capable of doing very crazy and really vicious things.' As Lyle Menendez in Netflix's 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,' Nicholas Alexander Chavez is that arrogant, spoiled rich kid we've all known – right up until the moment he and his brother Erik (Cooper Koch) kill their parents Jose and Kitty (Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny). But unlike Shauna in 'Yellowjackets,' if you take away the cold-blooded murder, Lyle is still, well … a privileged douche. Right? 'I would have a really tough time calling him that, only because it's impossible for me to put that kind of judgment on him,' insists Chavez. 'I see him more so as a wounded boy whose emotional and psychological development was probably stunted around the age of 8 or 9 or 10, but who ultimately felt like he had to behave like his dad. And I think that if you asked any 10-year-old to act like a 40-year-old record label executive, they would have a lot of anger and feel a lot of inadequacy because they don't have the means by which to actually do that job.' For Season 3 of HBO Max's 'The White Lotus,' Michelle Monaghan looked deep into the soul of not a murderer, but a famous actress like herself – specifically, a fictitious TV star named Jaclyn who manipulates and betrays her two childhood friends (Leslie Bibb and Carrie Coon) while on girls' trip to a luxury resort in Thailand – a process she admits she felt 'confronted' by. '[As actors], 'a lot of our self-worth is dependent on external validation,' observes Monaghan. 'I think because that's the way in which [Jaclyn] lives her life and that that's where she places her value, when she's not getting that validation or that stimulation that she needs, she goes looking for it in all the wrong places. And at the end of the day, what I hope we see is someone who probably really needs authentic connection. And I don't think she's malicious; I don't think she's manipulative, I think she's naughty.' Monaghan believes that, instead of turning viewers off, a character's bad behavior can actually draw them in. 'I think it allows for audiences to be seen in a way, because maybe [the character's] moral compass is a little off in a way that can oftentimes mirror their own,' she says. 'I like that feeling of being able to kind of take the audience on a ride that feels maybe a little confronting for them and one that they're emotionally invested in.' Getting inside the head of Menendez and staying there was a less pleasant experience for Chavez at times, particularly when he had to shoot a scene where he was was locked in a closet, naked and covered in simulated feces. 'When I'm working on a role, it'll work on me in almost a subconscious way,' says Chavez. 'There will be subtle drifts in my personality towards a certain behavior pattern over the course of two or three or four months. I do this almost unknowingly, which makes a lot of sense because you're filming five days a week for anywhere between eight to 14 hours a day. Now, it's not to the point where I'm out to dinner with my friends after a day of shooting and I'm introducing myself as Lyle. I think that that sort of stuff is a bit ridiculous. But I'd say I was about four months out, like late January of this year, is when I started to actually let go [of Lyle] and feel like myself again.' But, just as often, it's good for an actor to be bad. Lynskey points to her stunt-filled fight scene from Season 3 of 'Yellowjackets' where she bites off a piece of Melissa's (Hillary Swank) arm and forces her to eat it as being particularly enjoyable. 'It's very fun when the stakes are high and there's a really dangerous element to it,' says Lynskey. 'And it's fun to play someone who's unpredictable. Honestly, I don't know what the scripts are going to give me.' Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Extra.ie
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Woman, 25, 'trapped in body of a child' reveals why she was 'scared to date'
A 25-year-old woman trapped in the body of an eight-year-old has opened up on how she has had to be extra-wary when dating due to her height making it 'very easy [for her] to be prey.' Long Island native Shauna Rae Lesick stars in TLC's I Am Shauna Rae. Shauna is just three feet and 10 inches in height and weighs around 50 pounds. Shauna's stunted growth is a side effect of the treatment she received as a child for brain cancer. Long Island native Shauna Rae Lesick stars in TLC's I Am Shauna Rae. Shauna is just three feet and 10 inches in height and weighs around 50 pounds. Pic: Instagram/ Shauna Rae Speaking on The Unplanned Podcast, the reality star admitted her mum and stepdad warned her 'from a very young age' that she needed to be extra careful when dating. Shauna detailed how her parents warned her that she needed to 'read into' potential suitors as there was a chance their interest could be a result of her size. She said: 'I grew up knowing that, and that was scary. I was scared to date. I was scared to flirt with anyone. I was scared to even be asked out.' The 25-year-old added that she once asked a boy if he was a predator after he asked her out in the cafeteria in school. Shauna added that her parents advised her to 'find someone who you can build a base bond with.' Despite being in a happy relationship at the moment, Shauna admitted she keeps her partners identity off her social media. She said: 'Neither one of us care if his face is out there. I more worry because he has a nice job. I don't want anything bad going to the job — the job knows who I am, they know what I do for a living, they love me. 'But with everything that social media is and everything I know my boyfriend isn't, I just don't want him to be labelled something and him not be my partner forever.' She added that his face wouldn't be shown unless they were getting married.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I was terrified — she has an Oscar for 'Million Dollar Baby'‘: Melanie Lynskey on her epic ‘Yellowjackets' fight with Hilary Swank
Melanie Lynskey is savoring the success of Showtime's Yellowjackets. As the addictive drama continues to captivate audiences with its mix of psychological tension and survival horror, the Emmy-nominated actress shares her excitement over the show's growing fanbase. "It's so nice that people are still excited and more people seem to be finding the show," Lynskey tells Gold Derby (watch our full interview above). "You're always nervous that things are going to take a turn and people will stop watching, so it was really lovely to hear that." More from GoldDerby Latest Tony Awards odds: 'Maybe Happy Ending' and 'Oh, Mary!' maintain their leads, Best Actress in a Musical tightens 'You can't unsee it': 'The Fall of Diddy' directors on Cassie's allegations and a mogul's decline 'Oh, Mary!' Tony nominee Conrad Ricamora on getting laughs as Abraham Lincoln: 'I've got to take the stakes deadly seriously' According to Paramount, the Season 3 finale was the most-streamed in the series' history — and Season 3 of Yellowjackets was its most-watched overall. Showtime announced the series was picked up for a fourth season just days after this interview took place. Season 3 saw Lynskey's character, Shauna, delve into darker, more chaotic territory — a turn the actress found exhilarating. "It was fun because it felt like what the character has been building to," Lynskey explains. "From the beginning, I had the information that she's really trying to repress this side of herself. It's been fun when I've been able to let it out in little bursts. In [the first two] seasons there were little moments where it came out — but it went so wild this season. It was fun." Though Shauna's moments of depravity take center stage, Lynskey's ability to balance drama with humor has resonated with fans. Asked whether the comedic undertones of Shauna were scripted or her own interpretation, Lynskey says, "I think she was written that way. The first time you see her in the pilot, she's ironing and watching a game show. This lady gets an answer wrong, and she's like, 'Oh, Linda, you dumb bitch.' It's funny for her to be judging Linda so harshly. Also, casting Warren [Kole], who plays my husband Jeff, and finding out he was so great at comedy — we have wonderful chemistry together. It all sort of fell into place." Lynskey also shares some comical scenes with Christina Ricci, whose portrayal of Misty blends humor with an unnerving quality. Trust was completely lost between the two characters this season as Shauna accused Misty of locking her in a freezer and cutting the brakes to her minivan. Meanwhile, Misty was investigating Shauna for the murder of Lottie (Simone Kessell). "I love working with Christina," Lynskey says. "She's such a professional. You're never going to be waiting around — she wants to go home, and it's just fun. She's very funny. Finally, she's coming to terms with the fact that she's extremely gifted at comedy. At first, she was quite resistant. She had a beautiful arc this season as well. She retained that humor the whole time, but there were very heartbreaking moments." SEE Samantha Hanratty on Misty stepping 'into her own' in 'Yellowjackets' Season 3: 'She is a lot more useful than I think a lot of people give her credit for' One of the season's most exciting additions to the cast was two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank as adult Melissa. Reflecting on her experience filming the season's eighth episode, "A Normal, Boring Life," Lynskey reveals the sheer scope of preparation required. "It was 26 pages of dialogue," Lynskey recalls. "It was her first day. No big deal! Just come sit opposite me and have 26 pages of dialogue. It's a dream as an actor. Especially on an ensemble show where I've gotten to dive into the character work a lot. To have that much time sitting opposite somebody, connecting, and playing around with it — and then for it to end in a crazy stunt was great." When filming their epic fight scene where Shauna tackles Melissa to the ground and takes a bite out of her arm, Lynskey remembers her initial hesitation. "I was scared because the last time I had done a lot of stunt work it was in Candy with Jessica Biel. By the time we filmed that, Jess and I trusted each other so much. We had been rehearsing for so long. I knew with Jess, if I accidentally punched her in the face, she would be like, 'Keep going!' Physically, we were very comfortable." With Swank, Lynskey wrestled with uncertainty, knowing they'd only just met. "I was terrified. I don't know what her limitations are or what she's comfortable with. I reminded myself at a certain point that she has an Oscar for Million Dollar Baby and she can take a hit," Lynskey says with a laugh. "Also, the way Clint Eastwood films, you don't get a lot of takes. It's one or two, and then you're moving on. That performance in that movie is stunning. The person who did that is going to be fine wrestling around on the floor with me — and she really was — she was up for it." Another key moment Lynskey discusses is Shauna's reaction upon discovering a note from Melissa in the season finale, forcing her to confront her impulsive nature and the consequences of her actions. "It's too scary for her to feel that," Lynskey says. "The thing that she likes the least is facing the consequences of her own actions. In finding the note she realizes, 'You did it again. You acted before you had all the information. You did something you can't take back.' But in the moment, she's a very impulsive person. She thinks somebody is out to get her and thinks, 'I'm going to get them first.' It's so overwhelming for her to realize how massively she's f--ked up that she literally can't — she starts to collapse and then her brain says, 'Nope,' and she goes into scary-person mode." While discussing Sophie Nelisse, who plays teenage Shauna, Lynskey is full of praise. "She is so amazing!" Lynskey gushes. "The first couple of seasons there is so much humanity in that character and so much loss that she suffered. There was a switch this season where she can't go through anything like that anymore. She's become a very scary person. Sophie has done such a beautiful job of letting emotion through even though she's a person that's not letting herself feel anything. I just worship her. She's so good." The three-time Emmy nominee admits to being a self-proclaimed awards nerd: "I would always look at the odds and I was always so excited for everybody. I remember years ago when Kate Winslet was nominated for her for first Oscar — calling her and us both crying. How incredible is that to have a moment where you're recognized?" Lynskey recalls her first Critics Choice Award nomination for Togetherness, saying, "It was such a huge deal for me. I felt so seen. I know you're supposed to be cool and say, 'I don't really care. I don't pay attention.' I absolutely pay attention." The actress, who earned an Emmy nomination for her guest role on HBO's The Last of Us in 2023, is set to appear in an upcoming episode of Poker Face on Peacock. Lynskey tells Gold Derby there's a few other shows she wouldn't mind spending some time on: Severance, Matlock, and Abbott Elementary. "Kathy Bates, I just adore. I love Severance. I love comedies. Doing an episode or two of Abbott Elementary would make me so happy." SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby TV Production Design roundtable panel: 'American Primeval,' 'Beast Games,' 'Étoile' 'Étoile' production designer Bill Groom on re-creating the halls and stages of New York and Paris 'Beast Games' production designer Stephen Leonhardt on redefining reality TV with the most complex sets in TV history Click here to read the full article.
Los Angeles Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
'Yellowjackets' Actresses Unpack Character Depths and the Series' Dark Themes in Candid Q&A
In a compelling Q&A session, Paramount+ series 'Yellowjackets' stars Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, and Tawny Cypress offered a look into the acclaimed psychological thriller that has enthralled viewers. The discussion, moderated by Yvonne Villarreal of the Los Angeles Times at The Culver Theater on April 9, 2025, explored the intense themes of the hit TV series, including survival, trauma, friendship, and the lengths these women go to protect themselves and their secrets. The actresses delved into the complexities of their character portrayals, the impact of the show's central mystery surrounding a plane crash, and their experiences filming the often dark and suspenseful story of TV series. The character development in 'Yellowjackets' is a cornerstone of its success. Lynskey (Shauna), Ricci (Misty), and Cypress (Taissa) shared insights into playing the adult versions of individuals marked by their time in the Canadian wilderness. Ricci spoke about her approach to the enigmatic Misty, stating, 'I feel very much like Misty is always operating in a vacuum of immediacy and the present, but all of it is obviously informed by her past,' highlighting the character's unique and often unsettling pragmatism. The actresses also discussed the collaborative process of aligning their performances with their younger counterparts, a crucial aspect of bringing the full arc of each character to the screen. The TV drama masterfully shows how past traumas, including potential murders and the breakdown of societal rules, continue to influence their present-day personal life and family dynamics in 'Yellowjackets.' A key point of discussion was the show's narrative ambiguity and the shocking revelations that often surprise even the cast. Cypress (Taissa) admitted, 'First of all, I learned so much through the younger [group's] storylines and everything shocks me ... every step of the way, it surprises me and it thrills me.' This sense of ongoing mystery and suspense is vital to the 'Yellowjackets' experience. The actresses touched upon the TV series exploration of whether events are supernaturally influenced or have grounded explanations. Ricci noted, 'Everything that they do, they have to make sure there is a sort of supernatural explanation but also a grounded, realistic explanation.' The critical acclaim for the TV series was acknowledged, with the actresses expressing their pride in being part of such an impactful story. Lynskey, discussing Shauna's journey, shared how she and Sophie Thatcher (young Shauna) envisioned the character, 'Sophie and I were both like, no, she's so confident ... a little scared of her own power.' This confidence, however, leads Shauna down a dark path. Speaking about the show's often brutal turns, particularly concerning character fates, Cypress joked about the fear of being killed off, 'There's apparently a brunch, and if you get invited to that brunch ... you're dying.' Looking toward what the future holds for the 'Yellowjackets' series, the conversation hinted at more betrayals and shifting alliances if they get the green light on a season four, which hasn't been announced yet. Ricci teased, 'There are some really surprising moves made, divisions, relationships ruined, new alliances formed, some strikes at the heart.' Looking ahead, the 'Yellowjackets' series cast offered cryptic teases for the season finale, promising surprising moves, betrayals, new alliances, and moments that strike at the heart of the story. The Q&A provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of 'Yellowjackets' and the talented individuals who bring its complex characters to life.
