“I aspire to work in cinema, portraying roles and stories that allow the exploration of complexity, contradiction, and poetry. Collaborating with talented peers is really important to me.

—  SARA DRAGO

Italian actress Sara Drago infuses her passion for acting into every frame. Her journey into the film industry began with short films, intertwined with her exploration of the theatrical stage. Sara found herself immersed in the joy of portraying diverse characters on screen, the start of a journey she credits to the Sky Italia series Call My Agent directed by director Luca Ribuoli.

From the atmospheric charm of the Manetti Bros. Diabolik: Who are you? [orig. Diabolik: chi sei?] to Silvia Cemaschi’s understated gem The Room, Sara's roles mirror a connection to resonant narratives. She thrives on the challenge of roles that stretch her boundaries, finding intrigue in the tragicomic and edgy world. Sara skillfully navigates the delicate balance between personal and professional life acknowledging the challenges that come with managing the demands of an industry that thrives on constant reinvention. Her approach to roles, marked by a preference for characters distant from her own experiences, reflects a commitment to continuous growth and exploration of the craft. A compelling illustration of Sara's dedication is her bold experiment during the pandemic era lockdown. Sara immersed herself in a transformative experience by assuming the persona of an old homeless man, wandering the streets of her hometown to observe the reactions of its inhabitants. This daring undertaking gave rise to Libero Cobes, laying the groundwork for an upcoming theatrical endeavor.

“Managing anxiety is the most challenging aspect. This profession demands constant reassessment, mental flexibility, unwavering focus, and the skill to remain fully present in the moment.”

Kevin Sinclair __ What inspired you to pursue acting, and how did you get started in the film industry?

Sara Drago __ Whether through theater or cinema, I find pure joy in acting. The magic lies in the shared experience of listening to and narrating stories, a collaborative journey of envisioning and creating characters. My journey into visual storytelling began with my involvement in short films while simultaneously pursuing theater. Now, I have been living in Rome for two years. Thanks to Director Luca Ribuoli and the series Call My Agent, I get to dive deeper into the joy of playing different characters on screen.

KS __ What attracted you to Diabolik: Who are you? [orig. Diabolik: chi sei?], and how did you approach your role?

SD __ I wanted to act on a distinguished set like the Manetti Bros for a cinematic project so the role came at the right time. The character I portrayed sparked my imagination and took me to a different world, skillfully crafted by the photography and direction. Playing a subtly bored stripper, I enjoyed immersing myself in a moment that felt both distant and wonderfully atmospheric. Drawing inspiration from historical images and the world of burlesque, I carefully crafted the performance for Diabolik. The magic truly unfolded as the costume, makeup, and the overall on-set ambiance came together to create a captivating experience.

KS __ What appealed to you about the project The Room? How did it contribute to your growth as an actress?

SD __ The Room, Silvia Cremaschi's directorial debut, is a true hidden gem. Although the film was nominated for the David di Donatello awards, it's mostly recognized outside of Italy. Unfortunately, some artistic endeavors struggle to gain recognition in Italy. What captivated me was the inner world of the protagonist, Anna, an artist and milliner confined within a room—a symbolic space representing emotional imprisonment. Anna's only escape lies in her imagination and creativity. I found a personal resonance in her story; it emphasized the power of imagination, yet underscored the importance of taking tangible actions. I value stepping into the unknown, and witnessing the protagonist's journey towards freedom after a painful self-awareness process left a profound impact. The set was charged with power; everyone was there for [the director] Silvia and the deep meaning embedded in her work. This experience taught me the indispensable importance of having a meaningful narrative.

KS __ When choosing roles, are there specific types of characters or genres that you find particularly interesting or challenging?

SD __ The farther a character is from my own experiences, the more it captivates me. I find intrigue in irony, even amidst tragedy. I have a deep affection for the tragicomic and the edginess of the grotesque. Roles guide us to recognize specific human traits and provide a unique opportunity to reflect on these aspects within ourselves. Walking in the shoes of another is an invaluable exercise we should all undertake. It allows us to experience diverse thought processes, motivations, and emotions that differ from our own. At times, it feels like the role itself selects the performer, as if saying, "I resonate with you, there's something here, let's explore together!"

KS __ What aspects of the acting profession do you find most challenging, and how do you overcome those challenges?

SD __ Managing anxiety is the most challenging aspect. This profession demands constant reassessment, mental flexibility, unwavering focus, and the skill to remain fully present in the moment. A prominent issue that often occupies my thoughts is the responsibility of choices. What artistic path do I aspire to carve? Am I making progress? Am I staying true to my vision? Is it acceptable to decline opportunities? I am grateful to my therapist, a guiding presence who aids me in sorting through the clutter, helping me periodically tidy up my inner sanctuary.

KS __ Can you share insights into your process of preparing for a new role? Any specific methods or rituals you follow?

SD __ My initial focus is extracting clues from the text: who is this individual? How do they conduct themselves? What causes do they champion, and what do they dread? I engage in a playful exploration in front of the mirror, experimenting with lines, expressions, makeup, and voice to shape my identity. On the one hand, I emphasize the distinctions between myself and the character, while simultaneously seeking internal connections between "my world" and "theirs." I willingly open myself to the transformation into someone else. I document my insights through images, drawings, music, and writing, nurturing the imaginative world surrounding the role. Next, I integrate my findings with those of the director, fellow cast members, costume designers, makeup artists, and hairstylists. When their contributions add something unexpected to my original plans, it brings me joy!

KS __ Balancing personal and professional life can be demanding. How do you manage this balance in the film industry?

SD __ Maintaining a balance between work and life requires constant vigilance, especially in our profession where the line between the two is exceptionally thin. The risk of succumbing to anxiety is always present, and finding serenity is most important. Striking the right balance involves staying calm—immersing oneself deeply, occasionally riding the waves in and out, attempting complete detachment, and accepting the occasional embrace of emptiness, even though achieving this balance is not always easy. It's crucial to anchor oneself with the understanding that, at the end of the day, it's all a game. While we approach our work with seriousness, it's important to acknowledge that it's ultimately a playful endeavor. We're not saving lives! Our existence revolves around meaning and enjoyment. Let's not forget that, fundamentally, we are jesters, reveling in the joy of making friends laugh at dinner. We adore the spotlight and have a tendency for theatrics. I speak for myself, of course, but I'm confident that I'm in good company.

KS __ Looking ahead, are there directors or actors you dream of collaborating with in the future?

SD __ I am drawn to original creations. I admire individuals who can craft their unique language. One film that left a lasting impression on me is Aftersun, the cinematic debut of Charlotte Wells. I’d love to collaborate with Charlotte someday. My aspirations extend to working with renowned figures such as Alice Rohrwacher, as I really enjoyed her latest movie La Chimera, Paola Cortellesi, Matteo Garrone, Ken Loach, Xavier Dolan, and Antonio Albanese. Dreaming big, I would love to work with Cate Blanchett or McDormand. It's a lofty goal, but reaching for the stars is what makes the journey worthwhile.

KS __ What are your long-term career goals, and where do you see yourself in the film industry in the next few years?

SD __ I aspire to work in cinema, portraying roles and stories that allow the exploration of complexity, contradiction, and poetry. Collaborating with talented peers is really important to me. I crave the opportunity to be a creator in my own right. Looking beyond Italy, I envision a life split between a home studio and a suitcase, engaging in acting across various languages—French, English—and traversing both cinema and theater. I would like to work in America. I've recommitted myself to learning English and French, eager to see where this journey takes me.

KS __ How do you feel you’ve evolved as an actress since the beginning of your career, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

SD __ I've come to understand that the pursuit of knowledge requires determination and a relentless hunger for learning. Knowledge has freed me from self-judgment and the need to constantly project expertise, a transformation aided by a journey of therapy and meaningful encounters. This journey in my profession has been a revelation, guiding me to uncover facets of myself and present them openly to the world. Much lies ahead on this path, and I look forward to the ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.

KS __ Finally, can you share any fun or memorable moments from your journey as an actress so far?

SD __ Amid the pandemic's stifling atmosphere, a fear of fading away grips me. Determined to break free, I make a bold decision: I step out, disguising myself as an old homeless man. I walk through the streets of my town, populated only by runners and newly improvised athletes. My neighbor doesn't recognize me and walks past, like almost everyone else. “Great,” I think, “I'm doing a good job.” Except for a dog that approaches and doesn't want to leave. Its concerned owner eventually strikes up a conversation, laughing at my jokes. Words, not entirely my own, flow effortlessly, and I find myself immersed in new emotions. For two hours, I become someone else entirely, embracing the gaze of others with indifference to their judgments. It becomes an unexpected journey of freedom. Today, this transformative experiment is called Libero Cobes, and lays the groundwork for a new act

Photography Jork Weismann, Stylist Samanta Pardini, Hair and Makeup Lucia Orazi, Interview Kevin Sinclair, Talent Sara Drago (MPunto Comunicazione)