Range In Performance

Dragone creations often test the boundaries of technical and human performance. This can be through designing a space with never-before-seen capabilities and stage magic, discovering new stories through folk traditions, or traversing the wide range of an individual performer’s abilities.?Sometimes, artists like No?lle Croner derive and perform characters so intensely opposite in their composition that they embody the idea of ‘testing boundaries’ to perfection.

We caught up with No?lle and had the privilege of asking her a few questions.?It was fascinating to hear her perspective on performing such different roles, why she does it, and what she found most challenging along the way.

Dragone:

As an introduction, how do you describe yourself and the work that you do?

No?lle:

I’m a dreamer and a doer. I follow my passions and live life pretty FULL OUT! Giving back to my community matters to me and I hope through my work whether it’s teaching or performing, to inspire others around me to feel good about themselves and to chase their soul’s desire!?

Dragone:

When did you join The House of Dancing Water after Le Rêve, and what was that process like?

No?lle:

I joined THODW in August of 2014. For me, the transition was very quick. I took my final bow on stage with Le Rêve as The Dreamer and took a red-eye that same night to arrive in Hong Kong the next day. There is a lot to take in when joining a new show, let alone a new country and culture. I felt like a kid again, absorbing all I could. I found it very fascinating and very much enjoyed and appreciated the cultural idiosyncrasies. I was used to performing in an aquatic theatre because of my many years with Le Rêve so there were certain elements I felt more comfortable with. The rehearsal and integration process was extensive but thorough and I was slotted into costume and onstage in what feels like no time at all!?

Dragone:

Had you ever played a villain before?… Did you like it?

?No?lle:

I had never played a villain before. In Le Rêve, the character role of the Dreamer portrayed innocence, naivety, and curiosity. The Dark Queen, my role at THODW, was completely the opposite, but to be honest, I much preferred being the villain. I absolutely loved building her character and was thankful to have such freedom to evolve her show after show. It was incredibly therapeutic and my character on stage would often represent my personal mood.?She was unpredictable, like a ticking bomb. It’s the highlight of my career. I miss it so much.??

Dragone:

What were the best and most challenging parts of working in The House of Dancing Water?

No?lle:

It’s amazing to be a piece of this artistic masterpiece. Sharing my passion fills my heart right up. It’s such a gift to bring the audience into your fantasy world, where for those 90-minutes they can lose themselves in a creative, mystical world. To receive applause at the end of a day’s work will never lose its value. Even on the days when I felt tired, injured or irritated, I would start each show by dedicating my performance to someone I love and think of the eyes of a child who may be seeing this for the first time. There were always challenges. Some were more complicated than others. There is risk in every show. One needs to be prepared and alert at all times so that in the case of a sudden change or emergency, you can safely execute the necessary protocols. With a show of that scale and with so many moving parts at one time, it’s a HUGE challenge.?

?Dragone:

Looking back, how does it feel to have been part of such significant shows directed by Franco Dragone?

No?lle:

If it weren’t for him and his incredible imagination, I wouldn’t have had the two best experiences in my life.

Dragone:

In closing, is there anything you’d like the readers to know?

No?lle:

Never lose your imagination and keep sharing your passions because you can make a difference!?