“Here’s what I learned: when you’re happy, the whole world’s New York. And that dreams are important. Someday, when you’re not even looking, they find you.” –Lola
Remember what you heard about drama queens? The high-maintenance, the self-absorbed superficiality? How Hollywood and utterly misconstrued that representation is of actors. My experience with Duke theater has introduced me to some talented, yet non-aggrandizing thespians, and nearly all of them friendly to the point of becoming fuzzy bunnies and rainbow-painted skylines.
Molly Forlines is the kind of person who exudes fabulous from every pore. From her lovely complexion to the way she saunters across the stage, Molly has got it goin’ on. What drew me to interview this Duke junior, however, was not her stage presence or ability to rock a distressed periwinkle pullover, but rather her complete confidence and self-love. So refreshing, and so, so, so often lacking here on campus.
Kirsten:What started your journey in theater?
Molly:Well, in high school I was super involved with the drama program, especially the musicals. When I came to Duke, some freshman [disparaging] opinions hit hard, and I didn’t go out for any theater. It was only after I joined my sorority that I learned how to do what I wanted to do for myself. Junior year, I’ve tried out for everything. I picked up Antic Shakespeare and a wonderfully challenging role in Love and Human Remains.
K: How did your passion for drama color the other areas of your life and your experience here?
M:In so many ways! Take, for example, Shakespeare. I took a class and learned how every single word counts. You can take meaning out of ancient texts and have it apply to our lives. When I played Phoebe in Antic Shake’s last performance, my friends were so surprised they could understand his rhetoric. I’m going through a [spot of] guy drama, which they know, and the show applied perfectly. Also, my work with Love and Human Remains taught me to explore real issues, like gender, sexuality, and other social issues.
K: Any advice on accepting rejection? (Let’s face it; we can’t get every role.)
M:[nods emphatically] The biggest thing about auditions here [at Duke] is that you know your competition…it’s hard because you can feel like you’re not good enough. It took me a long time to get over that. I’ve learned that my best doesn’t have to be someone else’s version of best, it just has to be my own.
K: Favorite part about being onstage?
M:It’s a toss up between knowing that I’ve worked as hard as I have and having my friends see the final product or the fun I’ve had with that work.
K: And finally—this is something of a personal mission of mine—what has drama taught you about being yourself and embracing you? Has it helped you discover yourself in any way?
M: [smile lights across her face] I’m from the school of acting where you never fully lose yourself in a role, but at the same time you have to draw on your experiences… and this means facing certain truths about yourself that you otherwise would not have faced. Like, when I worked with Love and Human Remains, from creating my character, I learned that, even though I’ve kind of always been reliant on others, you can’t be happy with someone else unless you are happy with yourself.
How wise and true and heartfelt was this interview! Collegiettes, next time you want to try something, try with all your heart. Next time you think you need a man to complete you, don’t listen to that voice of insecurity. And next time you get a chance to check out the newly revamped Wendell theater experience of social issues (of which our dear Molly is helping to bring back) definitely do so.
Oh yeah, and follow your dreams already.