Lea Kirn

Connecting with the audience, revealing myself, and at the same time feeling protected through the character is what I love most about my job. Also, I’m just too interested in the world, myself, and everything in between, always doing a thousand different things at once. That’s one reason why, early on in my career, I tried out all kinds of formats and forms, from experimental short films to cinema, from small theater productions to state theater, from radio to cruise ships—acting, dancing, singing, hosting, or performing with my (fire) poi.
Sure, often others decide whether and how you’re 'allowed' to present yourself and perform. And yet I’ve always felt that, for the most part, I’ve been able to choose my own path. I consider that a great privilege, especially in this industry. And these diverse experiences have been enriching—not just for my résumé!

For nearly five years now, my studies in sociology have also been a constant companion. I never would've expected that the content of my studies would enrich my artistic work as much as it has! My understanding of social processes, of supposedly individual stories, and consequently of how my roles are embedded in the bigger picture has changed and evolved incredibly. For the better, no question. In addition, it’s never a bad thing to recognize and nurture one’s value outside of acting; that, too, gives me a different perspective on my artistic activities. Ultimately, my love for theater and storytelling has actually grown even more, also due to the following insight: 
“Thus, theater is indeed the political art par excellence; [...] drama [is] the only art form whose sole subject is the human being in relation to the world.” (Vita Activa, 1985)

Yes, an actress quoting Hannah Arendt. Who would've thought! And that reflects very well what I do best and love to do most: letting stereotype boxes be stereotype boxes, and simply being a whole artistic personality. Just as I find it beautiful and fulfilling.