Acting : What if you could play any character from history or mythology—who would you choose and why? by Alexandra Stevens

Alexandra Stevens

What if you could play any character from history or mythology—who would you choose and why?

Excited to hear everyone’s responses :)

I would choose Medea. I saw Sophie Okonedo — who I respect hugely — play her at Soho Theatre in London a few years ago.

The intensity, emotional vulnerability, nuance, and sheer passion she brought to the role were unforgettable. I imagine it takes an incredible level of training — both emotionally and physically — to embody a character like that. But what an extraordinary challenge it would be.

Medea is often hated for killing her children, but I’m drawn to the role because of the complexity. She wasn’t simply evil — she was deeply traumatised. She was also a strong, intelligent woman surviving in a patriarchal world. I’d love the chance to explore and humanise that kind of character.

Maurice Vaughan

I'd play King Midas in a Fantasy Drama movie, show, or play, Alexandra Stevens. Maybe a Fantasy Adventure. I think it'd be challenging to play someone who had to be really careful not to turn people and things into gold, and that would take a toll on his character.

William Joseph Hill

Oooh, this is a great question -- so many interesting historical characters, As a kid when the original Clash of the Titans came out, I wanted to be Perseus - the role that Harry Hamlin played. As far as actual historical figures go, it would be very interesting to play Will Adams, the English sailor that the character Blackthorne in Shogun is based upon. I'm a lifelong martial artist and that would be the only historical character that I could play while having a katana. I also would love to tackle being a gunfighter in the Old West. My dad loved John Wayne movies.

Sandra Isabel Correia

I like this Alexandra Stevens. Thanks for posting such a good challenge. For me, I'll embody someone like Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. She’s not only brilliant but also a protector of cities, a character with great strength and intellect paired with empathy and a love for community. I can see myself as her :) What do you think? I don't know a movie with an Athena character like this, but it will be very interesting, in my opinion. A female-driven. Now, imagine a Century XXI Athena version :))))

Ashley Renee Smith

Sandra Isabel Correia, sounds like something you should pursue after your thriller project! Perhaps something about Athena in the modern world? Who is the Goddess of Wisdom today? What has she and the other gods been doing all this time? What conflict is arising that may bring her and the others out of the shadows?

Ashley Renee Smith

I LOVE this question, Alexandra Stevens! I would choose Artemis. As a kid, I was completely obsessed with her myths. There was something so powerful and magnetic about this young huntress—fiercely independent, a protector, and often associated with the moon. She embodied both strength and compassion, and that balance really resonated with me.

When I was 11, we moved into a new house, and my mom painted my entire bedroom just for me—dark navy blue walls and ceiling covered in white stars. About a fourth of the way up the walls, she added white waves. Some people thought the stars were snowing, but my mom always explained they were moon craters, because I existed on the moon. I lived in that room of stars until I left for college, and honestly… I still miss it.

So Artemis feels like more than just a mythological figure, it feels like a piece of my childhood, my imagination, and the way I saw myself growing up.

Sandra Isabel Correia

Oh, you are there, Ashley Renee Smith :)))) That's an outstanding idea! Reimagining Athena in the modern world could open up so many fascinating possibilities. You made me think about it! I find it intriguing: "What has she and the other gods been doing all this time?" Hum… I like that challenge, and it's my writing style. I go to write your comment in my journal, and when the time comes, think about it. LOVE IT!!! Thank youuuuuuuuu

Sandra Isabel Correia

I love Artemis Ashley Renee Smith. She is one of the Goddess of my oracle cards. She is fearless also. I loved your Mammie’s moon story and your remembrance. At that age, life is so innocent and beautiful. That will be an amazing short script with a strong message, love it! Thank you for sharing my beautiful soul sister :))

Suzanne Bronson

Oh that's a very intriguing concept Ashley Renee Smith

Alexandra Stevens

Maurice Vaughan ooh what an original idea! What a position to be in, indeed, where we are trying not to turn people into gold. I'd love to see your version of it one day

Suzanne Bronson

That does sound like a horror movie Maurice Vaughan

Suzanne Bronson

An historical figure I would like to play is Susan B. Anthony. Being a suffergette and involved with women being allowed to vote sounds fun.

Maurice Vaughan

A King Midas Fantasy Horror movie, Alexandra Stevens and Suzanne Bronson. I might write the script.

Alexandra Stevens

William Joseph Hill wow! Thanks for sharing this—it’s given me so many visual flashes of who you could be on screen!

Alexandra Stevens

Sandra Isabel Correia I can totally see you as Athena! And excited about the 21st century version that you are going to write :)

Alexandra Stevens

Aww Ashley Renee Smith thanks for sharing that snippet of your childhood. I could picture the room you described and felt tender hearted towards your mom for doing thatt and towards you, the moon child. Artemis sounds perfect for you.

Alexandra Stevens

Suzanne Bronson I just googled Susan B. Antony as I wasn't aware of her, only of the UK suffragettes who I have lots of admiration for. Susan B sounds like a very satisfying role to get stuck into with her strength and principles and passion.

Sandra Isabel Correia

Ah! Ah! Ah! Alexandra Stevens knows. It's already in my journal. Thanks for this creative challenge. I loved it!

Leonardo Ramirez

By a longshot, the monster-slayer Perseus would be my choice Alexandra Stevens. Not just for the monster-slaying but because of his precarious relationship with his father - one that I deeply resonate with. Distant but giving. The difference is that my relationship with my father is mended and healed in the end.

Alexandra Stevens

Awww Leonardo Ramirez glad to hear your relationship with your father is mended and healed now. Perhaps you could introduce this ending into the story when you play Perseus

Alexandra Stevens

Ashley Renee Smith , is that you in your childhood bedroom? Thanks for sharing the pic. So nice to see what it actually looked like, a bit like a window into your past

Sandra Isabel Correia

It's you today Ashley Renee Smith but in a younger version :)) I love it! Thanks for sharing :)

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