Native Slovakian Renaissance woman, Apollonia Vanova may be best known as an award winning mezzo-soprano in such operas as La Finta Giardiniera, Suor Angelica, and Rigoletto. But Ms. Vanova is also an accomplished sculptor and sought after actress on both the small and big screen. The buzz about the multi-talented lady is about to reach epic proportions as Apollonia assumes the role of Silhouette in the eagerly anticipated blockbuster, Watchmen. Silhouette joined Dollar Bill and Hooded Justice as one of the eight masked adventurers in the Minutemen, the premier group of superheroes throughout the 1940s that disbanded after several public scandals. Silhouette was the first female of the crew and could be distinguished by her basic black ensemble - from her hair to her heels, and her bright red belt.
Mike Parker – What brought you from your native Slovakia to Vancouver?
Apollonia Vanova – My parents wanted to escape communism. I’ve been back many times and own a home there now. It is no longer communist and is very much like North America.
Parker – You are a classically trained and accomplished mezzo-soprano. That takes a tremendous amount of both talent and dedication. Most opera singers simply don’t have the time to invest in cultivating outside interests, yet you somehow manage to excel in a number of artistic endeavors. Where do you find the time?
Apollonia – I haven’t been singing that long and it has been limited to Vancouver. While I sing as much opera as I can there simply aren’t that many operas performed here in Vancouver.
Parker – You play the character of Silhouette in the upcoming film, Watchmen. Tell me about her.
Apollonia – She was Jewish and fled Austria to escape Hitler. She moved to New York where she joined the Minutemen. She was quite harsh and they didn’t get along with the other members of the group. She was a Lesbian and was eventually ousted from the group because that was not acceptable at that time.
Parker – Silhouette is never seen without a cigarette. While that is totally time and character appropriate, it is not exactly politically correct in this day and age. Any thoughts on that?
Apollonia – I have a cigarette in my hand.
Parker – I guess that answers that question. Growing up did you ever think you would one day be playing a costumed superhero on the silver screen?
Apollonia – Not at all. When I was s little girl I wanted to rescue animals.
Parker – You have degree from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in sculpture. What medium do you sculpt?
Apollonia – I’ve sculpted in varying media. It is not the medium that is important to me, but to represent my ideas. I’ve sculpted in bronze, clay, leather, and other mediums.
Parker – What’s next on your agenda?
Apollonia – I was just cast in a film called The Building, and I’m getting ready for a fitness competition in April. It is a body building competition but there are a lot of categories. I am in the fitness model category. A fitness model is someone who is fit but not overly muscular. It requires working out a lot and maintaining a proper diet. I got into it because of acting and singing. I’m usually cast in roles where I need to be physically fit so it gives me an excuse to go to the gym and work out.
The Seven Questions
1. What’s your favorite sound?
Apollonia – I live in the woods outside of Vancouver in a house overlooking a river. My favorite sound is the river. I go to sleep to it and I wake up to it.
2. What makes you happy?
Apollonia – Living where I live. Doing my art, acting, and singing. And my family.
3. What makes you angry?
Apollonia – My boyfriend just made me angry (laughs). What really makes me angry is animal cruelty.
4. What is the secret of success?
Apollonia – To do what you truly love to do, not for fame, not for money, but for yourself. To be true to yourself. And success comes in many forms.
5. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, living or dead, who would it be?
Apollonia – Marlon Brando.
6. What is the epitaph that is written on your tombstone?
Apollonia – “She lived for art.”
7. When you get to heaven, what is the first thing you want to hear God say to you?
Apollonia – “You really didn’t need to worry so much.”
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