Impostor syndrome strikes even oscar nominee barbaro
Monica Barbaro, fresh off an Oscar nomination for her captivating portrayal of Joan Baez, isn't immune to the nagging doubts that plague even the most accomplished performers. As she prepares to make her stage debut in London's National Theatre’s revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the actor admits to wrestling with a persistent case of impostor syndrome, a sentiment that feels surprisingly relatable given her recent success.
Navigating accents and artistic identity
The challenges are multifaceted, Barbaro reveals. Switching between a convincing American accent during rehearsals and her natural voice for interviews is a constant negotiation. “I feel like I’m imitating an American accent, but it really is mine,” she jokes, highlighting the intricate process of inhabiting a role while remaining true to oneself. The experience mirrors her broader journey of self-discovery within a demanding industry, one where categorization and expectations often clash with individual identity.
Her performance as Baez in A Complete Unknown demanded immense dedication – months spent studying the singer's voice, mastering the guitar, and even sporting prosthetic teeth to capture Baez’s iconic look. The film’s rapid release after an intense production period left Barbaro feeling disoriented, yearning for a return to normalcy. But the experience also sparked a profound admiration for Baez, a woman whose activism and resilience resonated deeply.
What truly deepened Barbaro’s connection to Baez was their shared heritage—both women navigating the complexities of a mixed identity. Barbaro’s mother hails from Nicaragua, Germany, and Mexico, adding another layer to her experience of feeling “othered” in a world that often seeks to label and categorize. Reading Baez’s memoir, with its unflinching exploration of dual identities and a sense of not belonging, provided a powerful source of validation.
A daunting legacy and a personal reckoning
Taking on the role of Madame de Tourvel in Les Liaisons Dangereuses presents a formidable challenge, especially considering the illustrious lineage of actresses who have previously embodied the character. Juliet Stevenson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Annette Stroyberg, and Reese Witherspoon have all left their mark on the role, setting a high bar for Barbaro’s interpretation.
“Speaking aloud in a theatre for this big of an audience is new for me,” she confesses, a hint of apprehension in her voice. Yet, director Marianne Elliott’s vision, which emphasizes the strength and complexity of the female characters, has drawn Barbaro to the project. Hampton’s revised script delves into the precariousness of aging in a society obsessed with youth, adding another layer of nuance to Tourvel’s motivations.
The play itself, denouncing the corruption of a privileged class, feels unnervingly relevant. The recent release of the Epstein files, Barbaro notes, served as a stark reminder of the systemic abuse and impunity that continues to plague our world. As she puts it, “It was about the corruption of a certain class who could operate with impunity, and fuck over anyone they wanted.”
Beyond the spotlight: a path to self-acceptance
Barbaro’s rise to prominence, culminating in the Oscar nomination, has been a whirlwind. Yet, she approaches her newfound fame with a grounded perspective. “It seemed embarrassing to want it, or celebrate it,” she admits, grappling with the internal conflict between ambition and humility. But the nomination also served as a powerful validation, a reminder that her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.
Growing up in Mill Valley, California, Barbaro's upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the arts. Her Italian-American father is a doctor, and her mother, a former nurse and dance enthusiast, encouraged her to pursue her passions. While she initially trained as a dancer, it was acting that truly captured her imagination.
Now, as she prepares to face the London stage, Barbaro is focused on embracing vulnerability and confronting her own doubts. “We ran scenes one through five yesterday, twice, and I went home thinking: ‘I’m a terrible actor and they’re finding out,’” she reveals, a testament to the ongoing journey of self-discovery that defines her artistic process. The willingness to accept imperfection, to show up even when riddled with self-doubt, is what she strives to embody, a lesson she learned from Baez herself.
With a demanding role on the horizon and a burgeoning career, Barbaro’s focus remains firmly on her craft. “I honestly don’t know what’s next,” she says, a rare moment of uncertainty that feels surprisingly refreshing. But one thing is clear: Monica Barbaro is just getting started.