Redefining parameters around age and the stage with Vera Mann: staying power in a fleeting industry

The Promise of Possibility

With a professional career spanning over 38 years, Vera Mann is one of the most prolific actors and performers The Netherlands and Belgium has known.

With a professional career spanning over 38 years, Vera Mann is one of the most prolific actors and performers The Netherlands and Belgium has known. With leading roles ranging from Evita, Éponine in
Les Misérable, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Diana, Peter Pan, Donna in
Mamma Mia!, Fosca in The Passion, Mrs. Lovett in
Sweeney Todd, and many more, Vera is a bona fide "Musical Star". The
many awards she has won for her work most definitely speak to that.

But think twice about using the term "musical star' to describe her, as the all-around performer feels this label carries a connotation that significantly negates the breadth of work a multifaceted actor/ performer is capable of. And this is definitely true of Vera - besides shining in major commercial musicals, she has appeared in scores of smaller musicals, is a celebrated straight play actor, has done TV shows, lent her voice to Fiona in the Flemish version of Shrek, and has headlined concerts accompanied by renowned orchestras like The Metropole Orchestra on many occasions. She also wrote and starred in her one woman show, Goesting - a beautiful, intimate journey through her life.

During our candid and open conversation, Vera vulnerably speaks of her youth and what it's like to age in an industry where careers are fleeting, while holding up a sobering mirror to point out where changes need to be made. In true 'Vera fashion' she'll have you laughing throughout, even as she touches on some hard truths that resonate and will stay with you long after the conversation is over.

00:00:00 Sound bites
00:00:51 Introduction Vera Mann
00:02:23 Amsterdam is home
00:05:50 How playing Diana influenced my accent
00:06:40 The story of a girl, a calf, and the love for the piano and Chopin
00:10:52 Music lessons and ballet - a refuge
00:14:10 A difficult childhood
00:18:24 The body keeps the score
00:21:51 Age is just a number…
00:23:40 Studying acting, music, and dance
00:25:01 Labels: musicals vs straight plays
00:29:30 Anecdotes from an incredible repertoire of roles and shows
00:35:10 Never get too comfortable in a role
00:40:57 Being vulnerable
00:46:33 The fear and shame of losing your voice
00:53:07 Appreciating the gift
00:54:51 It's all about people
00:59:22 The solo show
01:08:31 The story behind playing Fosca in The Passion
01:13:36 A new show in the works with Ellen Evers - a comedy about Ageism
01:16:49 A lifetime of experience vs 'Instagram famous' - it's all about marketing 01:21:40 Holding up a mirror to the industry
01:24:37 For the love of art
01:26:54 Talent, perseverance, and a deep love for your craft
01:30:23 A knack for long conversations: the story of Vera and Maruja's reunion after 18 years
01:33:34 Grateful for a privileged and blessed journey
01:35:23 Deep losses and new beginnings
01:39:50 A challenge to the next "Vera and Maruja" duet
Follow Vera:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veramannofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-mann/
Follow Maruja:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marujabogaardofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marujabogaardofficial/
https://marujabogaard.com
https://marujamusic.com
Get in touch: [e-mail]