Maryam d'Abo, the actress best known for playing Kara Milovy in James Bond film The Living Daylights, has found herself at the center of a play that explores the highs and lows of artistic creation and marriage. In Alba Arikha's Spanish Oranges, d'Abo stars as Fiona, a novelist whose work is scrutinized by her journalist husband Ivo.
Their on-screen tensions are palpable, with both characters displaying defensiveness when questioned about their writing. The tension between them stems from the writer's fear of being exposed and judged. "I've never done so much press," d'Abo recalls. "And in those days, there were Fleet Street journalists who were harsher and more judgmental."
While her experience playing a Bond girl may have left her wary of the press, she remains grateful for the opportunity to have played such iconic characters. However, the pressures of fame still weigh heavily on her. "I take responsibility for not having had enough confidence," d'Abo explains. "I was quite shy. I hadn't been a child actor. But I'm not blaming Bond for screwing up my career. I'll never regret it."
In contrast to d'Abo's experience, Arikha comes from an artistic background and has written extensively on the subject of creativity and identity politics. Her play delves into issues surrounding appropriation and authenticity in writing, particularly with regards to personal experiences.
Arikha, who is also starring in the play alongside d'Abo, grew up within a family of artists. Her father was a Romanian artist, while her mother was an American poet. This exposure has shaped her perspective on artistic freedom and representation.
In Spanish Oranges, Arikha explores themes of appropriation, authenticity, and empathy in storytelling. She questions whether writers should only draw from personal experience or if that limits their creativity. "Without our imagination, what are we supposed to write about?" she asks. "As long as it's done accurately and with empathy."
The play also delves into the complexities of artistic relationships, particularly when they involve marriage. Arikha pulls on several writerly conundrums around identity politics, questioning whether writers should only draw from personal experience.
While some might argue that representation is key to authenticity in writing, others believe that creatives should be free to explore and bring their own vision to a character. "It's also about letting the creatives be free in bringing what is right for that particular storytelling and character," d'Abo argues.
Ultimately, Spanish Oranges offers a nuanced exploration of artistic creation, identity politics, and the complexities of relationships between artists and their spouses. Through Arikha's play, both women shed light on the delicate balance required to create authentic, empathetic stories while still allowing for creative freedom.
Their on-screen tensions are palpable, with both characters displaying defensiveness when questioned about their writing. The tension between them stems from the writer's fear of being exposed and judged. "I've never done so much press," d'Abo recalls. "And in those days, there were Fleet Street journalists who were harsher and more judgmental."
While her experience playing a Bond girl may have left her wary of the press, she remains grateful for the opportunity to have played such iconic characters. However, the pressures of fame still weigh heavily on her. "I take responsibility for not having had enough confidence," d'Abo explains. "I was quite shy. I hadn't been a child actor. But I'm not blaming Bond for screwing up my career. I'll never regret it."
In contrast to d'Abo's experience, Arikha comes from an artistic background and has written extensively on the subject of creativity and identity politics. Her play delves into issues surrounding appropriation and authenticity in writing, particularly with regards to personal experiences.
Arikha, who is also starring in the play alongside d'Abo, grew up within a family of artists. Her father was a Romanian artist, while her mother was an American poet. This exposure has shaped her perspective on artistic freedom and representation.
In Spanish Oranges, Arikha explores themes of appropriation, authenticity, and empathy in storytelling. She questions whether writers should only draw from personal experience or if that limits their creativity. "Without our imagination, what are we supposed to write about?" she asks. "As long as it's done accurately and with empathy."
The play also delves into the complexities of artistic relationships, particularly when they involve marriage. Arikha pulls on several writerly conundrums around identity politics, questioning whether writers should only draw from personal experience.
While some might argue that representation is key to authenticity in writing, others believe that creatives should be free to explore and bring their own vision to a character. "It's also about letting the creatives be free in bringing what is right for that particular storytelling and character," d'Abo argues.
Ultimately, Spanish Oranges offers a nuanced exploration of artistic creation, identity politics, and the complexities of relationships between artists and their spouses. Through Arikha's play, both women shed light on the delicate balance required to create authentic, empathetic stories while still allowing for creative freedom.
I'm loving this play and the cast is amazing! Maryam d'Abo as Fiona, an author who's super insecure about her work, resonates so much with me. We've all been there - wondering what others think of our creations. And Alba Arikha's experience with artistic freedom and representation is something we can all relate to. I mean, who hasn't felt like they're walking a tightrope between staying true to their art and pleasing the masses? 
It's so interesting to see how both actors bring their own perspectives to the play, especially when it comes to marriage and artistic relationships. It's all about finding that delicate balance, right? 
It makes me think about my own creative journey and how I can find that balance between staying true to myself and being open to growth.
I think its wild how much of an impact our personal experiences can have on art. like, Maryam d'Abo's experience as a bond girl is super different from Alba Arikha's artistic background, but both women are exploring similar themes in their play 
. Its also interesting to see them navigate the complexities of creative freedom vs authenticity. I feel like its an ongoing conversation that we need to have more often 
Ugh, I'm getting headaches just thinking about this. I guess what I'm saying is... no, scratch that. What I mean to say is: we need a balance between creative freedom and representation. Yes! That's it. But hold up, don't we need more representation? 
Okay, okay, I need to calm down and think about this some more. 
. what i love most is how they're questioning what it means to be authentic and represent ourselves accurately. its a tough conversation, but i think its one that needs to be had 
. we need more plays like spanish oranges that challenge our perspectives and make us think 
. Maryam d'Abo is looking SO real as Fiona, I love how she brings out the defensiveness and vulnerability at the same time 
. And can we talk about Alba Arikha's perspective on artistic freedom and representation? She's like a breath of fresh air, always questioning the status quo and pushing for empathy in storytelling 
. The play is literally giving me life, can't wait to see more performances!
it's crazy how these two talented ladies bring up some really interesting points about artistic creation and marriage... like, shouldn't writers just be able to explore their own vision without being judged or compared to others? 
#SpanishOranges is giving me LIFE! The way they explore the highs and lows of artistic creation, marriage, and identity politics is SO relatable 
), it's fascinating to see how these women navigate the complexities of creativity & representation in their writing. The fact that d'Abo opens up about her fears & Arikha delves into appropriation & authenticity is just WOW 
. Can we talk about how empowering it is to see women taking center stage & sharing their stories? 
#WomenInArt #CreativeFreedom
. On one hand, it's cool that she got to play iconic roles and gain experience, but on the other hand, the press scrutiny must've been super tough for her introverted personality 
Her play is all about authenticity and empathy in storytelling, which I'm low-key loving 
. i'm already curious to see this play live!