Whisper of Art

Whisper of Art

Interview with Princess Lucaj

~ by Stephanie Deplanque ~

Editor, Whisper of Art

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask a few questions to beautiful and talented actress, mentor, and mother of a beautiful baby boy, Princess Lucaj.

Here is her insight on life, her work and on the increasing number of young, talented Native Americans taking the arts industry by storm.

Can you tell us about you and how you came to work in the performing arts? 

Sure! My Gwich'in name is Daazhraii and my grandparents are from Vashraii K'oo or Arctic Village, Alaska.  I've worn many hats in my life and lived many places, but I'm finally back home is Alaska and it feels amazing!  Especially after 10 years living in Los Angeles.  I learned a lot during my time there and made good friends, but I was homesick lots too for the people and the land up here.  I was really shy when I was a young girl and performing on stage was a great way for me to express myself and be someone else for a change.  I really love to make people laugh or sometimes cry – it’s about touching another person's spirit or relaying a story that someone may need to hear at that moment in time.  That's where the magic is and that is why I continue to act and direct.

You work as a mentor; can you tell us about that and why is it important for you to do it? 

Mentoring is important. Sometimes I've done this formally through various programs and sometimes, I just do it on my own.  This is how our people learned traditionally.  How skills, stories, history, were passed down by elders taking a young person under their wing, being patient with them and showing them how something is done.  So many people mentored me or handed down some sort of knowledge and for that I will be forever grateful.  It's about giving back and whenever I can do that I feel better about myself too!  Everyone gains when you give of yourself.  

What message would you give to Native youth and to those who want to follow these foot steps to work in the arts and media? 

Well, already, I see so many Native youth taking media in their own hands - making films & videos, etc. and it’s fantastic! We're telling our own stories like never before and it makes my heart happy!  I would say, use what tools you have available to you, get as much training as you can, but don't let a lack of training stop you from going out there and just doing the work - that's really how you learn and grow.  Ask older artists for tips and feedback and don't be shy about doing that - you'd be surprised at how many people are willing to help. 

Any suggestions about that? It is not always easy to get in touch with artists, especially ones you take example from because you enjoy their work and you look up to them.

If you can't pay to learn look for free programs that you may have to apply to get into... or use the internet as a resource!  I have specific questions all the time regarding how to do things and I look it up online - amazing resource.  Also, work on films for free - do anything you can - be a production assistant, get the director coffee - just be exposed to the process.  Also, social networks like Facebook are great because you can meet other filmmakers and approach them that way.

How do you think we can fight the stereotyping of American Indians in the cinema industry? Do you think that films like the Twilight Saga will help?

You know, I actually haven't seen the Twilight Saga...  however; the best way to fight the negative stereotypes in my opinion is to write your own characters, or stories. Make films from your heart and that are true to your own perspective.

We have seen many "contemporary" American Indians in the film industry recently (TV series like Big Love, Sons of Anarchy, etc) and films like Frozen River, which has been acclaimed by critics and nominated for many awards, and yet seems to be absent from mainstream cinema. Any comments or ideas on this?

Eventually, we'll have another film like 'Smoke Signals' make it into mainstream... I have hope because we've certainly got the talent!

Any upcoming projects we should be looking forward to?

I’m involved with some theatre projects up in Alaska including an on-going piece called “Raven’s Radio Hour” which is pure comedy – I think we will perform that next in December in Anchorage. And this February there’s a Drew Barrymore film called “Big Miracle” which I played a small role in (hopefully it shows up in the completed film!!) In the Spring I will co-teach an Acting for Camera course up at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I also did a small part in “The Frozen Ground” a Nicholas Cage / John Cusack Film.

Princess in a few words:           

                                                                        
If you could choose one book?  Today, Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

One film?  Spirited Away by Miyazaki

One song?  Sleeping Lessons by The Shins

The word you love the most?  Faith

The word you hate the most?  Hate

Your favorite place? My home.