Author name: Odalisque

An Interview with Rosalind Eleazar text Maya Avram photography Josefine Örn / Telescope Agency fashion Rachel Davis makeup Alexis Day hair Kevin Fortune Rosalind Eleazar’s success as an actor can be, to an extent, credited to her intuition. Her very pursuit of the trade came about while she was working a different career altogether, which, while fruitful, could not have deterred her from following her heart’s true desire (“It wouldn’t allow me to go on another path”). Her penchant for authentic, fully-realised characters has seen her star in numerous theatre and film productions, eventually landing her the role of straight-shooter Louisa Guy in the widely acclaimed spy thriller series, Slow Horses. With the hit series’ fifth season due to be released later this year, a new onscreen alter ego cements 2025 as Eleazar’s catalyst year: detective Kat Donovan, protagonist of Netflix’s latest Harlan Coben adaptation, Miss You. We sat down with Eleazar to learn about her motivations, inspirations and exciting plans for the future. Maya Avram: It’s hard to believe, given your steady success in the field, but your acting career actually came as a result of a professional pivot. What made you go for it, in the end? Rosalind Eleazar: Acting has always been something I knew in my heart of hearts I was going to do — it was just a question of when. I was working in Ghana when I made the decision to audition for drama school, and my life changed on its axis. MA: How was your audition?  RE: So nerve-wracking. I can’t really remember it apart from the feeling; I have never been that nervous in my life, because there was so much riding on it. If I don’t get it, does that mean I’m not an actor? Of course, it doesn’t mean that, but when you’re performing in front of 15 people in this big hall, and you’ve got to do a song, a Shakespeare piece and a modern piece, your heart is in your mouth. God, I can even feel it now. But I’m so happy I did it, I’m so happy I auditioned. top Isabel Marant shorts Samanta Virginio tights Tabio shoes Gina earrings Sonia Petroff dress Zimmerman tights Tabio shoes Gina earrings Margaux Studios MA: What is your favourite part of the job, and what parts do you find more challenging?  RE: I love exploring a new character. I’m fascinated with humans, why we do certain things, and what triggers us to make decisions; which parts of ourselves are we hiding, and which are we showing? It’s endlessly fascinating. The way we work as actors is incredible because in taking on another character and a pattern of behaviour, you also learn about yourself and those around you. It’s nerve-wracking but also very freeing. When I’m on set or on stage performing a scene with someone, I find the process liberating. Every role is challenging because you become attached to that character, trying to understand this person you care for deeply. Some roles are harder to grasp and that can be frustrating. People think actors are confident, but I don’t see acting as entertainment, I don’t think my job is to entertain people, which can lead me to be quite closed in. MA: Oscillating between being extroverted and introverted.  RE: Exactly. It’s interesting because I would say that I’m more introverted in my personal life, but when you take on a character, even if they’re not extroverted by nature, my extroverted side comes out because it has to, you have to go for it as an actor — to be vulnerable. Acting gives you quite a lot of courage in that sense. MA: How do you tap into that mindset? RE: It depends on the character. If they are free and impulsive, for example, a part of me will behave like that for a long time. It’s about personifying the energy that someone possesses. Once I find where their centre is, characters become very different. coat Regina PYO tights Swedish Stockings shoes Simone Rocha earrings Margaux Studios ring Dinosaur Designs MA: What makes a character stand out to you? RE: It comes down to good writing and the relationships that the character has with other people in any given scene. It’s almost an imperceptible feeling, reading a full character. I need to be able to see their flaws so they feel like a fully realised human. Where does their nastiness lie? When do they shut down? In our industry, you often hear characters need to “be likeable” — it’s a phrase that’s banded around in art. I don’t understand what being likeable means, because if you’ve got a full character, they should be many things. If you want them to be relatable, then the way to be relatable is to see someone’s flaws. MA: As a graduate of the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, how do you cultivate a dual passion for both the stage and the screen? RE: I love theatre and I love TV and film as well, for different reasons. I love the third dimension of the audience in theatre that you just don’t get doing screenwork. It’s fascinating how different shows can be on a given night, and that has a lot to do with the audience’s energy and how they respond to the actors on stage. What I also love about theatre is that you can’t edit it, so it’s slightly more in the actor’s control. On the other hand, playing the lead in Missing You and now seeing everything put together, I really see Kat’s journey. Sometimes when you’re filming, you’re so in it that you can’t zoom out, but when you see the whole thing — other characters and their dynamics — brought to life, it’s really fun to watch. dress Simone Rocha underwear Skims socks Tabio shoes Gina earrings Margaux Studios corset Talent’s Own trousers Lily Phellera earrings Margaux Studios dress Zimmerman tights Tabio shoes Gina earrings Margaux Studios

Interview With Actor, Activist, Writer, Director, and Mother Sandra text Josie McNeill Sandra Yi Sencindiver has a lot on her plate, but she always appears to have room for more. The actor, activist, writer, director, and mother, started in show business in 2000, but her role playing Miss Saigon at the age of 20 was the first to indicate to her that shecould be paid to pursue a hobby that she loved.  Now, she’s Enjoiner Rue, the political savvy advisor to Queen Sarenth in the sci-fi television series ‘Foundation,’ and has upcoming roles in the shows ‘Oxen,’ a thriller, and ‘Geek Girl,’ a heart-warming coming-of-age tale. She’s leading political movements with her Et Større Billede campaign and writing and directing theatre and film projects on the side. Sencindiver said she doesn’t really have an “everyday life,” but with all the projects she has going on, she sure does seem to live an extraordinary one. Is there something your viewers should take away from the new season of ‘Foundation’?Oh, there’s probably a lot of things to take away from the series. It’s such a very ambitious, very intellectual show with so many big themes–faith, belief, love, free will, time and power. How can you keep power? How can you renew power? How can you take power? This season is also told with quite a lot of humor. So I think everybody will be able to take something away from this series. If you’re not latched onto one plot, there are several other plots going on. Politics plays an important role in your life as well, especially with your Et Større Billede project, can you talk about your work in this sphere?I do a lot of political work for the art and culture scene here at home. I’m very active with the Danish Arts Council and the theatre scene, but Et Større Billede, “a bigger picture,” is one of the political campaigns I’ve been doing for the arts that dropped February 1. It came to be because I’m a part of a network of women of color in the arts, which we started back in 2020 during lockdown, during Black Lives Matter, and we just came together in a community.  We’re here to support each other. We call the little network Sisters in Show Business–all actresses of color–and we have this little mantra. We’re here to support each other. We will not be each other’s competition. We will share info, we’ll advise each other, we’ll celebrate each other when we get chances, and we will support each other when somebody experiences discrimination, sexism, and racism. If anybody needs advice to get an agent or how to handle a toxic workplace. If they’re asking, is this role racist? How can I go about making this a human being/ You know, all kinds of issues that you meet when you’re a woman of color in this business.At the end of November, three rather large Danish productions were coming out. They were these major productions with huge casts that would be shown on huge broadcast channels. 42 actors and nobody of color. If you look at all the posters with their large casts, there’s no people of color. It’s crazy. That is just so far from reality. We were like, “hey, how can this be going on in 2023?” And then we thought “oh, wouldn’t it be funny if we recast all these posters with people of color?” We started to brainstorm. We decided to do it intersectionality, so we should also address class and sexuality and family forms and normalize bodies and people with disabilities. So, me and four other actresses made this workgroup and, you know, started to put it into production and hire photographers and coordinated 42 actors to come be a part of the posters. We thought we might all be blacklisted, but we can’t be quiet anymore. And then, on the first of February, we dropped the campaign. To our surprise, it went completely viral. We didn’t think it would have such a huge impact, but it has. Slowly, we have acknowledged we have a problem, and slowly we’re trying to figure out how to make policy, how to change in our business to be more inclusive, and not just for people of color, but people with disabilities–how can we expand the very very shallow and narrow norm of what is Danish? Did your work on that project influence how you approached your character in the series?Well, not directly one to one but David Goyer has said that Foundation is basically the fall of an Imperium. They’re like very head straight, white, privileged men trying to hold on to their power and all the planets and all the different people and entities are trying to take them down. Even though this is science fiction, it still feels very much present in our time. Also, just discussions of how do you rework a fantastic work as Foundation that is just so iconic, but which is clearly also written by a man of his time. And how do you make that more imaginative? How do you expand that universe? We’re talking about the galaxy, why would everybody be white and male? Is there any specific way you think the Danish industry can improve in terms of representation?These discussions are of course the first things going on but they have to realize that their view on what people want to see on screen is so narrow. It needs to do a lot of reckoning and also recognizing, for example, that racism exists. I think Denmark has always thought of itself as a very progressive country. It was the first country to free the slaves, but then I’m like, you also have to recognize that you had slaves to begin with. It’s baby steps. There’s a lot of reflective work going on now, and that, of course, is like a very important step towards change. But we also need to see action embedded in policy and law. So it doesn’t just become a trend in 2023,

“Börje – The Journey of a Legend” – Interview with Hedda Stiernstedt & Valter Skarsgård text Jahwanna Berglund photography Crille Forsberg / Rocksonfashion & text Jahwanna Berglund Hedda wearsknitted sweater ARKETearrings Ole Lynggaardbracelets Engelbert Valter wearssweater Calvin Kleinbracelet Ole Lynggaard November 19th marked the world premiere of the biography tv-show “Börje- The Journey of a Legend”.A tv-series in six episodes unfolding  the early life of the Swedish hockey icon Börje Salming, played by Valter Skarsgård alongside actress Hedda Stiernstedt portraying his first wife, Margitta.In an exclusive chat with Odalisque, the talented duo sheds light on their immersive experiences travelling back in time and  bringing these characters to life. Valter, can you tell us what drew you to the role of Börje Salming in this series? What about the character and the story resonated with you?Meeting Börje I was sold instantly. His story is so unbelievable and amazing that I felt that I had to be a part of it. And it was such an interesting challenge to try to portray someone with the duality Börje had. Being such a nice man but also being one of the toughest hockey players. Hedda, playing Margitta Salming, what kind of research and preparation did you do to accurately portray the life and experiences of Börje Salming’s wife?I did a lot of research, and I met with Margitta. She is such a lovely and gracious person and she showed me a lot of personal pictures. BUT she is not a public person like Börje, there isn’t any documentation on her, no videos or interviews etc. As an actress That’s both good and bad. Bad because I have less to go from, but good for the same reason – I had much more artistic freedom than Valter in my portrayal. That’s both good and bad. Bad because I have less to go from, but good for the same reason – I had much more artistic freedom than Valter in my portrayal Valter, what was it like working closely with director Amir Chamdin, who had a personal connection with Börje Salming? How did this influence your performance in the series?Working with Amir was fantastic. We were on the same page early on. And he was very keen on inviting me into the process from an early stage so we could form this together. On set Amir was fantastic in that he was always open to suggestions or changes but never jeopardised his vision. Valter, could you share your experience of collaborating with cinematographer Crile Forsberg once more? How did the partnership influence the visual storytelling both in front and behind the camera?Working with Crille again was amazing. We had such a good collaboration on our first project “Zebrarummet”. I even said to him back then, when I found out he knew Amir that he has to be part of this project. He would be perfect for it. And he was!The cinematography is a very big part of what makes the show great.The way the project is filmed makes it feel like you’re really back there in the 70s and 80s. It doesn’t feel like a modern project that takes place then. You get transported back and that to me was fantastic to witness as we went along. Hedda wearstotal look CHANEL Valterpyjama shirt & socks CDLPtrousers & shoes & Jacket Oscar Jacobson Hedda, working with Crille Forsberg on this extended project was a new experience for you. How did the collaboration between you and the photographer influence your portrayal of the character? Did the unique approach to filming enhance your performance in any way?Of Course the visuals are always important but when working on a period project like this it’s extra important! And Crille really brought it up a notch. He even built his own lenses to get that perfect 70s feeling. As an actor it’s so important to trust the photographer and I really do both professionally and privately. We were lucky to work with a team who were so very good at What they do, Crille and the costume department, the scenographers, makeup, they all helped to create something extra special. Spearheaded by our lovely director Amir Chamdin who knows that 70s visual cool style inside and out. Hedda, can you give us some insight into the emotional depth of Margitta Salming’s character and how her journey is portrayed in the series?It was important to Amir to not make her too much of a cliche ”worried wife” character. She wants her beloved husband to be happy, and he loves to play hockey so she wants that for him. But then of course the cliches in a sport-drama are there for a reason. She IS lonely most of the time, she IS scared for Börjes life when he plays. Those things are inevitable. And she also loves to create so we get to follow her pursue her career as a designer. But that’s difficult, it’s the seventies and someone has to take care of the kids, you know. Valter, Börje Salming is a legendary figure in Sweden and NHL history. How did you balance the responsibility of representing this iconic sports personality while bringing your own interpretation to the role?I tried to stay as true as I could without making it feel like an impersonation. I early on found my way of doing Börje who I had a very clear image of in my mind. So once we were filming it was basically automatic, because of the work we had put in before. Hedda, the series captures a significant period in Swedish hockey and sports history. What do you think the series can teach viewers about that era and its impact on the world of hockey?It’s a time where the players were expected to fight. It was so rough! But to be honest I know nothing about hockey I just know this story haha. But Börje truly is a legend in the whole world and all legends change the game. Valter, as an actor, what were the most challenging and rewarding aspects of taking on the role of Börje Salming, a real-life

Fragments: An Interview With Alicia Agneson text Natalia Muntean photography Peter Gehrkefashion Jahwanna Berglund “People keep saying I was brave, but I think I was just precocious,” says Alicia Agneson. Her story is one of determination and courage. Growing up on a farm in Eskilstuna, Agneson was always passionate about the stage – and as a child, she remembers seeing her dance teachers more than her parents at one point. They were the ones who inspired her to seek a more international career. At just fifteen years old, she moved to London to pursue her acting dreams and chase after bigger stages. It was not an easy path for her, but she never gave up. Her breakthrough role came several years later when she played Freydis, a queen in the hit TV show Vikings. Since then, she has starred in various TV and film projects, such as Little Kingdom, Clark, and The Courier, venturing into different genres and subjects. Beyond her acting career, Agneson is deeply committed to making a difference. She actively works with Hope for Justice, an organisation that fights human trafficking and assists victims of modern slavery. She also wears another hat as Breitling’s Scandinavian Ambassador, bringing her passion for storytelling and dedication to the brand. Whether on screen or off, Agneson continues to inspire. “I believe that I always keep something from all the characters I play, locked away somewhere,” she reflects on the characters she has portrayed and the projects she has been involved in. While her recent focus has been more on acting in front of the camera, Agneson thinks that she will go back to her first love – the stage. As she playfully says, “they’ll have to drag me off it!” Natalia Muntean: What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?Alicia Agneson: I think it wasn’t that much of a choice. I was just drawn towards that like there was nothing else. And I started doing ballet when I was three, and then I think my parents kind of tried to stop me from going into it so much. By the age of nine, I was probably taking as many dance, singing and stage lessons as I could. Then I started doing musical theatre, moved to London, got into TV and film and onwards. NM: You moved to London when you were 15. How do you think this experience changed your path?AA: At that point, I’d done a lot of shows already across Sweden, so I was already working, which was probably quite unusual for a lot of people my age. I think I would be in a completely different place if I wouldn’t have done that. In this industry, it’s very much learning by doing, at least that’s how I developed. And it can take a while, you have to work. So for me, it’s the greatest gift I’ve ever been given, first of all, to get the allowance to move away so young, and start working so early. But there were, of course, challenges. I think, in my head, I was very driven and I didn’t understand that I was that young. Moving to London was a big change for me, as I had to adjust to a different way of life. My parents drove me all the way to London, and I’ll never forget taking the tube to Piccadilly Circus, coming up and seeing the lights, dress Zamina Scillasdotter the West End and Shaftesbury Avenue. I remember standing there and feeling more than ever that I was in the right place! NM: Was there a specific moment when you realised “Oh, I want to be an actress?”AA: I always wanted to be in musical theatre, I had always loved it and that is what I worked towards. When I came to London, I got the opportunity to perform in a show called Cinderella where I played the lead role. I became very close to a fellow cast member who suggested that I should try my hand at TV and film. I thought it sounded like fun and decided to give it a go. I started doing more TV and film work, including commercials, with my agent at the time. However, I quickly realised that acting on the screen was very different from what I was used to. It was a more introverted style of acting, with a greater focus on emotions and drama. I found this fascinating and decided to pursue TV and film further. When I approached my musical theatre agent about my interest in TV and film, they said I had no experience or education in that area and they could not help me. It wasn’t that long ago, but back then we used to post our CVs, so I sent letters to every agent in London and one out of a hundred, probably, picked me up. I was still very young at that point, probably 18 when he started sending me to castings. After a couple of months, I signed Vikings. NM: What was it like being part of such a popular show?AA: We had an amazing time on the set of Vikings. It was an incredible journey for me, as I started with a very small role and had no prior experience in TV and film. I wasn’t supposed to come back, but the writer felt that I had amazing chemistry with my screen partner and wanted to bring me back as a queen. It was a surprise, but I was excited to learn and grow. On my first day on set, I had to learn basic industry terms by doing. It was a challenging but fun experience from the first day until the last. I was very shocked when they called me and told me that they wanted to make me queen. I think many people often overlook the fact that I was still very young at the time, even if I had been working incredibly hard for many years in London, trying to get that one chance. I remember calling