Adina Porter – The 100

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) You’ll soon be seen in the new show “Underground.” What can you say about the premise and about your character?

A) I feel privileged to play Pearly Mae on the upcoming series “Underground.” Pearly Mae is an enslaved person living on the Macon Plantation. She is theoretically and spiritually the “wife” of a preacher…as slaves were not permitted to marry legally. She and her husband have one six-year-old daughter. Pearly Mae loves and treasures the family she created with her husband. They both dream big and together, contemplate taking the biggest risk of their lives: running.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I’ve had the pleasure of working with the director, Anthony Hemingway, on three previous shows. I was certain he would create something out of the ordinary. I went in on the audition hoping to impress him again. Hopefully, I succeeded. It’s fantastic to have a director/producer like Anthony in your proverbial corner. Ultimately though, I am a working actor, not yet in a position to choose only those projects to which I am drawn. I audition for almost everything. If I am lucky enough to be offered a job, I usually accept it. Little did I know the impact this particular job would have on me. We filmed “Underground” in what were real slave quarters. “If these walls could talk…” was the expression that kept repeating itself in my brain. I wanted to honor those heroic voices by telling their story. Of course, it was challenging to live up to those voices, but I believe we all succeeded in creating a truly noble, entertaining series.

Q) You’ll also be appearing in this season of “The 100.” All of the characters seem to be leveling up this season. What kind of development will we see from Indra?

A) You will see various, different facets of Indra in Season 3 of “The 100.” Even I was surprised by some of the places we went. Viewers can expect to see characters introduced in Seasons 1 & 2, as well as extensions of the previously established worlds. Fans will experience more of Grounder culture and possibly even glean a better understanding as to why we Grounders made some of our past choices.

Q) Do you think that Indra actually cares about Lexa on a personal level or does she just respect her as her leader?

A) Indra is a quintessential Grounder soldier. She respects Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Carey) because the chain of command demands it. As I mentioned before, you will learn more about Grounder culture and beliefs in Season 3. There are some notions that Grounders do not question; respect for the commander is one. As a Grounder, there is no room for Indra to be concerned about anyone on a personal level. Concern for others is a “Sky People quality,” one that will begin to affect the Grounders and muddy their resolve.

Q) What do you think helped Indra gain respect for Kane?

A) Indra considers Kane (Henry Ian Cusick) a fellow “career warrior.” She views him as someone similar to her; he has served many commanders and as a result, has learned to be adaptable. He is not young or hot headed. Indra is drawn to his calm, yet strong compsure.

Q) I love the Indra/Octavia dynamic. Will this continue to evolve or shift during the season?

A) I live by the adage, “The only constant is change.” Many interesting occurrences happen between Indra and Octavia (Marie Avgeropoulos). When dealing with two strong women, how can that dynamic not happen?

Q) Indra is so strong and proud. What would you say are some of her vulnerabilities?

A) Being strong and proud all of the time is exhausting. It is also an unsustainable trait. An unwillingness to acknowledge doubt and inability to ask for help are two of Indra’s vulnerabilities.

Q) “The 100” is all about choices and characters are usually faced with bad, worse and even harsher choices. What choices can you share might Indra be faced with this season?

A) Indra has only known her world and her own customs. Having to fight against – and then alongside – some of the Sky People will force Indra into making choices she would never have considered if not for the influence of the Sky People.

Q) What is one thing you would love explored about Indra if possible?

A) I would love to explore Indra’s ambitions. All foot soldiers dream of becoming the eventual general.

Q) What do you hope fans take away from watching this season of “The 100?”

A) I hope fans come to love and be fascinated by Grounder culture during Season 3. Maybe some will even come to identify with the Grounders more than the Sky People? Most of all, I hope our fans continue to be entertained by “The 100.” I’m fairly sure they will. Lastly, I hope they are prepared for a wild ride; it’s an exciting season.

Find Adina Porter on Social Media:

@AdinaPorter

https://twitter.com/AdinaPorter